Dash\ steering column problem.

[michael everson]

Its been a while since I built a Coupe but dont remember running into this problem.
The dash hole and steering column do not line up Not even close. Please see pictures.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s140/michaeleverson/FFR%20Coupe/DSC05351.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s140/michaeleverson/FFR%20Coupe/DSC05350.jpg

Do I have the wrong dash? Is the pillow block welded in the wrong spot? Hope someone else had run into this and has an easy fix.
BTW this is Coupe 420
Thanks Mike

[DARKPT]

The very left edge of my pillow block (Coupe #497) is 8-1/2 inches to the right of the 2x2 vertical support. Hope that helps.

[michael everson]

Thanks. I will check that out.
Mike

[michael everson]

Looks like my pillow black is closer to 7 inches on that same measurement.


Here are a couple of pictures showing the measurements. Please note the dash can not move left or right when in place. Its a snug fit between the roll cage.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s140/michaeleverson/FFR%20Coupe/DSC05353.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s140/michaeleverson/FFR%20Coupe/DSC05354.jpg

Its actually a little worse than the second picture I posted. I took it at an angle so you could see the shaft. If you look at is straight you cannot see the shaft at all. I also think the gauge holes are really close to the top bar. Seems they could have been moved down a bit for more clearance.
Mike

[jkrueger]

Mine was off, but in the other direction, but not as much off as yours.

JC

[Ray]

Mike,

It looks like the easiest solution would be a blank dash and to cut your own holes. Provided of course the location of the steering shaft is where you want it.

Good luck,

Ray

[Jacob McCrea]

I had the same problem with my coupe (#522). I moved the pillow block over to the left by about an inch. I had to weld in some new metal for the outside bolt hole and redrill the inner hole about 1" to the left (from the driver's perspective). I will post a few photos if you want. You could also cut the pillow block mount off and make a new one with a piece of 4" x 3" x 1/8" thick steel plate. Bend it at perhaps 30 degrees and bolt or rivet it (using big rivets) to the top of the 2 x 2 square tube wherever you want.

[rj35pj]

I had the same problem with my coupe (#522). I moved the pillow block over to the left by about an inch. I had to weld in some new metal for the outside bolt hole and redrill the inner hole about 1" to the left (from the driver's perspective). I will post a few photos if you want. You could also cut the pillow block mount off and make a new one with a piece of 4" x 3" x 1/8" thick steel plate. Bend it at perhaps 30" and bolt or rivet it (using big rivets) to the top of the 2 x 2 square tube wherever you want.

I did the same as Jacob and moved mine about 3/4 of an inch.

[cjcnj01]

we had the identical problem and fixed it by cutting and rewelding the pillow block in the correct driving position. the next issue your going to find is that the dash hole cuts for the speedo and other gauges were positioned too close to the top bend (you can see what I'm referring to in your picture) which does not allow you enough space to put the plastic retainer rings on the back of the instruments. FFR should send you a replacement with the holes cut lower in the panel.

[TonyG]

I had the exact same issue. The pillow box was in the wrong location. Factory Five never got back to me with a solution or 'I'm sorry for the problem'. As I don't weld I had to have a guy come to the garage and cut out the pillow box, reinforce it, move it over about 7/8" and weld it back in place. The charge was $300.00. I did not ask FFR to compensate me as it is extremely difficult to communicate with them. I think they should address this type of issue immediately and offer a positive solution as I believe it is a potential safety problem and I should have been advised as to the correct procedure.

[farmerdon]

Just getting started on my coupe. Am pretty disappointed with the manual. No instructions at all about wilwood pedal install and now see that my steering column is also not aligned with the dash layout??????? How long do these kind of discrepancies go on before FF does something??? Manual very clearly tells you to install top front ball joint with solid attachment at the front of the car but I was told by phone to do otherwise after I let them know they sent me two lefts. How often do you have to totally disregard their manuals instructions?
For $22k, you'd think they could make the steering wheel line up with the dash.