Carbon Fiber Dash

[bluse]

A couple questions regarding the new carbon fiber dash provided with the 25th anniversary kit and available from the parts department.
1. What type of hole saw / cutter did you use to cut the gauge and toggle holes in the dash?
2. Any special fitting or mounting methods used?
3. Does the carbon fiber dash fit on the hoop the same as the other FF5 dashes?
4. Any other comments or suggestions before I start installation would be appreciated.

I have searched and didn't find much on the carbon fiber dash.

Thanks

[Otee453]

I just started installing the carbon dash on a new build. I cut the gauge holes with a 2” and a 3-¼” hole saws (Milwaukee brand) chucked in a cordless drill. I planned to use the drill press if the hand drill didn’t work well. Drill press wasn’t necessary.

I cut from the front side, using blue masking tape on the surface to provide minor surface protection. A moderate to slow speed on the drill worked best. I used a dremel with a sanding drum to clean up the holes and open them up just a bit for the gauges to fit well.

The aluminum template has numerous burrs on the laser cuts. I took an orbital air sander to the entire surface to make it nice and smooth and not scratch the heck out of the pretty carbon fiber face.

Building the glove box now. That’s fun. Not exactly difficult, just tedious and a PIA. Take your time and it’s not so bad. Of course, I haven’t finished it yet, so maybe it’s a total disaster for me. Lol

[Bill_VA]

Be careful cutting/working with carbon fiber. You do NOT want to breathe in the dust. At a minimum, wear a good mask. Better yet, wear a respirator. I took my drill press outside on my patio, used safety glasses and wore a respirator.

[bluse]

Thanks for the info Otee453 & Bill_VA.

[nucjd19]

I am following along as well. Getting close to starting to mock up my carbon dash and drill holes.

[bluse]

I am preparing the dash for the gauge and switch layout. The FF5 carbon fiber dash has a unique center bottom are for the switches etc. Would like to see layouts that others have done with the carbon dash. If possible if you have the carbon fiber already cut and installed would you mind posting pictures of what you came up with?
Thanks

[nucjd19]

I am preparing the dash for the gauge and switch layout. The FF5 carbon fiber dash has a unique center bottom are for the switches etc. Would like to see layouts that others have done with the carbon dash. If possible if you have the carbon fiber already cut and installed would you mind posting pictures of what you came up with?
Thanks
I decided to lay it out based on the FFR template. I wanted the less is more look and it fit the bill. BY THE WAY, CF dust is some nasty stuff. Mask, eye protection and gloves are a must. I itched for days after even though I wore gloves, dust still got on my arms.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=140848&d=1610932679
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=142022&d=1612485306

[EK1965]

When I lay the dash against the hoop the center is about 3/8" below the top of the hoop when the outboard sides are flush with the top. Did anyone have this issue? If yes, did you bring the center up and trim the outboard flush or just leave it? I am worried that the gap in the middle might be visible if I don't. Thanks, Earl

[Ted G]

When I lay the dash against the hoop the center is about 3/8" below the top of the hoop when the outboard sides are flush with the top. Did anyone have this issue? If yes, did you bring the center up and trim the outboard flush or just leave it? I am worried that the gap in the middle might be visible if I don't. Thanks, Earl

I have the same issue and hoping this isn't an issue as I already plotted/drilled out my fasteners on the dash. Here is my layout, you can see the drop from the hoop:

173419
173420

[EK1965]

same here, did you drop a install tab below the hoop?

173424

[Lidodrip]

You might want to check out this thread about the CF dash alignment: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?43726-Setting-Carbon-Fiber-Dash-for-Roadster

[EK1965]

You might want to check out this thread about the CF dash alignment: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?43726-Setting-Carbon-Fiber-Dash-for-Roadster

Thanks Lidodrip, looks like just below in center which translates to just above mid way out on both DS and PS. I guess worst case I can sand it back flush if there is interference and still provides enough material for the screw.

[32J]

I went with the 3M locking tape at certain spots along the hoop, but I ended up needing 3 screws anyway (one in each corner, and then the center). I have the heater / defrost unit, and I modified the glove box to still fit. Space behind the dash is tight, and with all the ducting, there was enough outward pressure that the 3M adhesive on the locking tabs wouldn't hold to my satisfaction. I fabricated a center brace made of 3/4" square tube to provide additional support the dash and to also brace the firewall a bit. The brace fits nicely between the smaller gauges.

173429173430173431

With the chassis level, and the bottom of the dash level, the top of the dash is not symmetrical to the dash hoop. I also found that I had to file a notch on the bottom of the right hand side where it tucks towards the door hinge. Without the notch, the dash may have been more flush with the top of the hoop, but the bottom of the dash would not have been level or square with the chassis (at least in my case).

[EK1965]

I went with the 3M locking tape at certain spots along the hoop, but I ended up needing 3 screws anyway (one in each corner, and then the center). I have the heater / defrost unit, and I modified the glove box to still fit. Space behind the dash is tight, and with all the ducting, there was enough outward pressure that the 3M adhesive on the locking tabs wouldn't hold to my satisfaction. I fabricated a center brace made of 3/4" square tube to provide additional support the dash and to also brace the firewall a bit. The brace fits nicely between the smaller gauges.

173429173430173431

With the chassis level, and the bottom of the dash level, the top of the dash is not symmetrical to the dash hoop. I also found that I had to file a notch on the bottom of the right hand side where it tucks towards the door hinge. Without the notch, the dash may have been more flush with the top of the hoop, but the bottom of the dash would not have been level or square with the chassis (at least in my case).

Thanks for the notes. I have the same install constraints including the heater hoses and am working on a panel that separates uses ie harness and hoses between panel and firewall then relays, power bus and dash harness in front. Its gonna be busy in there! I am waiting to install the dash support but there is already interference between the dash ends and the door hinges so its difficult to finalize minimum clearances. BTW like the black bezels on the gauges.