How To Build A Custom Hot Rod Dash - 1930 Ford Model A Roadster

In the last episode Matt showed us in depth his creative process for building a dash from scratch, Today he is going to take us through the steps of actually building one. While the dash may look simplistic and easy to make, the hard part is keeping everything straight. When tipping the flanges the metal needs a place to go which creates unwanted bends and waves. Matt eliminates those issues by using the Eastwood HD Shrinker to help relax the panel. The dash looks very similar to the 1930s Chrysler dash that it was modeled over and fits the car beautifully. Be sure to comment below with any questions regarding Matt's process!!
Get 15% Off Your Eastwood Order With The Coupon Code ITG15 At Checkout * Some Products Excluded -
Tools Used -
Eastwood Fast Etch - www.eastwood.c...
Eastwood Motorized Bead Roller - www.eastwood.c...
Eastwood Bead Roller Dies (Motorized) - www.eastwood.c...
Eastwood Quick Change Worklight System - www.eastwood.c...
Eastwood Elite Deep Jaw Shrinker/Stretcher - www.eastwood.c...
?srccode=1VD5533
Eastwood Hammers and Dollies - www.eastwood.c...
Vintage FJ Edwards English Wheel
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19545
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[@Grandpa82547]

Not monotonous and boring at all. My favorite words are "How did they do that?" i love to watch a genius at work.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Not a genius but a quick learner! Still trying to master this stuff every day!

[@dennisspencer1113]

The "nuts 'n bolts" of the layout and the fabricating are the best part. Well, besides the finished product. Your efforts to get it right without a major eff-up had me on the edge of my seat. Great video.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you for watching !

[@donwalker7931]

Matt, this and the preceding video are among the most informative stuff you've done! Keep 'em coming. You are a most patient and skilled teacher and there are very few of you on KZbin. It takes talent to do what you do and we appreciate your efforts. Thank you. dw

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you so much Don!

[@JalopiesDannerr]

What Don said, @@IronTrapGarage. This makes one rethink about customizing a dash, instead of building it from scratch. Great work, great vid, very informative!

[@marioa1272]

Matt I will say it again ,great job. Yes I like that you are breaking the work in many steps , gives us better idea to see how things evolve. I love the bead roller , there are so many possibilities that you can create with it !

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you for watching Mario!

[@timothynewkirk2654]

Yeah I dig the longer how to vids. ...Newk from Kentucky

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@chuckstith838]

This video is very understanding. It's like a Eastwood video I've seen. Oh wait, that is you! Good job Matt. Mike not so much! Ha, ha

[@IronTrapGarage]

Haha well played!

[@ronnyinwaxhaw]

😂 I saw a few of his Eastwood videos. I kept thinking "I know that voice!". He didn't have the toboggan on!

[@oldguysoldbikes]

I have no intention of doing any of this type of work, but I love to watch the processes and skills that you use to create and repair these cars.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching Jack!

[@mikesonneson2824]

Not monotonous nor boring at all showing how you craft metal. It's an old world skill you are sharing and you are great at explaining what you are doing. The longer format videos you do are more enjoyable to me personally than the 12-14 minute segments. I don't even build old hotrods nor will I ever, but I follow your channel for the information and skill you share. Plus I enjoy watching your builds. You also have a good educational voice meaning your tone,timbre and relative volume is easily heard and translates well to video.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you so much we appreciate you watching!

[@onehotpinto]

It's amazing to me that the firewall is in as good a shape as it is considering the condition the rest of the truck was that it came on. Perfect place for it.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Yea we’re happy to have saved it!

[@RemodNC]

I really enjoy the in depth videos that show the thought process deciding how to do it, then the physical process of actually making the part. Thanks Matt

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you for watching!

[@daleskidmore1685]

Nothing boring about this vid, showing the process really helps understand what is possible to do. Enjoyed it.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you Dale!

[@dennisc.1189]

I love watching you work with metal and you know when you see the metal move you know what to do and you come out with a good workable part.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@johnapel2856]

Another good one. You showed the entire process start to finish, regular speed to get the idea, sped up to save time but preserve continuity. I can see where the casual viewer might find this boring, but I really appreciate the detail. Great job! Thanks!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you for watching John!

[@AndyGeesGarage]

Thanks for sharing these steps of the builds. We sometimes forget the amount of work that goes into something as simple looking as a dash.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you for watching!

