dash idea take 2

[mylittlecj5]

Ok the first take on the new dash (http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f49/rough-draft-dash-prototype-769/) didn't turn out the way I wanted, so I have been toying around with some different ones. Hopefully these will actually post in here so I can get some feedback from you guys again...

This one has the inset raised 1" from the base dashboard. I'm not sure about the switch panel placement yet, so ignore those..

 

[projectcrawler]

Will any of the 3 gauges on left be blocked by steering wheel?

 

[CJ]

I put all my gauges on the right and the speedo on the left of the cluster. I wanted to be able to see the small gauges at a glance and the speedo didn't matter to me.

As long as you can see them alright, I think it looks good.

 

[certifiablejeep]

Remember the defroster duct work... those top gauges might interfere with it... tight fit up there.

cb

 

[mylittlecj5]

Will any of the 3 gauges on left be blocked by steering wheel?

The insert should be far enough over (near the center of the Jeep) that they shouldn't be blocked. I haven't got it cut out of cardboard yet to test fit on the dash.

Remember the defroster duct work... those top gauges might interfere with it... tight fit up there.

cb

Defrost?? I don't even have a heater. My CDI module is placed where the heater core used to be, so that shouldn't be a problem.
Eventually I will get a small aftermarket heater and custom build some ductwork for the defrost, but it isn't a concern right now.

Besides, it doesn't gets cold in SE Oklahoma, does it?

 

[mylittlecj5]

A few pics of the 3-D prototype build...

laying out the shape on the diamond plate


layout of the components and placement


Marking where everything will go


Panel is cut out waiting on components


Guages and stereo installed


turn signals and high beam indicator installed


Still have to place the warning lights for the guages and decide if I want the switches on here or on another panel.

 

[projectcrawler]

I like it. I don't think that mileage is correct on the odometer though.

 

[mylittlecj5]

yea,but I dont think that will be a problem...the odometer hasnt worked since I towed it down here to OK from Wa state. Apparently the speedo didnt like doing 75-80 MPH most of the way down here, and failed partway thru the trip. So it hasnt even worked for over a year. THat and the 35" tires meant it couldnt have been accurate any more! I just check the "mileage unknown" on any paperwork.

 

[ltz400racer]

this might sound like a really stupid question. but how does this mount to the original dash? are you just going to cut holes in the dash where the radio, and gauges come thru or what?
again, sorry if its a stupid question... but i cant figure it out...at firt i thought you were replacing the WHOLE panel.. then i saw the little piece (which looks great btw-thts why im wondering)

 

[mylittlecj5]

I have built some aluminum channels to fasten the new face to the original dash. They will surround the new dash on 3 sides. allowing it to cover most of the old holes in the dash. But I will have to cut a clearance hole for the radio, the speedo should fit right into the old speedo's hole.
I really should get back to work on it when I get back in town...

 

[LongHorn]

This one's cool.

 

[jeep cj7 304]

My say is that you should place the switches up and down the outside of the diamond plate.