Dashboard layout

[JohnK]

I'm starting to work on laying out my dash. Before I get too deep into where everything goes, I want to start by ID'ing what I want on the dash and under the dash. I've compiled the following lists of what I think I need on the dash and under the dash, and would love feedback to make sure I'm not missing something important. Also attached is my napkin-sketch layout of how I think I might lay out the dash (gauges are the Speedhut vintage gauges).

Regarding the under-dash content, I've read that several people have wired up switches to cut off ignition and fuel pump, as well as to be able to manually turn on the cooling fan. Those of you that have these items, have you found them to be useful? They sound cool but I honestly don't know when I'd really use them. If they're primarily meant as theft deterrents, I'm thinking of a couple of other ways I'd accomplish that. First, I'm installing a battery cutoff. Secondly, I'm also installing the Digital Guard Dawg keyless ignition system, which has the ability to turn off circuits when the key fob isn't present, so I'm wondering if I really need these three switches.

Thanks,
John

Rough dash layout:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=131411&d=1594164024

On the dash:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=131410&d=1594164013

Under dash:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=131409&d=1594164004

[Al_C]

Out of curiosity - why do you want a "fan on" indicator light? You can clearly hear the fan when it is on. The coyote pcm does a good job of controlling it, so I'm curious why you would want to override it as well.

[JohnK]

Both great questions. I do know that the Gen2 Coyote is notorious for running the fan nearly continuously so I was thinking of installing the Maradyne PWM fan controller as described in this thread (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?34158-Two-stage-cooling-fan-controller) to make it behave more like it should, but I really don't know why I'd ever need to manually override it, or to have a light showing me when it's on. I've seen that some folks have installed them so I was wondering what the reasoning is behind them, and whether they've proven to be useful.

[Gordon Levy]

I have a program for that dash. Send me a blank and I can have my waterjet guys pop it out for you.

[rich grsc]

A couple of observations, you don't want any switches behind the steering wheel. Your headlight switch looks like it will very close to being behind the wheel. Also with the location of the speedometer it will be hard to see both the high-low beam indicator, and the turn indicators lights. I would swap the wiper and hazard switches, you will not want to hit the hazards if you turn on the wipers.
I use the completion dash setup and I like it better than the standard gauge layout.

[AC Bill]

I have a fan indicator light. I can't hear my fan running unless I'm sitting at a stop sign, at an idle.

I located my hazard switch, gauge dimmer/courtesy lights, and power outlet under the center of the dash, You tend not to use them very much. You might find that's a good spot for the seat heater switches as well.

On dash
Indicator light wise, I have two t/signal lights, high beam, alternator, manual fan, E-brake, and driving lights.
Switch wise, I have horn, ignition, headlight, t/signal, driving lights, cooling fan, footbox cooling fan, wipers, heater control.
Gauges, same as yours less the clock

[MPTech]

Almost joking, I need an indicator to remind me to turn my headlights off and a big red flashing light to remind me to take my keys out of my pocket before I sit down and buckle up!

I installed my seat heater and hazard switches under the dash to keep it more period correct and reduce the number of switches on the dash. I also installed my horn button at 2:00, so I can press it with my index finger and don’t have to look down or take my hand off of the wheel.

[AC Bill]

Almost joking, I need a big red flashing light to remind me to take my keys out of my pocket before I sit down and buckle up!

Now that is a great idea!..lol I've been frustrated more then once trying to fish the keys out of my pocket, with my finger-tips, because I had already snuggled down into the seat..

[Avalanche325]

I have a chime that tells my my headlights are on when my ignition is off. Easy to forget in these days of automatic headlights.

I would hate a "fan on" light. I have an override switch just in case. I'll probably never need it. But when the temp gauge is going up is a bad time to find out that you do.

Like AC Bill, I have most of my stuff on an under dash panel. Garage door openers, radar detector controls, hazard lights, odo reset, O2 sensor unit, seat heaters, USB, power port, heater vents are all under there. Heater controls are in the glove box.

On the dash: headlights, ignition, horn, fan over-ride, wipers, dr and pass fresh air fans, warning lights. Simple an clean.

[AC Bill]

I would hate a "fan on" light. I have an override switch just in case. I'll probably never need it. But when the temp gauge is going up is a bad time to find out that you do.

It's not on whenever the thermo switch turns the fan on. The light only comes on, when I use the manual override switch. Otherwise, as I said, I can't normally hear the fan running, and I don't want the engine running to cool, so it reminds me.

[Avalanche325]

It's not on whenever the thermo switch turns the fan on. The light only comes on, when I use the manual override switch. Otherwise, as I said, I can't normally hear the fan running, and I don't want the engine running to cool, so it reminds me.

That sounds better.

[Fixit]

Take a look here... (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?27544-The-40-Watt-Garage-9365-Setting-Ride-Height&p=344109&viewfull=1#post344109)

I chose a "modified" SC dash layout as well.
I also went "minimalist", and don't have warning or indicator lights for anything that's not absolutely critical. (I've got too many friends who spend waaaayyy too much time fretting over a gauge twitching, or a lamp flickering instead of just driving the damn thing!) If it's really broke, you'll know!

One of the best things I did was take my gauges, lay them on a photocopier, and zap 'em. Cut them out and tape them to your dash panel.
Mock up the seat & steering wheel, climb in, make the obligatory vrooom vrooom noises, and physically check your sight-lines.

Then, have a non-biased party (Mrs. Fixit in my case), climb in and (without prompting) have them critique your choices....

132221