Rough draft dash prototype

[mylittlecj5]

So this is the first rough design of my new dash insert. Comments welcome.


The lights beside each gage are warning indicators.
The individual gages may change places, I should add more switches, and it will probably get bent like this one...



anything I'm missing?

Hmm I also have an air pressure gage for the (future) OBA system that has to go somewhere. It doesn't match the rest of the gages, so I may hang it from the dash to the left of the steering column.

 

[CJ]

I'm a bit confused as usual... The top pic shoes a layout in the center of the dash or is the speedo directly over the steering wheel?

The bottom pic shows as dash panel but there doesn't seem to be enough room for 5 individual gauges - are you making a anew insert?

Maybe I'm just tired but I'm not getting it...

 

[mylittlecj5]

yea this panel is only 12x24. it will go in the center of the dash between the steering column and the glovebox.

the bottom pic isnt mine, its just to show how I am thinking of bending this panel to make it easier to read the gages.

here is another pic in finished form. again not mine...

 

[mylittlecj5]

the lower switch panel will actually hang below the stock dash panel by 2". the area labeled "remove" is for knee clearance.

 

[CJ]

Ahh... Now I understand. Thank you for clarifying that. It looks pretty good to me. Those warning lights will not be missed - fer shure... How far out do the lenses stick out?

Are you sure it's a good idea to place all those switches below the dash on an extension? It looks like it might bend if someone was to some how press on it to hard.

 

[mylittlecj5]

I was thinking of that problem also.
I was thinking of making a box of sorts in behind the panel to brace that area, and making/buying a 'outline panel' of diamond plate to stiffen it up.
Being as it will be right behind the shifters, I don't think that anyone would be able to hit it, but you never know.
It is one of those things that may get changed for sure.

 

[mylittlecj5]

here is a real bad pic of how far the warning lights stick out compared to the gages (left) and the speedo (right)

 

[fishinfool98]

Are you going to use the stock speedo?
and what brand guages are you using?

 

[mylittlecj5]

No stock gages at all in this build...All Stewart/Warner stuff...

 

[mylittlecj5]

made a few changes and some progress...



Decided to not make it 3-D, so the bending part is out. Makes it easier for the next step...

 

[dave pam]

If it were me I would put all your single switches in a row from top to bottom on the right of your volts, blank, VAC guages. Also I would opt for the fighter safety switches (like the two with carbonfiber covers)

i wish you kept the bend, me like the bend part, kinda like a fighter jet.

Oh and remove the small extended metal part at the bottom, could become in the way at some point. (just a though)

 

[mylittlecj5]

well I got the lower part of the dash bent to go under the existing dash (and took out the lower switch panel), got the hole cut for the marine radio, and decided to Not put all the switches on the right side. I don't think I will be able to reach them while I'm belted in (I have and use a 4 point harness while off-road and racing). I'm thinking of putting a vertical row to the LEFT of the speedometer now.

 

[dave pam]

OOOHH did not know you were racing with yur rig.

If it were me I would have kept the angeled part on the right, that might give you the ability to reach or locate the smaller guages and keep your switches closer to you (just my 2 cents)

Dave

 

[mylittlecj5]

when I get time, I have to actually get this contraption out to the CJ, and see if it will really fit. Who knows I might like the angled dash and decide to put it back in. Its a simple matter, just notch the lower area and bend the main panel out.
I'm toying with putting my CB over on the right side, across from the radio. I won't need to access it much and it would be better than hanging under the dash.

 

[nickgipe]

That looks really good. It doesn't look very tough but some Diamond plate would help that. I like how the speedometer goes up to one-sixty.

 

[projectcrawler]

That looks really good. It doesn't look very tough but some Diamond plate would help that. I like how the speedometer goes up to one-sixty.

What, your jeep doesn't do 160?! Wow, you must have the 2 cylinder model.
I love the look of the white face gauges.

 

[cdlongjr]

As for myself, I liked the wrap around effect. Reminds me of my racin' days. I'd be interested in one of those if you ever start producing them.

 

[cdlongjr]

What was the cost of the gauges, etc. you purchased?

 

[mylittlecj5]

the costs and part #s break down as follows:

Part #

Item

Price Qty Price

ATM-5715

2 1/16"FUEL LEVEL WHT FACE

$41.88

1

$41.88

ATM-5721

2-1/16 MECH OIL PRES 0-100 PSI

$46.95

1

$46.95

ATM-5737

2-1/16"WATER TEMP ELEC WHT FCE

$45.95

1

$45.95

ATM-5784

2 1/16"VACUUM GAUGE WHT FACE

$49.95

1

$49.95

ATM-5791

2-1/16 VOLTMETER WHT/FACE

$39.95

1

$39.95

ATM-5893

3-3/8 WHT/FACE SPEEDO 160 MPH

$85.95

1

$85.95

Parts Total: $310.63
Delivery and Handling Charge: $11.95
Total Charges:

$322.58

I still need 1 more gage, a oil temp unit. It should run about $55 or so.
the warning lights and trinkets are either Radio Shack, or things I've collected thru time.

 

[mylittlecj5]

I am going to try and make the bended dash this weekend sometime, around working on the playhouse. so stay tuned!