Center Dash Support

[txboiler]

I have the factory five center dash support. I have located it per the factory five instructions (approximately 5.75 inches from the fwd firewall). I have the dash located per the instructions (and attached photos). I can not position the dash any higher as the speedometer gage will not clear the body (I purchased the standard dash with the complete kit)

The result I am having is that there is no room left for material on the dash or the transmission cover, because of the tight fit of the center support. If I angle the top of the support towards the rear I can gain approximately 1/4” total clearance. In doing so part of the support sticks past the dash by approximately 3/8”.

172115

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172118

I want to us the center support; but I also am ready to move on and modify/make a custom support later.

Does anyone have photos of the final install and a dimension from the bottom of the dash to the top of the transmission tunnel?

[Papa]

A couple of thoughts for you. First, are you sure the body is sitting where it will be when the car is finished? It could sit up a 1/4" higher once all the bulb seals are in place. Second, have you trimmed the cowl roll yet? You want it a bit off the dash after it's covered or the body will wear the covering off.

[txboiler]

A couple of thoughts for you. First, are you sure the body is sitting where it will be when the car is finished? It could sit up a 1/4" higher once all the bulb seals are in place. Second, have you trimmed the cowl roll yet? You want it a bit off the dash after it's covered or the body will wear the covering off.

Dash is trimmed and bulb seal are on the firewall. If the cowl roll trimming is referencing the underside of the body edge that touches the dash, yes that has been trimmed.

[JohnK]

The first couple of photos would indicate that the dash needs to come down in order to fit the speedo. Do you have any photos of the dash placement without the body on, specifically the corners of the dash relative to the dash hoop. The corners of the dash should be ~3/16" below the top of the 3/4" tube. I'd get that sorted, and get the speedo fitting properly before worrying about the center support.

[txboiler]

John K. I don’t believe I have any photos of the dash without the body. The dash did have 3/16 so I believe it is in the right position, bringing it down would make the center support fitment worse.

[Blitzboy54]

Do you have the bulb seal along the back behind the seat as well? I am not sure that would make enough difference but from the photos you posted something doesn't look right. I agree it's almost like your body isn't sitting high enough. Theoretically if the back comes up it would lift the front cowl with it.


Behind the seat and along the back rails.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=152822&d=1630208684


My steering shaft is centered and I have plenty of room for the gage. I don't have any close ups but you can see the clearance there.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=171292&d=1660933118

[txboiler]

Blitzboy54...I have the bulb seal in the same as you have in your photos. The gage is one concern, but the other concern I have is related to the center dash support. If I don't use the center dash support I can fit the dash per the instructions and the gage will be fine (although the steering shaft is then almost at the top of the slot in the dash. I do have 1 or 2 washers under the bearing support). It is almost like my center dash support is too big or at the wrong angle.

Can you verify the distance from the bottom of your dash to the top of the transmission tunnel panel for me?

[JohnK]

John K. I don’t believe I have any photos of the dash without the body. The dash did have 3/16 so I believe it is in the right position, bringing it down would make the center support fitment worse.

I understand what you're saying about the center support fitment, but can't really provide any insight on that as I didn't install one. However, it seems to me unless you're planning to patch the hole for the speedo to move the gauge, you first need to figure out how to lower the dash to get the gauge to fit. Keep in mind that there's a mounting ring on the back of the speedo that needs to clear the 3/4" tube, so the dash appears to need to come down quite a bit to fit the gauge plus it's mounting ring. All talk about the body, dash support, etc. are secondary to getting your dash and gauges to fit around the hoop. The only other option is to get a new blank dash and cut your gauge holes wherever you want them to put the dash height where you need it in order to fit the center support.

[mburger]

In the first photo it appears the one large gauge is very close to the body at the top but also sits right on the radius of the dash bend. I don’t know how you are going to get the locking ring on the back of the gauge turned in to secure the gauge while sitting right on the Apex of the bend. Apologies that this is not center support related but it is potentially a more critical piece than the center support at this point in the build.

[DW66]

I mounted my dash support with the dash support flange on the inside of the dash lower lip aluminum. This will allow you to pull the dash down a little. I also cut the lower middle brace out of the support that normally sits on the carpet. A little cleaner look in my opinion.

[DW66]

I can get you a measurement tonight.172207

[Blitzboy54]

I can get you a measurement tonight.172207

Same, get a couple data points

[Jeff Kleiner]

Do you have the bulb seal along the back behind the seat as well? I am not sure that would make enough difference but from the photos you posted something doesn't look right. I agree it's almost like your body isn't sitting high enough. Theoretically if the back comes up it would lift the front cowl with it.




FYI, the bulb seal does NOT get installed along the top of the cockpit rear wall.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=79011&d=1515679869

Putting it there will prevent the body from dropping far enough and cause issues with the door fit.

Jeff

[Blitzboy54]

If I measure straight down from the edge of the dash to the trans cover (not at the same angle as the dash but vertically level) it's 7 1/8 inches. I do have foam and leather on cover and it sits a little proud so I would guess it's closer to 7 3/8 without the upholstery

[txboiler]

Blitzboy52....thanks!