Triumph Spitfire and GT6 Parametric Dashboard Generator

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TRIUMPH SPITFIRE AND GT6 PARAMETRIC DASHBOARD GENERATOR

This was previously a work in progress, but I now believe is stable. In any case check back often for possible updates. Feedback is most welcome - Dean Hedin

You may want to print an SCCA Spitfire or GT6 dash medallion to go with this dash
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6874168
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7063113

This work derives partly from Wayne Rosberg's initial CAD pdf files for the dash outline and heater control routing. Sadly, Wayne passed away in 2020. Wayne posted his drawing on his old website (archived at the Wayback internet archive) and it has also been posted on the Triumph Experience web forum on several occasions.

Wayne's pdf's were converted to DXFs but were then heavily edited and errors corrected, including changes to the outlines. These were then extruded into 3d. This in no way a direct copy of Wayne's work but I feel I must credit him. RIP Wayne. Your effort lives on.

Measurements from my own GT6 dash were also utilized. For some of the variants positioning of some components were derived from photos posted online.

There are a surprising number of original Spitfire and GT6 dashboard variations. Ignition switch placement, square or round indicators, presence of cigarette lighter, LHD, RHD, etc.. I started this project in order to CNC route a dash for a GT6 I am restoring and I wanted to add a third oil pressure gauge to the center panel. However, it quickly became apparent that it would be easy to extend my approach to just about every type of "3 panel" late model Spit/GT6 case.

Presently this generator does not handle the early GT6 dash boards where the panels have a slightly different outline. In addition, data on hole sizes for the center panel are required. I hope to add this in the future for the benefit of the Triumph community. If you have a drawing or dxf of the early dash please contact me and I will incorporate

How it works:
Generic "blank" STL's for the dash panels are imported into OpenSCAD. Pre-canned cutouts for various stock gauges, switches, and indicators are then subtracted from the templates. Generic round and square counterbore routines are provided in order to accommodate the stock switches and gauges as well as modern switches for custom dash layouts.

There are then "sets" of pre-canned layouts provided for all variations of stock dashboards that I have observed by looking at a multitude of online photos including those presented by aftermarket dash vendors . No doubt I may have missed a particular variant.

I have also provided some custom layouts that use modern round switches available online. This would include 3/4" LED illuminated round rockers as well as more expensive 22mm metal switches that are available in stainless or black finish (available on ebay and elsewhere). You can easily generate new cutouts based upon my example routines.

There is the ability to add a custom text logo at any vertical position on the center panel. I will probably add the same capability for the passenger panel in a future version if there is sufficient interest. But it is only of use if you are CNC routing.

OpenSCAD makes handling the various types fairly easy. I have added the ability to handle LHD and RHD cases.

A custom dashboard can easily be generated. Simply add a new board type constant. Then add the the code to place counterbores at x,y locations you desire. For the center and passenger panels the origin is the lower left corner. For the driver's side the origin is the lower right corner and all the coordinates will have a negative x. All coordinates are in millimeters. Just look at the other dash examples and it will become clear. Feel free to add your own routines to make a custom cutout for alternate switches.

If you are making a dash for RHD, design the left and right panels as LHD and then set driverside=RHD and OpenSCAD will mirror flip the model for the outer panels. This is not required for the central panel.

STL files can be generated, however if you are CNC routing a dash in wood then DXF files are more desirable. This code will generate both. The DXF export will be three Z slices through the 3d model. One will be close to the top surface, the second will be through the middle, and the third will be close to the bottom surface. These will provide the needed paths for counterboring, One DXF file will be exported with each of these slices offset 400mm in the Y direction. .You will have some minor massaging to utilize the DXF's for CNC routing and generating tool paths. I believe the DXF's will provide the detail needed for proper routing and, in fact, I have CNC routed the center panel successfully on my wood CNC router. Because of the counterboring your work will involve top and bottom CNC routing so you will need to create jigs that will allow you to flip the panels.

3D PRINT THE DASH

However keep in mind that one can 3d print the dashboard in plastic and then laminate veneer on top. This is the approach I have taken. I believe a 3d printed plastic dash will outlast any plywood dash.

I purchased the Claro Walnut veneer for my dash off of ebay for ~$30.

