How? Fixing the dash Panel.

[twinturbo]

How have peeps gone about fixing the dash panel.

I don't want any fixings on the face so need some ideas, I have some thoughts to go on but need more inspiration before starting on the actual panel.

TT

[HandyAndy]

what sort of dash are you having ?

grp, or a padded dash over a wooden panel ?

Mines a padded dash , I araldited some M6 button head bolts to the panel before covering with foam then black vinyl cloth, seems to hold very well, not had any bolts break from their glued position .

cheers
andy

[twinturbo]

So you bolt it on from behind.

TT

[HandyAndy]

Originally Posted by twinturbo

So you bolt it on from behind.

TT

Erm, yes, the dash panel has the bolts glued into place then I used nyloc nuts on the inside/underside of the scuttle, a little awkward to reach at first but once in place its very secure & no visible bolt heads showing in the cockpit.

I would say this tho,

If I was making a my dash again I would make it so it reaches right down to the top of the tranny tunnel panel which can also be another fixing point from behind with a little "L" shaped bracket ( a future mod I intend to do ).

[skov]

Hey TT,
I started fixing my dash down last night as it happens!

I've got a plywood dash, and I'm using M6 T-nuts to fix it in place.
The bolts go in from the back and pull the dash against the scuttle.

I'll cover the dash in padding and vinyl to hide them at some point.

[HandyAndy]

Skov,
Thats looking great & I also like the dash panel reaching the tranny tunnel top plate...wish I,d done that , (future upgrade for me )

Its also worth noting that depending on how one reads the IVA manual......if the dash panel is padded it doesn,t need the 19mm radius (38mm in reality) on the lower edge above where the knee,s go under the dash, I think it has to have a minimum of 5mm padding which is easier to achieve ....i used 2 layers of camping mat foam covered in vinyl.

cheers
andy

[skov]

Thanks Handy!
Using camping mat sounds like a good plan, I might have to steal that idea

[Johno]

Some good pointers there...
Interesting to know about the padded dash versus flat dash regarding radius etc..
Is this a black and white point when it comes to inspection time or is it down to the inspector on the day?

[twinturbo]

My plan was to put a lip on the back of the dashboard that would slot into the scuttle holding it in place around the edge and then have just two lower fixings to stop it sliding down and out of engagement.

TT

[adrianreeve]

I drilled through the mdf, countersunk and glued machine screws in, then added the roll mat material and covered the dash. Worked an absolute treat!



Cheers

Adrian