View Full Version : Dash position with Replica Parts under dash support panel
JohnK
06-23-2019, 08:41 PM
Today I installed the Replica Parts underdash support/filler panel. It looks like a very nice piece and I like how it totally encloses the underside of the dash and gives me plenty of space to mount stuff. I'm still debating how I'll finish it. One question I have is with regard to the dash position I end up with when using this filler panel. The filler panel can really only go in one position, as it attaches to the 2" tube and then has to follow the angle of the steering support brace, so this pretty well defines where the dash ends up. However, when I look at where the top of the dash relative to the 3/4" hoop and compare that to most photos I've seen, it seems really high to me. If needed, I could use some spacers between the panel and the lower edge of the dash to drop the dash, but I'm wondering if this position is in the ballpark, or way off?
Note that I'll be using the RT turn signal setup, so I'm not very concerned with the vertical position of the steering shaft hole at the moment, as I'll need to modify it.
Thanks,
John
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=109439&d=1561339769
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=109440&d=1561339777
silver_pilate
06-23-2019, 11:11 PM
I'm using FFR's composite dash and the under dash support. I ended up flexing my support down a bit once it was riveted in place to lower the dash position.
JohnK
06-23-2019, 11:20 PM
How did you do that on the driver's side? Doesn't the steering bracket prevent the dash support from flexing down, or did you cut the support around the bracket?
CDXXVII
06-23-2019, 11:20 PM
Seems like you have a more recent version of the Mk4. The earlier Mk4 did not have a steering mount bracket that large. You need to get your dash much lower than that. You will probably have to modify the under dash filler panel to clear the steering bracket completely. I will try and find you a picture.
cv2065
06-23-2019, 11:24 PM
Did you get that from Breeze or Replica Parts? I didn't see one like that on the Breeze site, but with the Replica Parts underdash support, I had to cut around the new steering bracket. It comes out quite a bit versus the older MKIV design. You don't have a lot of metal left on the left side of the steering column after you do that, so I just cut it completely off on the right side. That will bring it down significantly from what you show in the picture.
silver_pilate
06-23-2019, 11:24 PM
Yeah, my Mk4 doesn't have that large support.
JohnK
06-23-2019, 11:29 PM
Did you get that from Breeze or Replica Parts? I didn't see one like that on the Breeze site, but with the Replica Parts underdash support, I had to cut around the new steering bracket. It comes out quite a bit versus the older MKIV design. You don't have a lot of metal left on the left side of the steering column after you do that, so I just cut it completely off on the right side. That will bring it down significantly from what you show in the picture.
Haha - yes, you're right... it's a Replica Parts part. I've ordered parts from a few places lately and got confused. Thanks - sounds like I need to do a little surgery to the filler panel.
Edit: I've updated my original post so as not to confuse others.
CDXXVII
06-23-2019, 11:32 PM
Probably wont help you much as this is not the replica parts panel and my mk4 is an earlier version. You do need to get below that bracket though.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=109463&d=1561350695
JohnK
06-23-2019, 11:42 PM
Thank you - that's very helpful.
-John
michael everson
06-24-2019, 05:37 AM
John. I would just cut the under dash filler off just to the right of the new steering block. It will fit much better and be at the proper height. I need to update my instructions to for this new change.
Mike
John, Just a note regarding the RT turn signal unit. You may already know that you can separate the hub from the shaft. I didn't, and it caused some real issues trying to get it in place after the dash was in, and the steering shaft was in place. With it separated, you can put the shaft part in place before you place the dash, and will have to trim the shaft opening a lot less. It's the large screw on the side of the hub. Just loosen it and it comes off the column portion.
JohnK
06-24-2019, 11:28 AM
Thanks, Mike and Rick. I appreciate the help!
-John
JohnK
06-24-2019, 08:22 PM
I think that did the trick. I cut off the part of the filler panel from the right edge of the steering bracket. Now I'm able to get the lower edge of the dash under that steering bracket, which drops it considerably. These photos show where the dash is sitting now, which is with the lower edge up tight to the bottom of the steering bracket. The dash can go down from here if needed, it just can't go up.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=109541&d=1561425277
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=109542&d=1561425277
JRL16
06-25-2019, 07:12 AM
I have the underdash panel on an older Mk4 with the vinyl dash. Really gives a lot of support to the dash. One thing I would recommend is cutting at least one access hole in it for possible future use. Good luck.
phileas_fogg
06-25-2019, 06:22 PM
Can't tell from your photos, but you're going to want the dash to go down such that at least 1/8"-3/16" of the dash hoop is showing at the ends.
John
Ducky2009
07-05-2019, 10:20 AM
Today I installed the Replica Parts underdash support/filler panel.......
John, I made a similar support for my MK4, only not as wide. Drove for about 4 months in gel coat and had a RT turn signal relay (purchased on ebay) go bad. I couldn't get to the relay... it was mounted on that panel, but on the inside. Luckily I had planned to remove the body for paint. With body removed, I removed the panel and bent the lip that was sitting on the 3" frame rail 90 degrees (and trimmed all but 3/4" off), used rivet nuts, and mounted it to the face of the 3" rail. Now it's removable if another relay fails. Sorry, don't have a pic
Not sure what you're covering up and what you might want to get to in the future.
cv2065
07-05-2019, 12:30 PM
John, I made a similar support for my MK4, only not as wide. Drove for about 4 months in gel coat and had a RT turn signal relay (purchased on ebay) go bad. I couldn't get to the relay... it was mounted on that panel, but on the inside. Luckily I had planned to remove the body for paint. With body removed, I removed the panel and bent the lip that was sitting on the 3" frame rail 90 degrees (and trimmed all but 3/4" off), used rivet nuts, and mounted it to the face of the 3" rail. Now it's removable if another relay fails. Sorry, don't have a pic
Not sure what you're covering up and what you might want to get to in the future.
That's a good idea and something I thought about before. I eventually decided not to use the under dash panel at all, but used 4 of the Breeze dash supports. Main reason was access. There are so many things that I can get to without it in the way with little effort in terms of removing anything.