I utilized JB Weld Plastic Bond to adhere the veneer to the panels. This is not an epoxy...it is a two part polyurethane structural adhesive. To enhance the adhesion I sanded the outer surface of the panels with 240 grit sand paper. This is strong stuff and remains a bit flexible. I don't believe the veneer will ever delaminate with this adhesive. The only downside is that this is expensive. It is best to purchase it online to get the best price. Use this fine tooth spreader to apply the adhesive to the veneer: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4719123. Have the veneer on a stable flat surface (like a table saw top) and press the dash panel down on the veneer. Apply some heavy weights to the panel to assure a good bond,

This approach will require careful trimming of the veneer afterwards, I used a Dremel rotary tool outfitted with a brass or plastic spacer on the bit to keep it away from the edge of the cutouts as I routed out the veneer from the holes. This was followed up by careful sanding. Glue squeeze out can be problematic around the counterbores, but with patience it can be conquered The perimeter overhanging veneer was cut with a razor and the final small small amount removed with a drum sander.

A dovetail split option has been provided so as to allow the parts to be printed on a smaller foot print 3d printers. They should fit on a 300x300 mm build plate commonly found on the smaller printers. After using this tool you will have to ungroup the dovetail stl models and rotate them as needed to be printed face side down (I use Ideamaker for this) .

Warpage can be a problem so you might want to use a fiber impregnated filament. I recommend a 25% triangular infill. with three side walls and four layers for top and bottom. Use all methods to avoid warpage. Figure around 36 hours of print time for a full dash. I have successfully printed in ASA with no fiber with each dash panel broken into two pieces on a printer with no enclosure. Bed temperature was 95C. I will post a video or images of my dash project.

It should be noted that there is one Spitfire dash variant that had a plastic dash. Photos that I have seen of this dash indicate it has a vinyl grain texture so if you are reproducing this then you would probably want to bond a textured vinyl covering.

The default board thickness is 10.3mm. Board thickness is adjustable to permit use of more easily obtainable plywoods from the home center. The counterbore routines will adjust automatically to board thickness. Keep in mind the thickness of your veneer will be added later, but this is a small amount, typically .050".

After bonding the veneer, proceed with a sander//sealer to build strength into the veneer. I applied 2-3 coats of sealer. Do not cutout the holed regions until several coats of sealer and/or polyurethane have been applied, otherwise you risk the veneer cracking and chipping out unfavorably.

I do not recommend utilizing the example stl files presented as they are "eye candy" for the thingiverse presentation. Please generate new stl files with the OpenSCAD script for your particular application. Typically I will only be updating the OpenSCAD script for revision changes. Also I have not tested all cases so please verify your cutout dimensions before proceeding to a final dash. You have been warned.

White lettering was often used on the dash around indicators and switches. Search ebay or Amazon for "Woodland Scenics Dry Transfer Decals Railroad Gothic Letters White". These are rubbed on to the dash using a burnishing stylus. Apply before your final finishing coat.

Original dashboards were never finished "glossy" although most aftermarket dashboard are done in this fashion. Instead I prefer a semi-gloss finish to minimize reflections and maintain the original look. Granted - original dashboards were seldom fancy burls either!

OpenSCAD is free and easy to use: https://openscad.org Load the script, edit options at the top of the file, and press F6 to render the model. Then export in a format you desire.

Raise3d's IdeaMaker software is also available for free at: https://www.raise3d.com/download/ideamaker-all-versions/ It is an excellent slicer but it has many useful features for manipulating .stl files, including breaking sub models apart and a decent repair function.

If you find an issue please leave me a comment on the Thingiverse project page and I will make revisions as I am able. Alternatively send me an email mowog59 (at) gmail.com

Buying me a cup of coffee on my PayPal tip page may expedite revisions!

Change Log:

03/28/2025
I've added the ability to dovetail split the models so as to allow printing the pieces on a smaller footprint 3d printer. You will have to "ungroup" the resulting .stl files (I use ideamaker for this). After printing you may have to do some filing of the dovetails to get a good interlocking fit. Bond the dovetailed parts with a strong epoxy on a flat surface.

01/06/2024
Now version change. But I turned off work in progress since I have successfully finished my dashboard. I have included pictures of my completed dash.

Version 1.1 11/10/2023
Dash thickness defaulted to 10.3mm
Error with thickness adjustment would sometime leave 3d artifact
Wiper hole for GT6 altered bore.
Vent hole altered bore.
Round indicator altered bore and new module

Triumph Spitfire and GT6 dashboard generator - Version 1 Initial Release 11/7/23