This is my proposed dash layout, done with photocopied and laminated gauges/switches.

Any comments on the dial layout?

Does the speedo need to be in full line of sight at SVA? with the sierra steering wheel it is obscured, but with the real wheel I can see it OK.

The lower edge will be radiused by gluing a 34mm thick strip of wood behind the 6mm MDF, then shaping a semicircle to provide a 20mm radius. Good for SVA. Painted black to seal.

Does the dash upper edge need to be radiused too? It will sit 6mm pround of the scuttle.

Can dome headed bolts be used to fix the dash to the scuttle, or should they be recessed for SVA?

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Looks like a good "clean" layout, nothing weird.

I think the speedo will need to be in line of sight without you having to completely change your position.

top edge will be subject to radius requirements if it is contactable. I put tadpole beading around the edge.

Dome headed bolts were OK for my SVA

Good luck

Simon

Swap speedo and tacho around if the former is at risk of being obscured?

Can always swap back after SVA or fitting of 'real' steering wheel...

agree with last
speedo needs to be clear so do warning lights

Looks good to me - I used pretty much the same design, but covered in black vinyl.

Top edges will need to be radiused for SVA - should be easy enough with MDF.

Dome socket caps were fine for my SVA.

Even with the "real wheel" I have my speeedo and tacho the other way around as I like the tacho right next to the wheel (more useful than the speedo IMHO).

very goo layout.

how big is that steering wheel that it obscures the speedo!!

what I did was similar; placing the important instruments in line of sight; some may argue that rpm counter is more important thatn speedo but since most of my driving is on the road, the speedo is nearer so as to avoid points.

when you get round to wiring the rear of the dash, use a 20 pin PC connector, or another one of sufficient pinnage so that you can quicky unhook the entire dash.

I don't like MDF/plywood dashes and mine is from ali, similar shape to yours.

The lower radius is made by folding around 10 mm tube (post SVA - you would need to use a larger diameter) and the "missing" bits of radius are built up with more ali PUed in place; the whole lot covered in PVC.

It is 2 mm aluminium and there is bracing, aluminiuninium angle again PUed.

here's one I made earlier.


IF you want more inspiration, look at the post above this one!!!

[Edited on 22/8/08 by 02GF74]
Rescued attachment dash.JPG

I've been thinking of using a brite six module for my warning lights, what are they like?

Cheers

Dave

With a little effort you can countersink some 6mm set screws into the dash before you cover it and once fitted you wont have the fixings showing. use 6mm wingnuts on the scuttle rear as getting a socket in to tighten is a real pain.

Couple of pics in my archive.

quote:

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Originally posted by zetec
With a little effort you can countersink some 6mm set screws into the dash before you cover it and once fitted you wont have the fixings showing. use 6mm wingnuts on the scuttle rear as getting a socket in to tighten is a real pain.

Couple of pics in my archive.

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You might want to consider the positioning of your bright six, they can be very bright, and may dassle you at night.

I put mine above the dials

Looks a good clean layout to me. Seems like you are starting to move along again now, I must pop over for a wee look.

I'll drop you a text ove rthe weekend to see when is best

My dash on day of SVA Pass



SVA Pass Dashboard

Rev counter behind steering wheel with speedo in middle of dash

Can i suggest you pay special attention to the positioning of the savage switches while you have the chance. I didnt and went for a easthetically pleasing pattern. Absolutely no good for every day driving. If i did them again id think about what switches get used the most and position them ergonomically whereby they can be operated with minimum fuss without looking.
Whenever i flash anyone or pip the horn they are always half a mile away before ive sussed out where the switch is. Also when you have gloves on they are harder to hit in a hurry.