New FFR padded vinyl dash, what are other options?

[6t8dart]

Yesterday when the deals were announced, i almost pulled the trigger on the FFR dash. Almost. I sat there with it in the cart, but could not do it. I looked at pictures of other peoples dashes, and decided I didn't like the FFR gauge layout. I really like edwardb's dash layout better.

So, since I have a blank dash, I can layout in any configuration, can every share different dash options here?

Does anyone sell a glove box both shallow and deep?

How about aluminum bezels for the switches?

Grab bars for passengers?

Any help or pics would be appreciated.

[carlewms]

Someone just PM'd me on the same subject ...

Here is the response I gave him....

I ordered a blank dash from Factory Five which came with the hole cut for the steering shaft and the bottom lip already bent.

http://www.factoryfiveparts.com/blank-dash/

The blank is $110 and then I cut my own holes.

You can also contact Acton Custom Enterprises and have one made with the instrument/switch layout you want. They will also make it out of thicker material as well. The off the shelf version is $385

http://actoncobra.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=35&products_id=308

If I had to do it over I probably gone with the more expensive Acton version in a thicker gage because the curs will be precisely cut and it would be a little stiffer.

There are a couple of vendors that sell glove boxes. Finish Line also has the grab bar but there are multiple options for those when you search the forums.

Finish line Accessories https://www.**********accessories.com/c-72-dashboard.aspx

Alex Custom Roadster interiors: http://acroadsterinteriors.com/Gloveboxes.htm

I am not sure if Fortes or Breeze carry them or can get them as well

The Lucas style switches all come with bezels. If you mean bezels that are labeled I would suggest searching Google unless someone has a specific vendor they have used.

When I looked for the dashboard layout I didn't feel like there was much standardization other than the tachometer and speedometer location. One consideration is making sure you have enough room at the top of the dash for the instrument and its connections.

HTH,

Carl

Sincerely,

Carl Williams
C: 202.320.3799
W: 703.519.9901Sent from my iPad

[Jeff Kleiner]

I did a carbon fiber dash on my own car with a big 5" tach right in front of me:

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/LCS2009-by-RedlineReview-COMRL-ALLRightsReserved125.jpg

A customer car I built and painted got this:

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/Aaron5171/100_5445.jpg

The dash contains only the gauges (which incorporate indicators for turn signals & high beams) with all of the switches contained in the sub panel at the front of the tunnel.

All of the others that I've done have been the more conventional standard configuration but some have included a glovebox from Alex's like this one:

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/Mk4%207276/100_3196.jpg

http://acroadsterinteriors.com/Gloveboxes.htm

The various toggles and switches have a chrome washer under their jamb nuts.

Cheers,
Jeff

[edwardb]

This is a thread about the pre-made dash from last year. Maybe you've seen it, but here it is just in case. I had one of these in my hands and examined it in detail. http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?18743-New-FFR-Dash-with-Glovebox-Hinge-Challenge

As I said in that thread, I prefer the competition layout vs. the street layout, so that lead me to doing my own from a blank dash. I really like the Alex glovebox, either the full depth or shallow one which can also be done with a heater. It comes with replacement padding and vinyl and is quite nice. I ended up doing a leather dash and a homemade glovebox for my current build. It's a lot of work, and maybe not for everyone. But I'm happy with how it turned out.

The stock vinyl that comes with the kit is fine too. It's a little puffy for my taste, but makes a nice dash. The ********** glovebox works well with that. It's a little too deep for a heater though without other modifications. The color/texture is slightly different than the FF vinyl, but it still looks OK IMO. That's the setup I had on my Mk3.

For the Lucas switches, they can be used as is because they have sort-of a flange on them. But I prefer to add a small stainless washer behind them that can be polished to look like the switch finish. Just one caution about Lucas switches, that I've shared before. Not all switches that are sold as "Lucas" are really genuine Lucas. If they don't come in a green box and the switch doesn't actually say Lucas on it, they are knock-offs. And in my experience they're not as good as the genuine article. And that's a little scary. I order Lucas switches from England. Many (most...) sold stateside are knock-offs. There are options for switch labels, but I personally haven't used any.

[Gumball]

I, too, prefer the comp layout for the gauges. One benefit is that it puts the reverser for the speedometer right above the left side under-dash tube, through which I routed the speedo cable for an invisible installation.

I started with a blank dash that was waterjet cut for the gauges and glove box (I kept the glove box cut-out as the basis for my door). I then opened the gauge holes as necessary and drilled / filed all of the holes for the switches and lights. I used Smiths gauges and a combination of reproduction Ford switches (including ignition) and original Lucas switches (in the green box - as mentioned above) for a period-correct look. Before final assembly, everything was covered with a UV-stabilized automotive leather.

My grab handle is an original-style reproduction part (for the earlier 289 cars) and is mounted with a reinforcement behind the dash - although it's really just for appearance sake.

http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab15/CCRsAC/Graduation/IMG_20150614_172844286_zpsime5adwh.jpg (http://s845.photobucket.com/user/CCRsAC/media/Graduation/IMG_20150614_172844286_zpsime5adwh.jpg.html)

[6t8dart]

I really like the Alex's glovebox!

I originally ordered a blank dash with my car, so I am free to arrange how I want it. I plan to get the seat and steering wheel in position before I decide on gauge placement. I plan to print pictures of my gauges and stick them to the dash with tape.

Paul, I like the stainless washer idea!

[edwardb]

I really like the Alex's glovebox! I originally ordered a blank dash with my car, so I am free to arrange how I want it. I plan to get the seat and steering wheel in position before I decide on gauge placement. I plan to print pictures of my gauges and stick them to the dash with tape.

You mean like this?

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%20Mark%204%20Roadster%20Build/Update%2008242013/IMG_2259_zpsdebcc692.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%20Mark%204%20Roadster%20Build/Update%2008242013/IMG_2259_zpsdebcc692.jpg.html)


Paul, I like the stainless washer idea!

They are part number 96853A100 from McMaster. 18-8 Stainless Steel. Actually considered shims, but the closest I could find to a decent ID and OD. The ID is still just slightly small for Lucas switches. But a few passes with a file or Dremel and they fit perfectly. Polish up nice too. This is cropped from a larger picture, so not the sharpest. But still gives the idea.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Instrument%20Panel/IMG_3822_cropped%202_zpshbky5ebz.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/edwardb123/media/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Instrument%20Panel/IMG_3822_cropped%202_zpshbky5ebz.jpg.html)

[JIMOCO]

54530Someone on the forum told me about how he used bezels from a 1966 to 1977 Ford Bronco.

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=ford+bronco+switch+bezel

cjpony parts, Tom's Bronco Parts and Wild Horses have options that work with minor modifications. The labeling is fairly consistent with the function of the switch. I like how mine turned out.

JIMOCO

[6t8dart]

54530Someone on the forum told me about how he used bezels from a 1966 to 1977 Ford Bronco.

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=ford+bronco+switch+bezel

cjpony parts, Tom's Bronco Parts and Wild Horses have options that work with minor modifications. The labeling is fairly consistent with the function of the switch. I like how mine turned out.

JIMOCO

I found these, they look like a good match to our cars.

http://shop.broncograveyard.com/1973-1977-Ford-Bronco-Wiper-Switch-Bezel/productinfo/17136L/

[JIMOCO]

Those will work well. I liked the ones identifying the purpose of the switch.