[@paulgunter1538]

Great Vid, love watching the metal work. A true artist with the metal Matt !

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you Paul!

[@stallionranchwoodworks]

Don't underrate yourself, you are a pro in my book. That was very informative and eye opening for me. Great job showing the little details.

[@19reedCharles44]

...really enjoy learning the metal work and tin tapping... my grandfather was a blacksmith, must be in my dna.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@btoad303]

I love these vids. I have the same equipment from Eastwood, and love the tools. I am a hobbyist and still need some instruction, so I've learned a lot from you, thanks again

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you for watching!

[@drscrib99]

I enjoy your metal working videos the best, The roadster is coming together beautifully.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you Don!

[@stuartjohnson8171]

I like watching the detailed process. To be honest I will never do any of the restoration work like you but it is enjoyable watching you and hear how things are done. You have given me enough confidence to "think about" stripping and repainting my 98 1500 truck.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks Stuart we’re glad you’re getting some motivation on your own project!

[@johnhealy4647]

Metalergy is fascinating. Thanks for all you do

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you for watching!

[@leestimson12]

Yes Matt keep doing the construction videos like this one. I love watching good craftsmen doing their work and I consider you very good. The end product is more interesting to see as I can look at it and recall how you formed something on a now cool finished rod.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching Lee!

[@gordonhenagar6652]

Great instructional video on motorized bead roller use

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you Gordon!

[@_Peremalfait]

What a transformation seeing the firewall having gone from what looked like a pile of rust to sandblasted clean. In regards to the new dash, I think you beat yourself up too much over a few scratches, Matt, but it shows the pride you put in your work.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you! I just get nit picky over stuff but I have to remind myself I’m not building a insane super high end car and just a home built hot rod so small imperfections are ok.

[@psullivan613]

You are a BEAD ROLLER ARTIST!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Haha I don’t know about that but I can make stuff work haha

[@robbieautrey3158]

Firewall came out great, it looks brand new. Thanks for showing us all the steps you go through to get your dash to that stage. It's one thing to have all that equipment but you have to know what you are doing with it and you sure seem to know how to use it all.. Look forward to the next one....

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks Robbie much appreciated!

[@fractalign]

I always look forward to the metal fabrication tutorials. I have a 32 Roadster Pickup Cowl that’s missing the dash and cowl vent so I will need to make them up at some stage

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@larrylaing5339]

I love seeing the detail in the different steps in building process and om the metal work, keep it coming Matt. Thx Larry Laing

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you Larry!

[@larrylaing5339]

@@IronTrapGarage your welcome brother..

[@retireddriver16]

It is so interesting to see a professional working with that metal love it keep them videos come in thanks

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@harleyveejay]

This process is amazing to me, never really thought about all the work that goes into it. Keep on it and thanks for sharing.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you for watching!

[@jenesisjones6706]

I love how your gloves have become like an actual second skin- I reckon you could take fingerprints with them on * chuckles* Perfect gloves!

[@HanstheTraffer]

I thought his skin was just getting loose. lol

[@terrykeithley6183]

Thank you Matt, for this vid.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you for watching!

[@HanstheTraffer]

I don't work on hot rods, never did...Not partial to them at all. But I really enjoy watching you work. Some people are just a joy to watch. Many years ago when working at a "Foreign Auto Service" when "foreign cars" were relatively rare, I had fantasies of building a car from scratch. Watching you I see that it would indeed be possible. If I were young now I would probably start that project.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you so much we appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@ecurie101]

I've seen so many dashboards in old hot rods with cool inserts like Packard and wondered what the process was. Now I know! Great video. Thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@philcoates8349]

I too am enjoying the in-depth videos

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching Phil!

[@REMBRANTTUBE]

WOW MATT!! .....INCREDIBLE JOB!!!!!! THANKS FOR SHOWING US THIS PROCESS!!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@Chevyv8man1]

Hey Matt, These are the videos that keep me coming back. I love the how to videos more then the ones where you go here or there. Watching someone like you, that can make their own panels, is fascinating and very interesting to watch. Thanks and keep them coming. Later

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you Marvin we appreciate the feedback!

[@tomrichardson2099]

Matt, One of your best vids yet. A lot of instructive content. Thanks Matt.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks so much Tom!

[@reuben1974]

Great Vid very informative and enjoyable to watch. I welded up 21 holes in my 42 dash... lots of cutting and forming each plug but well worth the effort. Every time you jump in this roadster you will appreciate your work.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you!! Appreciate it!

