Would anyone know where I could source the dash bumper (right side of eyebrow)? Or any tips and tricks on making one?
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Most replicas, including my own early cars, errantly use the formed 356D style dash trim strip which is bulkier and bulbous compared to the speedster. I took the liberty to copy the dash trim on my original speedster after purchasing it (10 years ago now) and that is how we have done it since. The original was a cut piece of aluminum with studs riveted in, covered in foam that was slightly tapered on the edges and the vinyl/leatherette material was over top of it and laced along the back like shoe strings, pulled tightly to get the wrinkles out. We don't lace the back like this, rather stretch and glue it, and rather than using aluminum I use a formed piece of composite, but the result is the same.
What do you use for the "formed piece of composite". Where could one buy this?
At the risk of sounding grumpier than I really am -- it's understood that the "half-moon" rubber is not original. The question though is where to get the half-moon rubber bumper.
I'm curious too. I couldn't care less what was original. I like the half-moon much better than the original style trim, and the guys who have dashes with that pad need a source for it in the event that they need a repair, etc.
Years ago I cut some out of mahogany - my vision was to continue it to the door tops and hold the side curtain furrels. It was stained and finished in polyurethane to match wood steering wheel. The short one left of the gauge brow was most difficult to make. Never used them! They could be more easily made out of pine 2x4" lumber and vinyl glued and stapled to them. Flat screen TVs come packed with a white open pore poly foam plastic dense product (I've seen in black/grey too) that could easily be bent and shaped in the rounded configuration (with course grit belt sander or body putty tool (below). Contact glue/spray adhesive and staples could be used to attach the vinyl covering.
I plan to use the rubber ones from CMC but don't want visible attachment screws. I also want to flatten the face with a belt sander so it isn't so rounded. Maybe even add the chrome (plastic) strip like VS used below the brows?
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@VinceH posted:What do you use for the "formed piece of composite". Where could one buy this?
I made the plugs and then the molds, and I make them in my fiberglass dept. I also have some leftover "bulbous" ones from older build that I'd have to dig up, but there are some here in the warehouse. I just don't know if my dash shape matches yours...
@Stan Galat he also asked for tips on making his own, which is why I responded the way I did. I don't know where to get rubber ones, but I have fiberglass ones that are shaped like the rubber ones.
Here is a question or comment, I think anyone with some woodworking skills could imbed a screw and have the screw stick out from the back or a Zert but can you get behind the dash to screw it in or tighten it up ? I never built a car so “ I know nothing”
Or can you put a post on the dash which fits in the round and have access to a allenkey lock of some sort… Just thinking outside the round box.
@chines1 posted:I made the plugs and then the molds, and I make them in my fiberglass dept. I also have some leftover "bulbous" ones from older build that I'd have to dig up, but there are some here in the warehouse. I just don't know if my dash shape matches yours...
@Stan Galat he also asked for tips on making his own, which is why I responded the way I did. I don't know where to get rubber ones, but I have fiberglass ones that are shaped like the rubber ones.
If I can get them from you, that's all I need to know. Thanks, Carey!
I think it Gordon who said he embedded thumb wing nuts in the face side of the rubber trim (and fill/glue in with silicon) - you could then use threaded rod out the back and through the dash and add washer and nut behind/under the dash. The dash is accessible behind the dash. The CMC gauge eyebrow has 4 studs embedded in the rubber.
I just put screws through the dash into the back of the rubber. I have always wondered why Vintage and JPS didn't add these. To me, it always looks like something is missing.
I could see how 3/4" sheet metal screws from behind dash would work - maybe 8 or so?
After it is installed, if it stays in place, why does it matter how it was attached?
What I really don't like to see is screws through from the front with the heads exposed.
Your right Michael...
Just an update as this is all new to me, more mechanical than “finish “ kinda guy. Spent the day, well some of it since the 24hrs of Daytona was on. Made the original piece work. 
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Do you plan to cover the top of the dash and the bumper with vinyl?
@Michael McKelvey
I will eventually add the vinyl to the top of the dash but since the entire body of car needs to be repainted, I didn't want to add it just yet. The dash bumper and eyebrow are bolted trough the dash which makes it easy to remove once I am ready to have it repainted.
Taking James idea. If you want it to be not as thick as the CMC rubber one - 3/8" wood could be used. Even plywood would work. A saber/band saw and belt sander would be all you'd need. Vinyl could be stapled and glued to it.
