Discussion
ok.
Im looking at redoing my dash .
ive a few questions.
Has anyone recovered the dash in situ?
by using stalks for indicators and lights, have you had to extend the steering cololm?
is there a preferred look... mine is a factory built car and don't want to go too far over board so looking at something like Luckyp dash or even looking at rev/speedo like this http://www.digital-speedos.co.uk/rx2n-10k-rpm-mult...
what do you guys think?
Im looking at redoing my dash .
ive a few questions.
Has anyone recovered the dash in situ?
by using stalks for indicators and lights, have you had to extend the steering cololm?
is there a preferred look... mine is a factory built car and don't want to go too far over board so looking at something like Luckyp dash or even looking at rev/speedo like this http://www.digital-speedos.co.uk/rx2n-10k-rpm-mult...
what do you guys think?
V8Dom said:
ok.
Im looking at redoing my dash .
ive a few questions.
Has anyone recovered the dash in situ?
by using stalks for indicators and lights, have you had to extend the steering cololm?
is there a preferred look... mine is a factory built car and don't want to go too far over board so looking at something like Luckyp dash or even looking at rev/speedo like this http://www.digital-speedos.co.uk/rx2n-10k-rpm-mult...
what do you guys think?
Awful looking IMO, looks like it's been ripped off a bike or the like, Personally if you're going to move away from std. The Stack dash is a good way to go, analogue revs digital speed.Im looking at redoing my dash .
ive a few questions.
Has anyone recovered the dash in situ?
by using stalks for indicators and lights, have you had to extend the steering cololm?
is there a preferred look... mine is a factory built car and don't want to go too far over board so looking at something like Luckyp dash or even looking at rev/speedo like this http://www.digital-speedos.co.uk/rx2n-10k-rpm-mult...
what do you guys think?
The other option would be to move the speed and revs from the middle to above the steering column.
I prefer analogue read outs but digital can save a lot of space, I opted for Spa analogue Speed and Revs in the std. Position and then dual digital readout in the standard positions for Fuel and Volts, Engine Oil temp and Pressure, Water temp and Transaxle temp and then Brake Bias.
The spa units have alarm triggers that can be used to switch pumps etc, for instance on mine the cooling pump for the transaxle comes on at a pre-determined temperature.
If I were building a new dash now, I think I'd use the same instruments but move the speed and revs to above the steering column.
Stalks are overrated IMO, I just put in a wireless steering wheel button set up for indicators, flash/main beam, horn, wash, wipe, dual stage boost etc.
I have a QR steering wheel which moves the wheel a little closer, but I have retained the "crumple zone" boss.
PS I didn't allow for a set budget, a set of spa clocks like I have work out more expensive than a stack dash, and probably won't be every ones cup of tea!
Edited by F.C. on Friday 27th December 20:54
I am an old git and the eyesight is failing a bit. Distance is still fine but dashboard distance is not good these days without glasses. My varifocals are not good for driving but seeing the digital readout of my SPA dash is not possible without them.
I need a larger readout for temp, oil pressure, fuel temp and fuel level. Speedo and revs are fine though.
If you are getting to the age where this will affect you then think long and hard about what to use.
Paul
I need a larger readout for temp, oil pressure, fuel temp and fuel level. Speedo and revs are fine though.
If you are getting to the age where this will affect you then think long and hard about what to use.
Paul
I looked at that dash, but as said above, wasn't a fan of it's looks in the end. I went for a RaceTech Dash2 unit and love it. It's live linked to the ECU, so some of it's 5 pages of data read outs are from the GM brain.
For me, using column stalks was a way to get rid of a ton switches from the dash, although FC's idea of using wheel mounted switches sounds just as good. If you do stalks you'll need to extend the column, but the factory will do that for you cheaply, so no big deal.
A decent dash setup makes an Ultima IMO, so I'd definitely say it's worth the effort
For me, using column stalks was a way to get rid of a ton switches from the dash, although FC's idea of using wheel mounted switches sounds just as good. If you do stalks you'll need to extend the column, but the factory will do that for you cheaply, so no big deal.
A decent dash setup makes an Ultima IMO, so I'd definitely say it's worth the effort
+1 The dash is the only area where you can really add your own stamp on the ultima. So it worth looking at as many layouts as you can and then pick the best bits of each. I will be going for mark 4 escort stalks, extra air vents, double din and some form of digital dash display. My aim is to have it looking close to a production car layout...hopefully
Hi Dom.
We put OE dials (speedo and Rev) right in my line as you know. It followed watching Tif's comments whilst he was testing on you tube clip, where he said it would be better for them to be in eyeline.
We did stalks, didn't have to extend the column, but did have to recess into the dash to find something to bolt the stalks onto and give adequate 'knuckle' clearance in thick racing cloves.
I think stalks just make it slightly easier to use the car on its road duties. It's got enough other elements to keep you busy whilst negotiating traffic, signalling doesn't need to be on of them!
Best purchase for me, which I found really good for 'clensing' the dash and bringing everything in eyeline was this:
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorsport/dash-warn...
