MK5 Carbon dash layout

[Pizzman76]

Hello All!

I had a quick check on my dash layout before committing further to cutting the holes.

1. I didn't like the template setup for spedo placement. Between the steering wheel and turn signal stalk blocking the view, it seemed better suited to the RH of the tach. Any downstream issue anyone encountered moving to this position I'm not thinking of?
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2. The templated layout for the smaller gauges seems to have a potential issue with the center hoop support on MK5. The upper right-most gauge would either be very close or contact the support. I had to move all the gauges down and to the right to clear the hoop support, as well as provide clearance for my moved speedometer. (This is more of just a "heads-up for MK5 builders)
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3. I'm looking for best practice when positioning the dash onto the hoop. If I try to center the steering shaft perfectly, the dash runs over the top of the hoop on the outboard sides. However, if I move the dash down and bias the steering shaft to the upper side of the cutout, the dash falls almost 1/2 from the top of the hoop at the vehicle center. Should the dash go no higher than the top of the hoop? I can either trim the material overlap or drop the entire dash down. I just want to make sure the body covers this area well once installed.
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[JMD]

I don't have any knowledge of the MK5 layout so can't speak to that, but did want to affirm that the speedo to the left of the steering wheel is pretty much unusable. That's where mine is and it's a pain to check, even without a turn signal stalk. So much so that I usually determine my speed more by what rpm and gear I'm in than trying to check the speedo. (I've memorized what rpm cruising at 40, 50 & 75 read.) I'm so glad I put the tach to the right of the wheel as I look at that much more often than the speedo. I can't imagine having the tach on the left and trying to get a good shift when pulling toward redline. If I did it again I would do a custom dash that only had one or two smaller gauges to the left of the steering wheel and the speedo somewhere on the right kind of like you are doing.

[CDXXVII]

I never cared for the street dash layout so I modeled mine to compliment the original competition Cobras.

This is one of my favorite modifications. If you are interested I can send you a pdf. file with all the dimensions.

I am not 100% sure how it would look in carbon fiber and the extra center switch drop may not work out but just throwing it out there.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=218624&d=1563580292

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=218625&d=1552097702

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=218626&d=1319843873

[cadtdi]

Pizzaman - I do not have an FFR, I have a Unique BUT my dash layout is very similar to what you show in #2 of your initial post with the smaller gauges 2-up, 3-down. I really don't care for that layout at all. My tach is to the right of the wheel, but is partially obscured.

What CDXXVII shows in that dash layout is a really nice layout that I would likely copy if I redid my dash :)

I think the true Cobra comp cars had the steering wheel spokes off-center to be able to see the gauges at a glance since it was not important for looks that the steering wheel be centered.

[95050JohnR]

CDXXVII - Love your dash layout. PM sent to request a copy of the pdf.

[Pizzman76]

I never cared for the street dash layout so I modeled mine to compliment the original competition Cobras.

This is one of my favorite modifications. If you are interested I can send you a pdf. file with all the dimensions.



Thanks! I actually spent some time yesterday in the seat moving sketches around and finalized the initial cuts last night. I'm now committed to my concept! Ironically, I was very close to doing something similar by moving the oil & water gauges to the top LH side as well. It's a nice layout as well.

[Blitzboy54]

I went with a comp style but had to make some mods because the gauges are so big. I also planned it with a different steering wheel, this one blocks my view to the start button. I prioritized anything I need to see to the right.

Can't tell from the pic but I can see the fuel gauge quite clearly.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=211579&d=1742245113

[F500guy]

+1 on Comp style dash, important gauges easy to read. Make sure to map out space from frame bits, nearly disaster for me. Also for the MK4 template, the steering shaft hole location was not correct, hopefully corrected on the MK5, but if they use the same template....
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[TrackDay17]

I've got a question concerning gauges and this subject of gauge placement.
On my upcoming build I've put some thought into an idea I have.

Has anyone thought of doing dual gauge combinations ? Speedhut has ones with water temp/ oil pressure and another with fuel level and voltage.
My thought is combining those and possibly adding an oil temp gauge would free up dash space for a more unobstructed view.

Anyone done it ? open to comments and suggestions as to if it would work.

[F500guy]

I think it would be a good choice. See no reason it would not work. I did eye those when I was looking at oil temp gauge, but I was to deep in the as delivered and more period looking.

[Blitzboy54]

There is a guy recently who did this on his build. Used two 4” gauges that had everything integrated. I can’t remember his handle but he did a very modified MK4 with a front end exhaust. Painted it a coffee color. Not a lot to go on but his build was spectacular and he used muti use gauges.

[TrackDay17]

There is a guy recently who did this on his build. Used two 4” gauges that had everything integrated. I can’t remember his handle but he did a very modified MK4 with a front end exhaust. Painted it a coffee color. Not a lot to go on but his build was spectacular and he used muti use gauges.

Thanks, I remember that build now, his YouTube channel is Random Werks, I recalled it when you described the car.

His is a little too modern even for my tastes but he did an excellent job and build.

I'm considering 2 5/8's inch gauges, one with water temp and oil pressure in one and another with a fuel gauge and voltage.
Then just a standalone oil temp gauge and a 4 inch speedo and a 4 inch tachometer.

[JayOH]

There is a guy recently who did this on his build. Used two 4” gauges that had everything integrated. I can’t remember his handle but he did a very modified MK4 with a front end exhaust. Painted it a coffee color. Not a lot to go on but his build was spectacular and he used muti use gauges.

AA-ron is the user you are thinking of, he posts here and also has a series of videos on YouTube

@TrackDay17 I ended up buying a dual speedometer/fuel gauge from speedhut to make room for an oil temp gauge. Used the custom artwork option too.

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[TrackDay17]

AA-ron is the user you are thinking of, he posts here and also has a series of videos on YouTube

@TrackDay17 I ended up buying a dual speedometer/fuel gauge from speedhut to make room for an oil temp gauge. Used the custom artwork option too.

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I hadn't considered that, another thing to think about !
Nice looking gauge.

[JayOH]

I hadn't considered that, another thing to think about !
Nice looking gauge.

And since I was ordering direct from Speedhut anyway I did 4-1/2” tach and speedo, left the other gauges at 2-1/16”. Not as big as Jesse went (think he opted for 5”) but still a little more visibility on the main gauges