Dashboard Question

[Bren]

I'm still in the planning stage of my build and I'm toying around in my mind about the dashboard. I've noticed the push button style start button and, to me, it looks like it belongs on an arcade game, not a race car. I'd like to use a toggle switch like FF has for everything else. What brand switches are those? Are they good quality? I ask the brand so that I can look for one that would spring back to the off position (i.e., the starter is on only as long as you push the toggle up, and when you release, it would automatically turn off). Does the dashboard come pre-cut from FF (i.e., am I going to have to order a blank dash and cut the holes myself?

Thanks!

[skullandbones]

Longacre Racing has a momentary starter toggle switch rated at 40 amps. It's 12.97. However, I don't know if they have those with a protective cover to keep from accidental activation. Personally, I like the push button one from Finish Line ( I have that one). I guess I like it because it looks like a race car dash should.

There are vendors offering blank dashes and custom cut ones. If you check with FFR, they may be able to credit you on the dash which comes cut. That's what I would do.

Good luck,

WEK.

[68GT500MAN]

Look up a racing equipment site and find the switches that you want. That is one of the great things about these builds, make it like you want! BTW, I believe that FFR still supplies a key switch with their products not a push-button to toggles. Those have been added by others.
Doug

[edwardb]

I'm still in the planning stage of my build and I'm toying around in my mind about the dashboard. I've noticed the push button style start button and, to me, it looks like it belongs on an arcade game, not a race car. I'd like to use a toggle switch like FF has for everything else. What brand switches are those? Are they good quality? I ask the brand so that I can look for one that would spring back to the off position (i.e., the starter is on only as long as you push the toggle up, and when you release, it would automatically turn off). Does the dashboard come pre-cut from FF (i.e., am I going to have to order a blank dash and cut the holes myself? Thanks!

The original cars used Lucas switches, which are still available today from places like **********. Much like they were back in the day, their quality is still pretty marginal. The switches provided by FFR are kind of Lucas-like in appearance, but not actual Lucas switches. Maybe not a bad thing, but a bit hard to match. Like others have mentioned, if you want to go another direction, lots of the aftermarket/performance sources have some pretty nice options.

The dash included with the kit is laser cut with punch-outs for various gauge options. FFR also sells a blank dash if you want to do your own layout. http://www.factoryfiveparts.com/blank-dash/ I don't know if they would substitute during the kit order. Haven't tried personally. A blank dash would be pretty easy to make. It's just .040 thick 6061 aluminum sheet like all the other aluminum included with the kit. The problem is it has a right angle bend nearly the whole length on the bottom. The bend is required to give the dash some stiffness, and it needs to be pretty neat since it's visible to some extent even though wrapped with vinyl. I bought one from them for my Mk4 build. I didn't have a way to make the full length bend. I've heard they may have other sources, but I wasn't able to find anyone when I was buying about a year ago.

[2FAST4U]

What you need is an OFF-ON-(ON) switch

[Bren]

Thanks for the info!

Maybe the button that looks like it belongs on an arcade game is the horn button. I'd also like to replace that.

[2FAST4U]

deleted

[montyals]

Yes, you are correct. The black horn button does look like a button from the stand-up arcade games. Starter buttons are usually red with the word "start" or "engine" on them. They may even be blank with no wording. FYI...push button starts are original to many race cars, including Cobras.