(Mine was the horizontal version not the 'T' shaped one)
Good luck Dom.
Pete
We put OE dials (speedo and Rev) right in my line as you know. It followed watching Tif's comments whilst he was testing on you tube clip, where he said it would be better for them to be in eyeline.
We did stalks, didn't have to extend the column, but did have to recess into the dash to find something to bolt the stalks onto and give adequate 'knuckle' clearance in thick racing cloves.
I think stalks just make it slightly easier to use the car on its road duties. It's got enough other elements to keep you busy whilst negotiating traffic, signalling doesn't need to be on of them!
Best purchase for me, which I found really good for 'clensing' the dash and bringing everything in eyeline was this:
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorsport/dash-warn...
(Mine was the horizontal version not the 'T' shaped one)
Good luck Dom.
Pete
the idea behind the koso unit is getting something like this by adding a couple of digital dispays each side
but Pete your dash is still the one I like, how ever with the t style warnings from Dtweek..
the only part im really worried about is recovering the dash in situ with screen in as the older cars like mine the roll cage is close to the dash to get covering on?
And yes guys your opinion is important as one day ill have to sell her and the dash is the one part of the car you see every time you drive the car..
but Pete your dash is still the one I like, how ever with the t style warnings from Dtweek..
the only part im really worried about is recovering the dash in situ with screen in as the older cars like mine the roll cage is close to the dash to get covering on?
And yes guys your opinion is important as one day ill have to sell her and the dash is the one part of the car you see every time you drive the car..
Well Dom, if you can integrate that leckie dash and make it as good as the ones you picture then that surely would be the way to go. Really modern dash in vehicle shape that, lets face it, is coming back into vogue (Porsche 2014 LMP1 looks quite similar (if you squint) to the GTR or a SSS GTR even more so)' is a winner.
With the recent spate of product updates from Ted et al (LED rear lamps, long leg kit, improved rigidity), I think a nice few projects would be:
1) headlamps - revised design to incorporate DRL and whilst at it improve the rear bowl clearance to wheel. Simple ring around lamps would suffice....but not old skool individual LEDs, needs to look like a single ring.
2) dash update - either a secondary panel that can be covered and fed over the existing dash with a built in 'hump' to either accept modular panel for either 2 x OE large dial or 1 x Stack dash or builders own. - would also allow for stalk unit to be put in place.
3) stalk units
Business case for all above would be based on the principal that they could all be bought as a retro fit to OE product. Like an in field mid life cycle change that builders could do to refresh their vehicles. So the factory could canvas new builders as well as old.
Just a thought.
With the recent spate of product updates from Ted et al (LED rear lamps, long leg kit, improved rigidity), I think a nice few projects would be:
1) headlamps - revised design to incorporate DRL and whilst at it improve the rear bowl clearance to wheel. Simple ring around lamps would suffice....but not old skool individual LEDs, needs to look like a single ring.
2) dash update - either a secondary panel that can be covered and fed over the existing dash with a built in 'hump' to either accept modular panel for either 2 x OE large dial or 1 x Stack dash or builders own. - would also allow for stalk unit to be put in place.
3) stalk units
Business case for all above would be based on the principal that they could all be bought as a retro fit to OE product. Like an in field mid life cycle change that builders could do to refresh their vehicles. So the factory could canvas new builders as well as old.
Just a thought.
V8Dom said:
matter of interest pet the photo I found of your dash did it have blue; led back lights as they look blue
Yes Dom, replaced all the lihgts we could with blue bulbs. Prob wouldn't do it again - not as easy to see as white!!! Ha!I like your idea of slipping a cover over the dash. Nice.
Here's a few pics:
I do like your dash Pete (apart from the picture of the ugly guy scratching his chin!!!).
I wish I had used larger gauges or LCD display for the fuel, temp, oil pressure, etc. but I have a cunning plan!
Now I have finished the engine buck for "Thor" I need to make a start on the repairs/mods on my Ultima ready for the better weather. Trouble is I have a list of other chores to do too.
Paul
I wish I had used larger gauges or LCD display for the fuel, temp, oil pressure, etc. but I have a cunning plan!
Now I have finished the engine buck for "Thor" I need to make a start on the repairs/mods on my Ultima ready for the better weather. Trouble is I have a list of other chores to do too.
Paul
Storer said:
I do like your dash Pete (apart from the picture of the ugly guy scratching his chin!!!).
I wish I had used larger gauges or LCD display for the fuel, temp, oil pressure, etc. but I have a cunning plan!
Now I have finished the engine buck for "Thor" I need to make a start on the repairs/mods on my Ultima ready for the better weather. Trouble is I have a list of other chores to do too.
Paul
don't tell me Paul, you are going to get a photo of yourself, scratching your chin too...I wish I had used larger gauges or LCD display for the fuel, temp, oil pressure, etc. but I have a cunning plan!
Now I have finished the engine buck for "Thor" I need to make a start on the repairs/mods on my Ultima ready for the better weather. Trouble is I have a list of other chores to do too.
Paul
..Gassing Station | Ultima | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff