Thoughts on gauge/switch layout for Casey Design modular dash

[Martin]

8466
Click the picture to enlarge

I have a RHD version of the Casey Design Products dash. I'm about put plonk down the cash for the speedhut gauges.

http://www.speedhut.com/custom_gauge_description-gauge_type-Kit-auto_number-872.htm

What else goes in all the holes? And where would you put them. In the interest of clarity, I've tried to give the wholes labels A-N. Would you keep the gauges as I have marked them?

Any help appreciated. It seems like a whole lot of holes.

Martin

ps. I still havent' seen my dash in person, it is in a box in PA.

[mcwho]

I am wondering what the holes to the left of the steering column are for? and ...

I would swap the locations for the Speedo and Tach of you are planning any track days...

[Martin]

We are planning track days.

Like you, I have no idea what some of the other wholes are for. I am assuming indicator lights, headlights etc. As for the ones to the left - I have no idea.

Is this a competition dash? I bought it because a) it looks good and b) the modular nature of it means it must be easier to work on inside the house.

Anyone?

Martin

[riptide motorsport]

one of the holes to the left can be used for oil temp. the other can hold an amp meter or a clock.

[Martin]

So this must be the competition dash then? I can't imagine most cars would need an oil and amp meter on them for the street?

[MPTech]

Just for clarity, you stated you are running a RHD, so I'm assuming you plan to reverse all of the gauges(?)

Your layout shows 6 small gauges, and the Speedhut set you linked to shows 4. (Are you going to add 2 more gauges?)

For what it's worth, Speedhut sells a Legacy / Cobra gauge set with the reverse Speedo (with or without GPS) and includes 5 small gauges.
Kits Gauge - Legacy Cobra 427 Gauge Kit (4inch 180 mph Speedo, tach, 2in water, oil, volts, fuel lev, oil temp) (http://www.speedhut.com/custom_gauge_description-gauge_type-Kit-auto_number-782.htm)

btw, they are on sale until the end of the month!

I just ordered my gauges this week: What Speedhut Gauges did you order? (http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/287883-what-sppedhut-guages-did-you-order.html)

Here's what I ordered:
Legacy Cobra 427 Gauge Kit (4inch 180 mph Speedo, tach with shift, 2inch water, oil, volts, fuel lev, oil temp) (http://www.speedhut.com/custom_gauge_description-gauge_type-Kit-auto_number-786.htm)
Part #-GLS-COBRAKIT-06
• Black dial // White font(Reverse Cobalt Blue Glow)
• Font Style = Century
• Graphics = NONE
• Logo= Cobra Snake, only on Speedo and Tach (+ $10)
• Pointer = Red (Glows Red)
• Bezel = Legacy Classic Chrome
• delete the word "Legacy" (+ $25)
• GPS Speedo upgrade (+ $55)

:revs:
total $807.80

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[CraigS]

Looks like a comp dash to me. You want the tach behind the steering wheel rotated so that, at your shift point, the needle straight up. You don't want to be trying to read numbers,just a quick glance at the position of the needle. Also put the oil pressure and water temp on the other side of the steering wheel. Again, rotate them so normal reading has the needle straight up.Those two are the most important as far as a problem happening fairly quickly. Volts,oil temp,fuel are less important.

[rich grsc]

So I'll ask the dumb question. Why would you buy a custom made dash, and not know what the holes where for, am I missing something?

[Martin]

Well spotted. I changed my order.

Martin



Just for clarity, you stated you are running a RHD, so I'm assuming you plan to reverse all of the gauges(?)

Your layout shows 6 small gauges, and the Speedhut set you linked to shows 4. (Are you going to add 2 more gauges?)

For what it's worth, Speedhut sells a Legacy / Cobra gauge set with the reverse Speedo (with or without GPS) and includes 5 small gauges.
Kits Gauge - Legacy Cobra 427 Gauge Kit (4inch 180 mph Speedo, tach, 2in water, oil, volts, fuel lev, oil temp) (http://www.speedhut.com/custom_gauge_description-gauge_type-Kit-auto_number-782.htm)

btw, they are on sale until the end of the month!

