Mk5 fuse box location

[dr-sicel]

I realized the standard place is right under the MCs in the driver’s foot box.

I believe there’d be space and I don’t believe it’d cause interference with your feet, spec if it’s set back a little, I think there is clearance given the extra space afforded by the outer footbox aluminum.

That said, wondering if there’d be issues with mounting the fuse box as shown in the pictures. Seems it’d provide ready access, without interference with your feet.

The pics shows it protruding 3/4” inch or so - but I would set it back a little to make it as flush as possible.
Thoughts?

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[edwardb]

The Mk5 frame is almost exactly the same as the Gen3 Coupe. Including in this area. What I can tell you since we've driven our Gen3 Coupe for five seasons now is: (1) The "standard" location doesn't interfere with anything. Your knees, feet, whatever. I understand the concern with the MC's being directly above. But hasn't been a problem for me with multiple builds in that location. Obviously wouldn't be good if the MC's are leaking. But at that point you've got bigger issues. (2) The area you're proposing is what I use as a "dead pedal" and rest my foot there while driving. I'm expecting my Mk5 to be the same. I personally wouldn't want to give that up or take the chance at kicking the fuse panel even if there is enough room below it. My take FWIW.

[dr-sicel]

That is a very good point about the ‘dead pedal’ - I had noticed there otherwise is no space for your left foot when not shifting. I’ll investigate that a bit more.
I know most put it in the ‘recommended’ location under the MCs. I don’t have issue with that except for the MCs above. I don’t want to move it to the other side which some apparently do, other stuff needs to go there, plus I don’t want to redo all the harness to make it work.

[rickster991]

Just build a cover for it if you are worried.

[JMD]

As there have been issues with water leaking from the windshield support opening onto the fusebox in this location, I simply taped a piece of heavy plastic over the top of the fusebox to shed any water (or brake fluid) that might drip down. The only issue I've had with the standard location is it makes reaching the windshield support and side mirror bolts/nuts really tricky. But dropping the panel to do that is pretty easy. Just leave enough slack in the wires to move it out of the way after removing the mounting screws.

[edwardb]

As there have been issues with water leaking from the windshield support opening onto the fusebox in this location, I simply taped a piece of heavy plastic over the top of the fusebox to shed any water (or brake fluid) that might drip down. The only issue I've had with the standard location is it makes reaching the windshield support and side mirror bolts/nuts really tricky. But dropping the panel to do that is pretty easy. Just leave enough slack in the wires to move it out of the way after removing the mounting screws.

The windshield mounting on the Mk5 is different. Both sides are accessible from the top. Not even sure you could reach them from underneath.

[dr-sicel]

Thanks all - I’ll probably stick with the normal location and fashion some sort of cover.

[JMD]

The windshield mounting on the Mk5 is different. Both sides are accessible from the top. Not even sure you could reach them from underneath.

I'm still not used to having to check to see if the builder is building a Mk4 or Mk5! ;)

[RobHartley]

I am not sure whether I will use this location, but the build school recommended putting it on the back side of the bar, though this may get in the way of heating ducts and vents if you're using them
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[Pete&Scott]

Rob: Thanks for posting. I like that placement. Keeps the fuse box away from potential brake fluid leaks, makes the upper pedal box less congested, and makes it easier to get to fuses. I don't plan to add any ducts or vents. Wondering why this isn't an FFR recommended placement location.

[edwardb]

I am not sure whether I will use this location, but the build school recommended putting it on the back side of the bar, though this may get in the way of heating ducts and vents if you're using them
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Rob: Thanks for posting. I like that placement. Keeps the fuse box away from potential brake fluid leaks, makes the upper pedal box less congested, and makes it easier to get to fuses. I don't plan to add any ducts or vents. Wondering why this isn't an FFR recommended placement location.

Whether or not you're installing ducts or vents, that location is often used for a dash support. Typically self fabricated since the Mk5 kit only has two small supports toward the middle of the dash. Once you install the dash, you'll probably find out why additional support is good. Also a good place to mount a footwell light.

My perspective on this subject FWIW and then I'll drop it. My first build, a Mk3, had a donor footbox with the MC on the front of the footbox. When I received my first Mk4 build with the Wilwood pedal box, I immediately had the same concern about the MC's being directly above the fuse panel. I messed around way too long trying to make a shield over the fuse panel. But in the end realized is was far too irregular and anything I came up with wouldn't do much if the worst happened. Since then, with multiple builds having the same configuration and fuse panel location, I've decided the risk is very low. Assuming you get the connections on the front the MC's and the reservoirs installed properly, they're not going to leak. MC's do fail (not going to get into that discussion here...) but typically they fail internally and don't leak. If they do leak fluid out, it's usually into the rubber boot and not huge amounts. In my experience over 15 years and thousands of miles, I had one that leaked a few drops into the boot and that's been it. My biggest failure mode was actually water getting in from the windshield post area. Discovered after I had a couple fan relays fail. Now not as common since solid state relays are more the norm. But easily prevented with a bead of silicone sealant around the posts. Which I learned about the hard way.

I've been following this forum almost the entire time I've been in the hobby. Forum members are typically quick to report failures. I don't remember a single instance of a fluid dump into the fuse panel. Like I said, MC's fail but not typically in that way. Most of the discussion about placing the fuse panel elsewhere is because builders think the usual location is hard to access or somehow in the way. I haven't found that to be the case and in actual experience assuming all is good isn't accessed very often. I also find the harness wiring slightly better located there. In my opinion, up on the diagonal tube has the least negatives and works for all configurations. Perhaps that's why Factory Five shows it there. No disrespect to the build school guys. There's no one way to build these things. As we often say, build it your way. Good luck whatever you do.

[rich grsc]

BUT, everyone thinks they can re-invent a better wheel. :rolleyes:

[dr-sicel]

Interesting- well, I’m still considering based on the recent thoughts, all of which I appreciate.

I am installing the FF-supplied optional HVAC - I haven’t studied where the vents will go so I don’t know at this point what will or won’t interfere.

Side note: I am prepping the engine install - in the pic you can see I bought the FF-AT Gen IV coyote - which came on their stand. Also their chain and lift points - I’ve watched a number of videos and such but haven’t seen one with this mounting configuration.

Thinking I might remove the chain that came with the leveler and connect the FF-chain and, or v.v., but need to have enough slack to have the engine turn one way or another. Even at full extension, having the mounts reach their intended destination seems dicey.
… I have not done this part before so thoughts and safety pointers much appreciated!!

Thanks in advance 225324225323