FJ Gets a Custom Dash, Digital Gauge Cluster And A 10" Touchscreen!!

[@James-of-all]

Definitely make an enclosure, with open air speakers you'll lose all the lower frequency sound, basically it'll be all highs no lows. If you make them out of sheet metal, fill them up loosely with poly-fill,($5 for a bag of it at wal-mart in the sewing or pillows section) that will make them sound bigger than they really are. It's a subwoofer enclosure trick to make it sound like there's more airspace than there really is. Should sound good after that.

[@Niko-iw1sr]

I second this, it definitely improves the performance to have an enclosure for the speakers!

[@randy6350]

Yes but I would do a single 8” in a wood box then port it!

[@richardvargas9224]

This a must you can buy pre made ones

[@austinniemela]

@@richardvargas9224 sweet I just bought some! Probably sound better than in a sheet metal box!

[@MechaTronic161]

You mean speaker baffles? Why would you send a low frequency signal on those tiny midrange speakers when you can run a subwoofer on the back?

[@larryleerssen2562]

Your eye for detail & your skills as a fabricator are the best. Great job😊

[@austinniemela]

Thank you!

[@androwwsarnejo2635]

american craftsmanship at its finest 👍

[@diegoalonso225]

Definitely you need to make some enclosure for front speaker, they will sound better and protect as well. Great build!

[@Barkley7801]

Can’t wait to watch this dash come together

[@Squirrity]

Make a cone🎉 like structure as the speaker enclosure, 🍦beautiful cone with a speaker topping, or a cylinder shape if you don’t wanna go crazy, it’ll look dope on both sides given the lower part of the metal sheet holding it in place is round

[@AlLefebure-ci3xs]

Yes! You need enclosures for the speakers! The dash looks great by the way!

[@RM_Garage]

That dash is modern but at the same time looks military-eqsue/super utilitarian. Love it man

[@austinniemela]

A little mix of feelings haha thanks man!!

[@BigBrownie96]

love the dash, keep the vids coming. you can look into wrapping the dash with that fake brown leather just for accent color, i know you can get like faux leather from the craft store (joans) or something for super cheap for like 10 ft. for headliners and stuff. you will have leftover too. Awesome job loving the build. KEEP THEM COMING

[@richball9576]

I would enclose the speakers for protection and better sound. Also I'm pretty sure you won't need to reuse any of the old wires maybe just a connector here and there. Loving the build! It's awesome!!!

[@timothyroberthaley]

Nicely done Austin. Following since the 3.4 swapped Pick-up to now, your skill as a fabricator and the finish of your work have increased significantly. Not sure if you see the differences as much as we all do on the other end of the videos. Thanks for putting these projects online and know your creativity and craftsmanship are appreciated! ...and I agree, add the boxes, which you are already planning to do.

[@austinniemela]

Thanks!! Im glad you enjoy the videos! Yes I'm going to enclose those speakers!

[@StormbornJKU]

It’s very simplistic but looks like it’ll be effective and it looks good. Classic attention to detail with you. Love it!

[@PCOGpastor]

I would love to learn how to run the plasma table. Looks like an amazing tool.

[@richball9576]

The truck is coming along amazing! It's going to be too nice for a serious trail like rear steer in Moab but it will be super capable for sure!

[@beaumont9072]

Making the dash out of a sheet aluminum would’ve been sick I used a couple road close signs 🤙🏼 But still sweet fab work 👍🏼

[@THE_Tyler_Rogers]

Since you’re already planing to build a small box for the speakers it might be nice to put a cover of some sort under the dash to hide the sharp edge of the dash. As a taller guy I would be worried a knee might catch the bottom of that. Just my opinion! Been following your builds for a few years and this is my favorite so far keep up the awesome work my friend

[@CrisParada]

This is litteraly what SEMA should of been. Brother amazing craftsmanship 🔥 maybe textured powder coat the glove box door? It looks good as is though. Straight heat!