[@doug.patterson4732]

i enjoy watching you form the metal

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you Doug!

[@KeithFinkFamilyFarm]

Greetings to you, Mortal-Matt-who-uses-body-filler, I enjoyed it. Thanks!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Haha I just like to keep it clear I’m not perfect nor is my work!

[@ronwood7040]

I keep watching you guys for the motivation to work on my 31 Chevy. Ron

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

You are doing good work, Matt. Thank you.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you!

[@billmiller7138]

Would have loved to have had one of those bead rollers back in 1964! Dash looks great!

[@billmiller7138]

I used the hammer and curse method for everything ;)

[@punkinsgarageandpaint8299]

I love this video and details you shared. Thank you

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you for watching Gene!

[@davidmellott5049]

A damn fine piece of work, you have a good eye and a good knowledge of what the metal is going to do because every action has an equal reaction. This is a gift.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@btoad303]

It's amazing what you can do by yourself, you are a "lone Star", As a hobbyist I work alone also. Great vid

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks so much!

[@thomasjmaxx]

I agree with just about everyone show us details about what you do and why. I have to figure out my own dash panel on my 25 buick and the more you show the better I can plan on making my own custom dash versus making something fit.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching Tom!

[@guillermonieri4203]

Thank you. Detailing the process was extremely helpful.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@mragentblue]

Definitely do enjoy your videos Matt and I like it when you do more of a tutorial. Keep up the good work!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you for watching Dave!

[@craigcaggiano431]

Matt the dash and firewall came out amazing. The details of what you do with the bead roller, shrinker, slapper and other tools is very cool. Your videos have inspired me to pickup additional fabrication tools. Picked up a salvaged 35 Dash that I can practice on to see how it can be turned into something more useful, perhaps even making up a glove box door and filler pieces.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks Craig! Can’t wait to see how you make out with your dash!

[@scottcarter90]

This is a great video. I love seeing the process. Thanks!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@TrueNorthModels]

I enjoy watching the process, keep them coming and when are you going to debut the 32 and 34 that you picked up. Cheers

[@IronTrapGarage]

Next weekend!

[@shanewright6958]

It's looking good. Another great video 👍👍🇨🇱

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you!

[@JONMEREDITH]

10! Excellent fabrication! I really like your videos more than any other I watch! Thank you!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks so much!

[@frankjamann5671]

Excellent job Matt! If you keep doing things like that you would be able to roll some fancy beer cans!

[@chrisclark4813]

Wonderful video Matt. 'Wheels maketh a car', but the Dash is a close second. (For your info. ....as far as I'm concerned the video was just perfect, good length, tech input really helpful, etc...)

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you so much Chris!

[@shadetreerodder]

You aren't a concourse level coach builder? You keep it up, you'll get there. Great job. I like a little in depth process occasionally. These two were excellent.

[@henryg683]

Looks pretty professional to me coach builder quality!!!dashisgreat

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you!

[@garretlee83]

Great vid. This is the stuff I want to watch!!!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks Garth!

[@brdnsky6417]

Good job. I like watching the process. You my not be a professional, but to me you are. Keep up the good work Matt. Also your firewall turned out real good. Thanks for the tip on treating the metal. Ronnie.

[@ozzstars_cars]

Making some nice metal art there Matt!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you!

[@davelowell3008]

Another great one Matt, keep it up.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks Dave!

[@elkoposo686]

Hey my two bits worth; keep the good blend of 'out in the field' videos mixed with more serious, 'skills based' videos and a good dose of 'keep it moving' build videos. I see it as that's what you're doing at Iron Trap. Now, to add just that icing and cherry? A few around town and down the back country lanes 'ride-a-long' clips would be perfect. All in good time, I'm sure. Love the channel, cars and work that you fellas do. I appreciate it's a team effort. Well done Chaps!

[@IronTrapGarage]

We’ll do more ride along videos this summer!

[@paulwhite9076]

Awesome tutorial video Matt everything is looking good

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks Paul!

[@jamiecampbell3068]

Dang. Stressful, a little .. huh' ? I cringed thinking of my success versus you. Looks really nice. Slow & sure wins the day .. THAT & Matt from ITG tutorial videos for massive cheat codes I'd need.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you Jamie! Definitely a stressful panel! Only one shot on a lot of these beads and such!

