RT Turn Signal and CF Dash - seems awfully high!

[toadster]

for those of you who have the carbon fiber dash and the Russ Thompson turn signal - I followed the "newest" directions and the "newest" template and drilled the oval hole for the steering shaft...

After opening the hole a bit more (side to side) to get the RT mount in there, the dash still sits VERY HIGH

IMG_3173.jpg IMG_3174.jpg

anyone else experience this? I didn't add any extra washers for the RT mount either, the steering shaft cleared the square tube no issues...

[Otee453]

for those of you who have the carbon fiber dash and the Russ Thompson turn signal - I followed the "newest" directions and the "newest" template and drilled the oval hole for the steering shaft...

After opening the hole a bit more (side to side) to get the RT mount in there, the dash still sits VERY HIGH

IMG_3173.jpg IMG_3174.jpg

anyone else experience this? I didn't add any extra washers for the RT mount either, the steering shaft cleared the square tube no issues...

Yes. I had to elongate the opening for the steering column and I machined an aluminum trim/cover plate to cover the hole. I think I’ve seen that someone makes and sells a trim plate cover. Mike Everson (sic) maybe???

[toadster]

Yes. I had to elongate the opening for the steering column and I machined an aluminum trim/cover plate to cover the hole. I think I’ve seen that someone makes and sells a trim plate cover. Mike Everson (sic) maybe???

Ok thanks - I have the trim plate already

Just didn't want to ruin a CF dash - can't hide mistakes on this!!

[michael everson]

I think you will be ok. Its not unusual for the dash to go higher than the bar. remember you can also trim the top if needed.
Mike

[rich grsc]

Measure twice, cut once.

[nucjd19]

My dash on the lateral portions sat high as well with the center of the dash pretty low on the hoop. Mine was not quite as high as yours but I did not use the RT turn signal. Like Micheal Everyone said, it is CF so you can grind down the high spots to let the body sit correctly on the frame when it is time. I had to trim mine down on the lateral portions a little as well to ensure it did not interfere with the body.

[toadster]

My dash on the lateral portions sat high as well with the center of the dash pretty low on the hoop. Mine was not quite as high as yours but I did not use the RT turn signal. Like Micheal Everyone said, it is CF so you can grind down the high spots to let the body sit correctly on the frame when it is time. I had to trim mine down on the lateral portions a little as well to ensure it did not interfere with the body.

thanks guys - I don't think I'll be able to get the driver side any lower, may have to do 'the shave' on the top

middle and passenger looking better now

IMG_3178.jpg IMG_3179.jpg IMG_3180.jpg IMG_3181.jpg IMG_3182.jpg

now I can finalize my dash layout, move things around a bit since the steering column moved...
almost ready to start gauges!

[Papa]

Looking good! Don't forget to open the hole on the 9 o'clock position of the RT turn signal tube for the wires. I'd make it just slightly larger than the trim ring to ensure you don't have the wires sitting on a carbon fiber knife.

[toadster]

Looking good! Don't forget to open the hole on the 9 o'clock position of the RT turn signal tube for the wires. I'd make it just slightly larger than the trim ring to ensure you don't have the wires sitting on a carbon fiber knife.

yup! got it marked off, will wait till I start setting gauges out and then drill the wire hole and 3 screw holes

thanks!

[nucjd19]

My CF dash was high stress when I started drilling that thing. Like you said, no way to hide a "whoops" on it.

[toadster]

so for those with the carbon fiber dash, I see a few issues


1. the FFR template is not really 'on' when it comes to the steering shaft, especially with the RT turn signal width
2. the glovebox tends to really restrict movement to the left as it hits the center brace of the dash hoop
3. I'm still above the top of the hoop on the driver's side - and already pre-drilled an idiot light for the CEL according to the SC dash setup

I need about 1/2" drop to get it to fit correctly...

any suggestions before I go buy another CF dash?

IMG_4048.jpg IMG_4049.jpg

[Ted G]

so for those with the carbon fiber dash, I see a few issues


1. the FFR template is not really 'on' when it comes to the steering shaft, especially with the RT turn signal width
2. the glovebox tends to really restrict movement to the left as it hits the center brace of the dash hoop
3. I'm still above the top of the hoop on the driver's side - and already pre-drilled an idiot light for the CEL according to the SC dash setup

I need about 1/2" drop to get it to fit correctly...

any suggestions before I go buy another CF dash?

IMG_4048.jpg IMG_4049.jpg

Oh Man, I hope you don't have to buy another dash!! I think I will make a exact template out of hardboard before I do any cuts on mine. Thanks for the post! I hope you figure it out.

[toadster]

I'm going to try to move the RT turn signal mount under the steering shaft mount that may save me 1/4" of height

IMG_4050.jpg

[toadster]

well that seemed to help quite a bit, I have a small gap under the trim piece, but I'm not going to fret over that...

my son is going to 3d print a black washer that will hopefully cover the gap

IMG_4051.jpg

[toadster]

just for reference, this is the bottom of the hole from the FFR template... obviously WAY off for a RT turn signal

IMG_4052.jpg

[ydousurf]

Todd,

I have an idea... Contact Russ Thompson and see if he can make you a new one that is oversized? Send him a template. Of course the custom oversized one will cost you accordingly. And then if he will return the one you currently have and give you credit towards the custom one. Anyway, I will then buy the one returned to Russ at full price, after Russ puts his polish, touch, approval on that one as being brand new redurb whatever, the part remains at normal cost minus your shipping it back. Anyway - You win. Russ wins. I win too! It's a thought... I still need one and willing to get yours. Just throwing out the idea. I don't need a discount, rather keep it level and honest. I really like his products and they are worthy for full price. Of course it's up to Russ if that works, but if I can help and keep the product the same cost as normal and WE ALL WIN, then it's all good to me!

[rich grsc]

measure twice cut once

[toadster]

measure twice cut once

LOL I did and FFR even sent me their latest template!!

[Ted G]

Todd,

I have an idea... Contact Russ Thompson and see if he can make you a new one that is oversized? Send him a template. Of course the custom oversized one will cost you accordingly. And then if he will return the one you currently have and give you credit towards the custom one. Anyway, I will then buy the one returned to Russ at full price, after Russ puts his polish, touch, approval on that one as being brand new redurb whatever, the part remains at normal cost minus your shipping it back. Anyway - You win. Russ wins. I win too! It's a thought... I still need one and willing to get yours. Just throwing out the idea. I don't need a discount, rather keep it level and honest. I really like his products and they are worthy for full price. Of course it's up to Russ if that works, but if I can help and keep the product the same cost as normal and WE ALL WIN, then it's all good to me!

Great idea and I'll even buy Todd's RT ring from him.

[frankeeski]

Factory 5 really doesn't "design" their stuff geared towards aftermarket suppliers parts. I've never liked the elongated opening even on the supplied aluminum pre-punched or blank dash panel. Too bad there aren't any helpful youtube videos for F5R dashes cause that would be really cool.

[michael everson]

Toadster. I hate to tell you this but you are likely going to see the top of the dash once the body is on. Most I see dont cover the 3/4 tube when installed.
Mike

[toadster]

Toadster. I hate to tell you this but you are likely going to see the top of the dash once the body is on. Most I see dont cover the 3/4 tube when installed.
Mike

so you're sayin I need to raise the dash from the last photo - correct? I think it should be 3/16" lower than the bar on the sides (according to what I've read) but unsure if the CF dash has the same dimensions as the standard metal dash

also - here's the 3D print to cover the 'hole' - my son also printed a couple of chamfered washers for the dummy lights
IMG_4055.jpg