[@johnthackrah6615]

Austin, your work is amazing! Great job. Thank you for sharing this build with us.

[@austinniemela]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@ronthompson2366]

Fantastic looking. Really like the digital and the head unit for the sound system. As for the speakers. I believe they will be ok either way. Just for "protection " probably be good to make something. I don't know if you would have to vent them like a bass speaker ? Plus it would probably direct the sound better. Need a couple little underdash lights. Always nice to have. Otherwise it looks great. This rig is coming right along and it is looking great. 😎👍

[@austinniemela]

Thank you!! I actually just bought some baffles, sounds like most people recommend it!

[@nicholassinovich4257]

Been following this build from the start and I think that earns me a suggested alteration to the dash! You need a pop-out hand gun cubby in the dash like West Coast Customs made for Sly's Blacked Out pickup truck!

[@sabrinafrankenfield4966]

Thats badass man. I've been watching you since you did that first truck. Your by far my most favorite builder

[@austinniemela]

Thank you!!! 🙏

[@billocampo1365]

Dash looks great ! can't wait to see when everything is done..

[@framolon3708]

Austin, as a designer, I would do the frame of the tacho dash more rounded following the shape of the original instrument or the glove box...but hey...what you did is ashtonishing!

[@austinniemela]

Yes once it’s done there’s always something to change! I really think the glove box stands out right now because it’s the only thing painted! Once I color match it all I think it will flow better!

[@bernardcrane750]

Austin, you are a very talented fabricator. Your eye for detail is amazing. This build will be terrific. Kudos

[@austinniemela]

Thank you so much 👍

[@mellena88]

Need enclosures for the speakers for sure. Way better sound. Plus it will protect them.

[@bherna3668]

Awesome work, I would patina the dash in red, kind of keep the classic look. How your channel only has 250k subscribes is crazy my favorite builder to watch!

[@drgunit893]

Turned out great! Loving this series

[@alexanderngawaka]

Austin, killing this build every time. Mill some new facia for those speakers, boot the plastic :) Enjoying it always thanks brother

[@keantotoro]

Great work, i think you should use some rubber washers in between screws and some tessa tapes to reduce rattling when vibrating.

[@elijahsparrow966]

I'd recommend finding enclosures from a gen 2 4runner, the nicer models had a vented plastic enclosure for 4" in the front and they made a huge difference when i added them to my car. you might be able to find them at a parts yard

[@randallcoleman6423]

Dude the dash is awesome man the videos gets better every time dude your skills is killer keep them coming

[@austinniemela]

Thank you!!

[@rookbloodthirst]

Small enclosure to protect and make the 4" better sounding is indeed needed for Mids. You'd might want to make two brackets for a pair of tweeters for Highs and you can use the 6" for Bass on the pods. Other than that, its looking very nice!

[@wojramos]

Nice work! Just that I would like to see builds like this on American vehicles 👍

[@WoodPecker6991]

For that speaker enclosure, what would make it sound better is sticking some kind of carpet (cardboard would work but not as good) inside it to dampen the reverberation that a metal enclosure might cause. Anyway, awesome build man, can't wait to see final result, it's already looking great!

[@nicholasfuller8097]

Love the updated dash this restomod is looking so so good!

[@tonyratcliffe4090]

You may find you can't see the dash and ancillary screen if the sun is at the side or behind you - if you can fit a matt overlay it may help

[@blaineverhelle4104]

I don't know much about fjs other than the way they look, but that speaker looks like a knee buster. But maybe they have a lot more room than I realize. Awesome job by the way. Love it!.

[@austinniemela]

@@blaineverhelle4104 it has plenty of room!! Thanks man!

[@s.w.1981]

Great work on This Car !!! Thanks from Germany . Call the Dealer from Speaker the Box have must the Volume from this Box ..... 4" speaker volume from Box !

[@lichee6181]

Definitely need a sun visor for that digital meter cluster👍🏼

[@austinniemela]

Hmmm I never thought of that! I’ll have to see if it bugs me!

