Carbon Fiber Dash... How rigid is it?

[Blitzboy54]

I am considering a carbon fiber dash in my next build. I have to be a little creative as NY requires a "padded dash" I have some ideas but the last one might be making a jenky cover to get through the inspection process. Anyway to all you carbon fiber folks, one thing I don't love about the FFR dash is it feels flimsy. I reached out to FFmetals to see if he would make a thicker one and was told no. So I may fuse 2 together. When I operated my heater (pulled the cable to open the valve) the dash would flex. I really wasn't a fan. I can also add some more lower supports.

What is your take on the CF dash? Particularity if you have run both. I would love to hear about your experience.


Thanks

Jesse

[65 Cobra Dude]

I would, and have done adding FFR dash support pieces and it’s solid as a rock.

Henry

[cv2065]

To me the CF dash is more stout than plastic padded one that I had last time. You can also trim it if necessary which wasn't possible before. Well, you 'could' but not recommended. You're right though. Just pulling my headlight switch in that plastic padded dash made it flex a little. Always felt kind of cheap even with a few supports. If I were ever to use that dash again, I would definitely use Everson's under dash panel like I'm doing this time. That said, if you want a metal dash that is thicker, Brown County Customs might be able to help out.

That NY padded requirement is bizarre.

[Blitzboy54]

That NY padded requirement is bizarre.

Truer words have never been spoken.

[rich grsc]

Technically the dash is the area behind the windshield. The area with the gauges is the instrument panel.

[Lidodrip]

While I don't have experience with the standard aluminum dash, I can say that the carbon fiber panel is rock solid with just two 2" wide support brackets on the bottom edge. The other quality I like about the carbon fiber dash is how the buttons, switches and gauges mount without any dimpling that you see with the padded covered dashes. I think you mentioned that you were considering using digital gauges with this build - the carbon fiber dash would be a good aesthetic fit for digital gauges.

James

[Blitzboy54]

While I don't have experience with the standard aluminum dash, I can say that the carbon fiber panel is rock solid with just two 2" wide support brackets on the bottom edge. The other quality I like about the carbon fiber dash is how the buttons, switches and gauges mount without any dimpling that you see with the padded covered dashes. I think you mentioned that you were considering using digital gauges with this build - the carbon fiber dash would be a good aesthetic fit for digital gauges.

James

I am considering it. I have been playing around with some digital mock ups and the issue I am running into is this. The digital dash when the car is running is pretty cool. A 12 inch screen basically takes up the entire center of the INSTRUMENT PANEL (thanks Rich). If you incorporate say a backup camera it really ends up being unique. BUT (there is always a but) when the car is off it's a big blank tv screen in the middle of the car. It looks weird, worse it looks like a Tesla. One of the other issues is all the displays when they startup brand themselves so you get a big autometer logo across your screen or whatever. I haven't given up. There are some custom dash people I reached out to I am hoping will help create something. Part of what makes the car fun is looking at it while it's parked, the LCD dash is working against that.


Individual digital gauges might be the move. I am still working on it.

[cv2065]

One thing to consider too is that if you aren't planning on a top, a digital screen will be really hard to see most times in the sunlight. I thought about doing one in a Whitby's style box with speakers but decided against it. Plus, if you have a mid-shift kit installed (like me), it doesn't leave much room for that.

[AtlantaCobra]

200646 Here is mine. Upgraded from the padded dash to the Carbon Fiber and love it. With solid mounting and maybe an additional support, it's rock solid.
I also went with a "clean" look and got rid of all the switches. Don't even have a key anymore.

[cv2065]

200646 Here is mine. Upgraded from the padded dash to the Carbon Fiber and love it. With solid mounting and maybe an additional support, it's rock solid.
I also went with a "clean" look and got rid of all the switches. Don't even have a key anymore.

Looks great. How did you fasten the dash?

[Blitzboy54]

That is a clean look. Just like Chris would love to know how you chose to mount it and also what key system did you use? Did you just hide it underneath or go to a fob?

[AtlantaCobra]

That is a clean look. Just like Chris would love to know how you chose to mount it and also what key system did you use? Did you just hide it underneath or go to a fob?

It's actually mounted under the dash with just four attachment points. And then a support at the bottom middle going to the firewall.
The ignition is now an ignition on/off button and a start button. When I park the car in public, I just take the red master cutoff key with me. No regular keys or fob.

[cv2065]

It's actually mounted under the dash with just four attachment points. And then a support at the bottom middle going to the firewall.
The ignition is now an ignition on/off button and a start button. When I park the car in public, I just take the red master cutoff key with me. No regular keys or fob.

Thanks. Any pics?