Cyclops Rears Its Fresh Head -- Technical Article -- Custom Classic Trucks

As a foundation to work from, No Limit clamped an angle iron into place for the dash mockup.

Remember, the pieces atop the angle iron were originally located right where they were in this photo. They'll be permanently in their new/old home soon.

Rob drilled holes into the fiberglass and an aluminum plate behind the glass. The plate served as a flat base for No Limit to 'glass in the pieces.

Using Phillips-head sheetmetal screws, he affixed the fiberglass panels to the aluminum plate.

From carefully inspecting the driver-side portion, Rob realized the section's contour was out of sync.

So he could more easily alter the shape of the driver-side section, Rob made a series of parallel relief cuts.

After making the cuts, Rob confirmed the piece was much more malleable by checking the fitment. He also realized he should have sanded off the black gelcoat before making the relief cuts.

Using the air die grinder, he removed the gelcoat on the driver-side piece.

He did the same with the bottom portions of the dash that would receive resin and fiberglass mat.

So he could mount the 'glass panels, Rob drilled holes in the 'glass for locating some metal tabs.

He installed a metal tab on the left opening...

...and in the center at the top of the dash.

In anticipation of laying down some resin and 'glass mat, Rob attached the new driver-side piece.

As you're about to learn, with some fiberglass resin and matting materials one can do wonders.

Here's where the first layer of driver-side fiberglass mat will go.

Rob liberally applied the fiberglass resin.

He placed the fiberglass mat on the resin and applied more resin on the top of the mat.

He let the driver side set up for a bit.

Rob next tackled the front section of the driver side.

No Limit attached three metal tabs to hold Cyclops in its proper position.

Since some of the top portion of Cyclops would be all-new, Rob used masking tape to serve as a platform for holding the fiberglass mat and resin.