Edwardb’s Gen 3 Type 65 Coyote Coupe #59 Build: 5,000 Mile Report

[PNWTim]

Another quick update. Today finished the center switch panel. Wrapped it with the same C-F like vinyl used on my gauge panel. A little tedious, but it’s done and turned out nice I think. Also worked more on the overall layout of all the electrical components. I mounted the previously discussed modules across the top of the upper transmission tunnel cover. They’re pretty much out of the way of the main wiring harness and HVAC ducts. Plus hidden by the switch panel. So I think (hope) it’s all going to fit and be reasonably accessible if needed. This is the completed switch panel with everything mounted. Managed to sink quite a few hours into this with the design and fabrication. Lots going on, even though doesn't quite look like it now. One last minute surprise. Had to make a cutout in the switch panel base and trans cover for a corner of the Cole Hersee wiper/washer switch. It's pretty big. Then made a little sheet metal cover for the underside to seal it up. Always something.



Left to right – relays for the headlight reminder and fog lights, headlight control module, keyless push button start module, reverse lock-out module. Have to get everything hooked up, but this is a start.

Here’s the gauge cluster and switch panel in my now nearly completed dash. Lots of work to do obviously for all those wires hanging into the footbox. As mentioned before, planning vinyl on the front and top of the dash, with red stitching that matches my seats across the top front. No brow piece. The two trans covers will also be vinyl covered, with red stitching along the corners. The glove box door will probably be the same vinyl as the dash. I'll look at using the C-F style vinyl, although that might be too much. But coming together now.



The switch panel is held in place with six screws through the bottom of the trans cover, all accessible from underneath, and two into the underside of the dash. With those screws removed, the panel will slide out. The gauge cluster is captured between the dash and the upper dash tube at the top and three screws along the bottom. With the switch panel and those three screws removed, it will tip out. At that point, all the wiring should be accessible, including the modules pictured previously. Both the upper and lower trans covers also will be removable. None of that would be real quick but possible. Hopefully won’t be necessary.

That’s a good head start on electrical. Basically fabrication is completed and ready for wiring. But going to take all this out and get going on permanently mounting panels and getting everything insulated. Then wiring can be finalized.

Family visits and other stuff going on for the next couple weeks, so progress will be slowed a little. That’s OK. With the warmer weather it’s been a little warm in the garage. Received another update on the Gen 3 Coyote. Saying “end of August” is looking pretty good. That works.

Paul - did you fill the unwanted holes in the dash with a backing plate and something like jb weld? I see a string of blind rivets that look like they might be fastening something of the kind. I have been kicking around several ideas to fill mine and noticed what you had done.

[edwardb]

Paul - did you fill the unwanted holes in the dash with a backing plate and something like jb weld? I see a string of blind rivets that look like they might be fastening something of the kind. I have been kicking around several ideas to fill mine and noticed what you had done.

There were only four holes across the bottom of the dash in the center as received from FF. Two of which i used. The headlight switch and the start button. The majority of those holes I added for a doubler piece on the back that's also holding the added switch panel below. I used small (don't remember the size) flat head screws that I countersunk as much as i could. Then used JB Weld as a filler and sanded smooth. The same thing as around the glovebox. Worked out well. Even the smallest irregularity prints through onto the dash covering (no padding) so important for it to be dead flat. Hope that answers your question.

[460.465USMC]

Paul, great to see your build featured on the F5 YouTube channel at the Mott build school! No doubt a big helping of inspiration for the aspiring builders attending the class. I was going to take my youngest son before my MK4 build, but then COVID happened.

Paul B. visited the Build School to chat about his gorgeous red Coupe. Paul is on his sixth build!