Fuse Panel Mount Question

[Dondero14]

I installed the fuse panel today. While getting it lined up in place we were questioning what the tab in the corner pointing down is for or if it should just be trimmed off. The panel design is not reflected in any manuals from what I can see and is not like the design in the chassis wiring harness manual. I tried looking through some other build threads but couldn't pin point it out. My guess is that its the same panel used in the mk5 kit because it looks like those panels are mounted a little differently than in the mk4 (correct me if I'm wrong). I attached some pictures below. My guess is to just trim it off but I'd just like better clarification that its not for anything first before I do that.

Mark

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=223540&d=1767401781

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=223539&d=1767401781

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=223538&d=1767401781

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=223537&d=1767401781

[cv2065]

I always thought the fuse panel was just kinda hanging out in the breeze on that corner, so I secured it from that point. Makes it a bit sturdier. I don't recall that lip, but maybe I just trimmed it off. You just have to remember that additional fastening point when you move the fuse panel out of the way to mount the windshield. I used all rivnuts and screws for the other fastening points for ease of removal.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/239a0216-6f9e-4cc9-a0be-2ec53fb3e15d/fa08d56d-8b59-4a33-9256-8750c7ae64fa.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/239a0216-6f9e-4cc9-a0be-2ec53fb3e15d/fa08d56d-8b59-4a33-9256-8750c7ae64fa.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

[Dondero14]

I always thought the fuse panel was just kinda hanging out in the breeze on that corner, so I secured it from that point. Makes it a bit sturdier. I don't recall that lip, but maybe I just trimmed it off. You just have to remember that additional fastening point when you move the fuse panel out of the way to mount the windshield. I used all rivnuts and screws for the other fastening points for ease of removal.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/239a0216-6f9e-4cc9-a0be-2ec53fb3e15d/fa08d56d-8b59-4a33-9256-8750c7ae64fa.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds (https://hosting.photobucket.com/239a0216-6f9e-4cc9-a0be-2ec53fb3e15d/fa08d56d-8b59-4a33-9256-8750c7ae64fa.jpg?width=960&height=720&fit=bounds)

I like the idea of adding a bracket on the corner because I felt the same about it being a little flimsy without the rest supported. I'd figure its one of the components you'd want the least amount of vibration going through. Explain to me about having to remove the fuse panel for the windshield portion if you don't mind. I saw nothing of that in the manual and am not even close to that part in the build where I would investigate that yet. I ended up riveting the panel to the frame instead of self tappers because I figured the larger rivets would have a better bite and hold with the lack of support. If its worth swapping to rivnuts to install the fuse panel I'll def look into that.

[gbranham]

That looks different than my MkIV panel. Mine didn't have a tab like yours.

Greg

223551

[cv2065]

Explain to me about having to remove the fuse panel for the windshield portion if you don't mind. I saw nothing of that in the manual and am not even close to that part in the build where I would investigate that yet. I ended up riveting the panel to the frame instead of self tappers because I figured the larger rivets would have a better bite and hold with the lack of support. If its worth swapping to rivnuts to install the fuse panel I'll def look into that.


I'd say it's worth swapping out. There's not much space to align or install/uninstall the windshield frame bolts if you don't drop the fuse panel. If you ever have any issues down the road and want to swap a fuse or whatever, just makes things much more accessible. You could use rivnuts or just tap the tube. A little Loctite on the threads and its not going anywhere.

[gbranham]

You dont need to drop the fuse panel to install the windshield posts. Sure, it.might make access easier if you do, but it's not that difficult with the fuse panel in place. The time you'd save by not having the fuse panel in place is about that same time it would take to remove the fuse panel.

Greg

[Dondero14]

Thanks Greg for the info that it doesn't need to be dropped in order to get the windshield installed. Haha ever corner I take there is another thing in the build to watch out for. Scanning the forum for all this info is almost like having a part time job. I can't imagine the difference the second time around doing these builds are with you guys already having that tribal knowledge with the first time around. I like the idea cv2065 has about accessibility aspects with using the rivnuts. Its def something to think about with it easily accessible at the moment.

I know both you guys have mk4s so do you think the consensus is that I'm safe to snip that corner tab off?

[cv2065]

I know both you guys have mk4s so do you think the consensus is that I'm safe to snip that corner tab off?

Or just leave it and use the tab to secure the corner. Either way you’re fine.

[gbranham]

Or just leave it and use the tab to secure the corner. Either way you’re fine.

Agreed.

[Jeff_J.]

My two cents. I used 10-24 rivnuts to secure the fuse panel to the tubes as well as one in the fuse panel to secure the hanging edge like CV2065, the rivnut in the panel makes it easier to remove after the body is on. I've had to be back into the guts of the fuse panel a few times since it's been installed so having the ability to drop the panel has made that less complicated. I've removed the windshield a few times with the fuse box secured and a few times with the fuse panel dropped, IMO it's easier with the fuse panel dropped.
Not sure were you are in your build but I'll mention it just in case. If you are planning to add accessories like phone charger, seat warmers etc., you might want to include a power buss bar (like Blue Sea, for example), the RF fuse panel does not allow for much expansion, planning for the possibility for power now saves you tapping the back later.
The research is all part of the journey... Have fun!

[Jeff Kleiner]

You dont need to drop the fuse panel to install the windshield posts. Sure, it.might make access easier if you do, but it's not that difficult with the fuse panel in place. The time you'd save by not having the fuse panel in place is about that same time it would take to remove the fuse panel.

Greg

If you tap the windshield posts you can reach up and over the installed fuse panel to install and tighten the bolts. One handed job ;)

Jeff

[Dondero14]

My two cents. I used 10-24 rivnuts to secure the fuse panel to the tubes as well as one in the fuse panel to secure the hanging edge like CV2065, the rivnut in the panel makes it easier to remove after the body is on. I've had to be back into the guts of the fuse panel a few times since it's been installed so having the ability to drop the panel has made that less complicated. I've removed the windshield a few times with the fuse box secured and a few times with the fuse panel dropped, IMO it's easier with the fuse panel dropped.
Not sure were you are in your build but I'll mention it just in case. If you are planning to add accessories like phone charger, seat warmers etc., you might want to include a power buss bar (like Blue Sea, for example), the RF fuse panel does not allow for much expansion, planning for the possibility for power now saves you tapping the back later.
The research is all part of the journey... Have fun!

You hit the nail on the head. Yes I plan on doing heated seat and a usb/12 volt outlet and have been wondering the best way to run the wiring for that in addition to the wiring harness. I'll start checking out some of the power buss bars and some info other guys have put out there today so I can address alot of that with everything still pretty open. I'm at a good point where the work I plan to get done won't impact adding or adjusting things to better myself for down the line.

[Dondero14]

Greg and CV2065 good point I'll leave the tab and rivnut a bracket to it to stiffen the panel. Thanks you all for the great advise. I appreciate it.

[gbranham]

I have several pics of the bus bars I used. Check my build thread.

Greg

[rponfick]

If you tap the windshield posts you can reach up and over the installed fuse panel to install and tighten the bolts. One handed job ;)

Jeff

Jeff, did they change the windshield attachment bracket locations in the MK5. In looking at that area with the body not yet on, it appears one bolt hole can be accessed from the engine compartment, and one from behind the dash.
So, the question is can the windshield be installed easier in the MK5 over the MK4?

Thanks, Ralph