[@dougeubank]

Thanks Matt, I really enjoyed your video, I just purchased a Eastwood bead roller. This was very helpful as to my learning of the machine, keep them coming.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Awesome glad you enjoyed it!

[@geraldbellows2977]

Just watched I agree one of your best metal working jobs

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnwarkentinnikiskialaska8364]

This one is outstanding

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you John!

[@jimandlinsnow7002]

Nailed it. Mad skills.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks Jim!

[@robertironside3166]

Gotta love the bead rollers. If you don't already, learning to sketh and draw, timed drawing, timed sketching ... you'll get way more comfortable with the bead roller and what you can do with it. You're quite a tinsmith as it is already Matt! The more you do the better you get that's for sure. :-) The cars are coming along great. Can't wait to see the updates on the 39 Ford. You sold the Mercury of that era to somebody else right? It had a lot of potential as well :-) All cool stuff.

[@IronTrapGarage]

The Mercury is just waiting it’s turn! I wanna be able to give it full focus when the time comes since it is such a big undertaking

[@BrunoWiebelt]

yeah I like those in depth videos... greating her from sweden

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you Bruno!

[@robertszymanski7804]

Hey Matt another triumph, awesome work!! A masterpiece in the making, your passion definitely shows. Have you ever thought of going into teaching? Just a thought, lol?? Cheers!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks Robert! I do enjoy instructing I’m just not sure my skill level is there for any real teaching. Just my opinion!

[@sohc13]

I love the full detail vids

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you for watching!

[@bobwoodhams7242]

Love these videos...… doing a great job

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you Bob!

[@sexysammij1]

Like a couple of others I may well never do these things myself but i truly love watching the process and seeing old school skills being retained and used

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@sexysammij1]

@@IronTrapGarage your welcome, i cannot wait to see the Sweetheart Roadster finished

[@rogeryoder3680]

Great work...looking good

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you!

[@marcijunebug]

Thanks for sharing and teaching us!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@10us101]

We can go to Mars but cant make a spray bottle worth a crap nice vid and good job

[@IronTrapGarage]

Lol so true

[@Doubleodude]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you for watching!

[@62_C10]

It's looking good Matt

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks Bob!

[@waynespiteri122]

As always love your videos, pleasure to watch great work.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@Grandpa82547]

Can you do a video on how the shrinker, stretcher, wheel,etc. work? It all looks like magic to me.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Yes we will try and do one soon!

[@bensonsspeedshop1191]

👍😎👍 Excellent as Always, Guys!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@dantomlinson4407]

Enjoyed the detail! Thanks

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you Dan!

[@tertessa]

Interesting work... thanks Matt

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@edwardjustiniano8109]

Great job guys really enjoying a video watching from Massachusetts

[@jamespinckard4210]

You say you're no pro? Looks like a pro did it to me. Great job Matt.

[@IronTrapGarage]

I’m always critical of my work!

[@SteveP-vm1uc]

You might want to bring that issue up with Eastwood. It seems that they should build the dies with a hollow to bury the bolt so this would never happen. You have enough to be careful of. That would eliminate one more issue. And yes, these are great videos..

[@IronTrapGarage]

Yep they’re working on it and are aware

[@bezerker1960]

Details is good.

[@lenscap8925]

Very informative video!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeffsnyder2051]

I enjoyed that thanks MATT!!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you for watching Jeff!

[@stephaniemoon5480]

Great video lookin forward to the next one

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you for watching!

[@Horacio-Lorenzo]

Bety beautifull work Matt saludos desde Buenos Aires Argentina.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you!

[@41plymouthnut87]

Nice.

[@PillarToPost77]

Looks good and enjoy your advice and knowledge you share

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@kingcustomgarage66]

Nice work 👍✌

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@alfalke2957]

Tedious. but very effective. Nice piece of work .

[@SpatialDragon]

We forget how lucky we are with all this power equipment, I saw guys doing this with hand powered equipment, sand bags, hammers and blocks...

[@shartne]

Make one more pass to go deeper like the Chrysler dash does. Oh well it looks pretty decent to me will look more busy when you install the gauges. Tell eastwood to make a 3/4 inch bead so you can make deeper grooves in your dashes. So it will be even more beautiful.

[@IronTrapGarage]

I’d need to machine dies that went deeper to get the deeper draw. I had the dies bottomed out in the last pass.