Blank dash concern

[Real Time]

Hi All,
I ordered the "blank" dash with my kit. Long story short I have both aluminum dashes.
I am sizing up the "blank" dash to decide on Layout.
It seemed odd to me that the drivers side of the dash extended further beyond the 3/4 tubing, then the right. (11-1/2" on DR. side and 8-1/2" on Pass. side).
So, I compared it to the dash with the KO's and the cut out for the Steering column on the is 1-1/2" less (from the dr. side edge) giving me the same 10" beyond the 3/4 tube on both sides.

Has anyone noticed this with the blank dash and is it a concern?

[gbranham]

I used a blank dash. I didn't even notice. I did, however, cut about 2 inches off the passenger side of mine, as recommended by the experts here.

[Jeff_J.]

I used the blank dash & trimmed the PS as well, there are different schools of thought on how to deal with the ends, attach them to the hinge as per manual or let them rest on the 2" tube. I left them hang on the tube myself. There is a lot of great ideas on dash layout & adding accessories, including how the wiring can be managed behind. Planning ahead on how it will all fit together, cutting the first hole was a little scary for me but it all worked out. Have fun.

[Real Time]

I used a blank dash. I didn't even notice. I did, however, cut about 2 inches off the passenger side of mine, as recommended by the experts here.

Thanks for the response. Makes me question even more if there was an error when they made the steering shaft hole because mine is shorter on the passenger side already..

[Real Time]

The Steering shaft hole on my blank is 18 inches as opposed to 16-1/2" on the one with full cut outs from drivers side edge.
Would you guys be able to get that measurement? You guys are saying you cut the passenger side down and mine looks kind of short already.
-I'll probablybe getting in touch with FFR, just always seems to ber kind of timley....lol

[Jeff_J.]

I measured my dash best I could based on my install. There will probably be minor differences in everyone's install. I measured the outside of my upholstered dash from where the 3/4" dash hoop ends following the curve of the dash to its end which rests on the top of the 2" chassis rail. On the DS I measured 8" on the PS 7". At the end of my measurement on the DS I have a 90 deg corner facing outward of about 1" of dash - not included in the 7" on the PS its a little less. You might find some have more metal than my measurement - it depends on the radius of the bend after the end of the hoop. I used clamps to hold the dash in place on the hoop when I was doing my layout I'm thinking you have done the same. Hope this helps..

[gbranham]

The Steering shaft hole on my blank is 18 inches as opposed to 16-1/2" on the one with full cut outs from drivers side edge.
Would you guys be able to get that measurement? You guys are saying you cut the passenger side down and mine looks kind of short already.
-I'll probablybe getting in touch with FFR, just always seems to ber kind of timley....lol

If you center the steering shaft cutout, and the rest of the dash aligns with the 3/4"dash hoop, then I wouldn't fixate on the end pieces being unequal lengths. You're not going to see them when the car is complete.

[Norm B]

I used a blank dash and had to trim both ends and the top along the drivers side. Not hard to do.
The drivers side top had to be trimmed so the bottom of the dash ran parallel with the 2x2 firewall cross frame. I did a full panel lower dash support and it looked wonky before the dash was trimmed.

Norm

[Real Time]

If you center the steering shaft cutout, and the rest of the dash aligns with the 3/4"dash hoop, then I wouldn't fixate on the end pieces being unequal lengths. You're not going to see them when the car is complete.

With the cutout centered on shaft and the bottom of dash level, the DS of the dash is 3/4" higher than the right.
The point where the natural curvature of the dash top takes a sharp turn downward on the passenger side, is 3-1/2 inches shy of the end of 3/4 tube.
Then it levels off again below that tube. (the tube should be supporting it here prior to making the bend on the ends.
-The DS will also need to be trimmed down 3/4" along the top edge.

I'm hoping to resolve this issue prior to an extra trial body on/off routine....lol
....Still waitning for a response from FFR, lol

[Jeff_J.]

Hmm, what your describing does sound odd. Before trimming anything I might suggest mounting the dash with clamps - "where it should be based on the manual instructions" and post some pictures - you know the saying about picture & 1,000 words...
The dash hoop can vary a bit, sometimes the 3/4" tube needs to be bent down a little to ensure the body rests on it correctly with clearance, this is covered in the manual so maybe you've looked at that already. Just for peace of mind I'd suggest taking some measurements and compare from side to side when you post the pictures. I'm sure there is a reason here which will be obvious at some point.

[Real Time]

Hmm, what your describing does sound odd. Before trimming anything I might suggest mounting the dash with clamps - "where it should be based on the manual instructions" and post some pictures - you know the saying about picture & 1,000 words...
The dash hoop can vary a bit, sometimes the 3/4" tube needs to be bent down a little to ensure the body rests on it correctly with clearance, this is covered in the manual so maybe you've looked at that already. Just for peace of mind I'd suggest taking some measurements and compare from side to side when you post the pictures. I'm sure there is a reason here which will be obvious at some point.

YES! It's mounted with clamps and I do have the pics. It's been a while since Ive uploaded any for this forum and I need to revisit how to do that. Meanwhile I did get a response from FFR, They want some pics as well. Sending them via Email is well within my goto abilities...lol.
-I very much appreciate all the help here, If I Don't resolve it with FFR I'll certainly be posting those pics well before I trim anything.
-Filling in the cutout and making a new one would be up on the list. It's apparent that the whole in the correct place allows everything to line up propperly.

[Real Time]

THANK YOU!
to all that commented- your combined posts made it clear to me something was amiss.
-Sent pics and after several emails back and fourth, FFR has concluded I likely somehow got a dash meant for a MARK 1 or 2.
-They are sending a new one.

Thanks again!!!
this forum rocks!!!!

[Jeff_J.]

Glad to hear it all worked out. happy building!!

[rich grsc]

After reading though this, that was my thought too, wrong dash.