[@gregthompson1609]

I'm going against the grain. 4" speaker in a wheeling rig doesn't need an enclosure - it's needs to be crossed over properly to be playing only hight frequencies. The 6.5" in roll cage pods will be the only chance of any mid bass and lower. Also - dash looks great! Love that textured powder coat too.

[@JT-MTB]

The extent to which you are using that plasma cutting program is so impressive

[@Kohju]

Enclosure front speakers👍 much better sound 💪

[@dezfan]

Retro tech dash looks great! 😎

[@blakesommers77]

I think enclosures for the smaller speakers would be good. Even if the enclosure is small some polyfill will definitely help. Open air isn’t ideal and as others mentioned you’ll lose out a lot on the lower frequencies

[@Fael03]

Awesome projects!! All of them! Big hug from Brazil!!

[@bobbyjones2363]

Yes , Inclose them ( fill for sound and extend the life)

[@framolon3708]

You're incredible and so skilled! Congrat!

[@kevind5508]

Might need a stiffening rib or support rod in the center of the dash. Looks good as always

[@austinniemela]

Once the radio bezel is screwed in and I actually tighten the lower mounting bolts, I think it will stiffen up! If not I may add a support bracket! Thanks!!

[@tomsloger4073]

The dash looks great ! As far as the speakerd go you want the sound coming out the front not bouncing around under the dash. I thimk that you would lose some of the sound clarity. You might want to check with the soeaker folks , they would know better than anybody.

[@DonaldDelacruz-h4k]

It looks see some, but why not make a rectangular globe box so everything matches. Well done, i always like your details on every fabrication that you do, more power to you.

[@mikeingalsbee2959]

Great work! I am concerned about that sharp edge on the bottom of the dash in case of an accident.

[@ALLaboutGAMINGxCHAOSxHOLLOWx]

YESSSS lol I love you videos, because i cant afford anything you have and it just makes me wish i could do half the things you do. Good job Austin!

[@rxcalvosa]

They way you blend 'shade tree'' with "high tech" is pretty cool. I like what yer doin'. I'm putting in my bid for exo-skeleton cage. I'm not necessarily a fan of that look but, I think you could pull it off better than anyone else I've seen., without destroying the lines of the original rig.

[@austinniemela]

Yea I’m just a redneck with some cool tools😂😂 I think I’m going for an internal cage! I don’t like the look of exocages

[@rhyswilliams695]

Nice work Austin. A fabric finish (leather) would be awesome. Also, what about the hvac routing for the windscreen defrost? Doesn’t that pass through the top of the dash somewhere?

[@austinniemela]

Thanks! The defrost runs at the sides of the radio!!

[@codyfinchum890]

Id make a enclosure and add some sorta sound deadening material i have a 1993 Toyota pickup that i found some sleaker boxes for a 4runner when i added them it sounded so much better then it did before

[@RJ4381]

Super impressed once again, can't wait to see it all done.

[@b.j.carpenter1976]

Looking great brother. I don't know if you will like your four inch speakers there. You will be banging your knee on them. I used a I pad pro as my dash/stereo. I like the radio though and I agree the surround makes it look really good. Where are you going to mount your switch panel? I'm not a radio nerd so I cant help on the enclosures you were talking about haha. Over all your build is looking amazing and I look forward to following it to the end.

[@colecarney]

Always nice work! How to you transfer the cardboard templates to your CAD software?

[@KH102695]

Dash turned out awesome!!

[@rosendofj40bigblock7]

Wow that was a really good episode, Good work

[@XDfishing1324]

Love your videos man and For the speakers I would put a box around it for better sound quality but that's just me.

[@MrKnorretje01]

For the mid en high tones, you dont have to had a soundbox, but you have to had one , for the bass.

[@dtemplman7816]

Excellent job dash looks awesome 🤩

[@marinmarinov1020]

Hey Austin! To be honest I`m fill with mixed fillings about the dash. It`s probably because of lack of symmetry or the placement of the speakers is very unusual (at least for me). nevertheless I enjoyed the video. Keep up the good work!