I just ordered my gauges this week: What Speedhut Gauges did you order? (http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/287883-what-sppedhut-guages-did-you-order.html)

Here's what I ordered:
Legacy Cobra 427 Gauge Kit (4inch 180 mph Speedo, tach with shift, 2inch water, oil, volts, fuel lev, oil temp) (http://www.speedhut.com/custom_gauge_description-gauge_type-Kit-auto_number-786.htm)
Part #-GLS-COBRAKIT-06
• Black dial // White font(Reverse Cobalt Blue Glow)
• Font Style = Century
• Graphics = NONE
• Logo= Cobra Snake, only on Speedo and Tach (+ $10)
• Pointer = Red (Glows Red)
• Bezel = Legacy Classic Chrome
• delete the word "Legacy" (+ $25)
• GPS Speedo upgrade (+ $55)

:revs:
total $807.80

8469

[Martin]

Not a dumb question at all. But the answer might be a dumb one.

I liked the look of it, but more importantly I liked the way it was modular so I could take parts of the dash out and work on them separately. My wife has a masters degree in experimental physics so it is her job to do all the electrical work. I can't see her being happy sitting in the garage working on it for hours on end.

My build plan is all about making it easier through the build process, easier for maintenance after it's finished, and a good solid and most importantly, fun car.

If I didn't need to have gauges and warning lights on the dash to make it street legal I wouldn't have anything on the dash. Obviously, I hadn't thought through everything. Having said that it is very hard to plan things when everything I've bought is still sitting in boxes 9 hours flight away and I've NEVER even seen them in person.

Martin



So I'll ask the dumb question. Why would you buy a custom made dash, and not know what the holes where for, am I missing something?

[Mikey_P]

You know you can get plain inserts so you can position your own gauges and holes?

[skullandbones]

Martin,
I like the build plan. Much more important for the wiring task to be comfortable (esp since your wife is doing it). I, too, did almost all of the wiring away from the car. I hinged the dash so I can drop it down and see the back of the gauges. The modular strategy is even better. I bet you will have fun, figuring out what combo you really like. I can hear your wife now, "you want me to rewire the dash, again"?

I have always thought we needed an "Experimental Physics" section for this forum!!! WEK.

[Martin]

yes I did know that, but that modular dash is just looks like 7 shades of awesome to me.

Martin



You know you can get plain inserts so you can position your own gauges and holes?

[Martin]

If you've ever seen the wiring that Garage Freak did on his dash, I think my wife might be able to give him a run for his money with any luck.

I hold Garage Freaks build up as *the* bench mark build, and his wiring is so clean it is just unbelievable. I showed her a picture of it and told her that is what she has to do, and her response was "ok, looks simple enough". Proof is in the pudding though.

Martin




Martin,
I like the build plan. Much more important for the wiring task to be comfortable (esp since your wife is doing it). I, too, did almost all of the wiring away from the car. I hinged the dash so I can drop it down and see the back of the gauges. The modular strategy is even better. I bet you will have fun, figuring out what combo you really like. I can hear your wife now, "you want me to rewire the dash, again"?

I have always thought we needed an "Experimental Physics" section for this forum!!! WEK.

[CraigS]

Make sure to use one or two multi-pin plugs. That way you can pull the dash out by just by disconnecting them. One day you will want to do something (these cars are never done) and it will be near impossible w/ the dash in but easy w/ it removed.

[MPTech]

Can anyone recommend a good plug to use for disconnecting the dash?
I've used Molex plugs from Radio Shack before, but I'm looking for better quality for my roadster build.

[Martin]

I've been wondering the same thing myself. I'm looking to get to a "plug and go" dash if possible.

Martin



Can anyone recommend a good plug to use for disconnecting the dash?
I've used Molex plugs from Radio Shack before, but I'm looking for better quality for my roadster build.