[@mrme300]

I think he needs to look into lidar scanning. With all the custom work he’s doing, it will really help out.

[@edwintatlonghari9418]

Not familiar with FJ40 HVAC but are they still good in that car? I think this is the right time to fab that also since you are working on the dash. Units from other cars could probably work in there or FJ40 enthusiast could have something in that area.

[@ibreti]

hey 👋🏻 Grat job How long do you leave the part in the oven and at what temperature?

[@hermanjackperopero1065]

Your work is amazing, never get bored n i watch it twice. Alnost every video Good job

[@austinniemela]

Wow, thank you!

[@bertzektor]

EVERYONE WAKE UP HE POSTED

[@lowtidecustoms1166]

Such an epic job!! looks amazing!

[@beadblaster9508]

Great build. What are you using to drill out the spot welds. Is it a blair cutter. Thanks

[@TheHallFarm]

Would make a cool anti theft device to use an old pull switch as an ignition ground

[@mikearmstrong7866]

This thing is really going to be bad ass!

[@suzrtimm5930]

I would enclose the speakers in the front Austin. I would think the sound would be better.

[@anthonypeachey21]

Nice dash, but i think drivers side speaker may get in way of the clutch leg

[@Kafouille]

Are you going to stick soundproofing plates on the metal sheets inside your vehicle? I think it would be something to do (translated from French by Google translate)

[@jasonmuse1866]

What are you going to do about the winshield latches?

[@ctech14367]

Dash looks sick

[@blaiz4]

Favorite channel to date. thus guys is so good

[@loydheckenlively9426]

You're doing amazing work.

[@DCOJos]

This thing is awesome. Great work!

[@austinniemela]

Thank you!

[@AVEX4X4]

Very nice. Great Job. congratulations

[@sinister184]

Dash is great, man!

[@mahdialsenussi3066]

Wow Your build Amazing 👍🏼

[@wisatown7470]

Does the left speaker interfere with your left leg when using the clutch?

[@DuanDao]

Can't say it enough. Your fav skills have grown exponentially. Do you plan on respraying the LC?

[@austinniemela]

Thanks! Yes ill do some paint for it!

[@dookiesaur7915]

youre so good at what you do

[@gregoriocapeles7146]

Your the Best bro. Im very sad because you sold the green tacoma. I have a 99 tacoma and my Dreams is painted that pickup Whith you help please.

[@sherylryan7038]

Get rid of glove box lid looks awful spoils dash plus the old knows yuk your beautiful work deserves better your so professional plus I would be checking underside of windscreen surrounds for rust

[@sherylryan7038]

Should be knobs

[@brandonramsey7552]

Any way I can get the specs on the dash you made? My fj is full of random holes though the years and I’m in the same situation where it’s better to modernize and replace the old. Thanks

[@KoonceLyfe]

Top notch work brother

[@DenwayCC]

Bloody good stuff as always!

[@cesarconh895]

Awesome work man, hope your brother is doing alright. Merry Xmas ⛄🎁 🌲

[@austinniemela]

Thank you!! He’s doing well! Merry Christmas!

[@nonsequitur807]

You're one fabricating phool lol amongst the best to ever do it imo sweet build. A few things i would've done differently, but you're not me, n not my LC 😅

[@Pokman25]

Love your job dude

[@douggrunberg]

I love it!! Thank you!

[@AJ29430]

Super neat work, slap on a coat of paint and bobs yer uncle

[@steveo7767]

Enclosed speakers will have a better sound than open. All you’re get is treble with them open and exposed with no enclosure. Think of a new vehicle all the speakers are enclosed in doors or panels which provides a better frequency response. Especially if you are running an amp.

[@Thexkidd]

I want to see the dash lit up in the dark.

[@ianjenner9381]

Should powder coat the glove box lid the same as the other bits.

[@austinniemela]

Yes I’ll do that!

[@daniealsneed6766]

That looks great.