Dashboard layouts. Ideas, pictures?

[MXM]

What do you think about Caterham's standard layout with its seemingly random distribution of dials and switches? In my opinion it's aesthetically pleasing, but not very practical. I could never quickly find the hazards switch when I'm in a hurry to do so, I keep switching main beams with my right hand knuckles, and I can't see fuel level gauge with passenger side tonneau on. Also, I would like to have a smartphone holder on the dashboard somewhere, currently there's no space.

Stack-style dash would solve space issues, but I'm quite partial about 2 round dials behind the wheel, not sure I'm ready to give them up yet

God any interesting ideas? Here are a few I've found:


Didn't save the sources of the images, sorry if I'm breaching any copyrights :P

[Mostro]

I have the standard dash layout, albeit in CF, and I think it's an essential part of the character of the car

[RobGT81]

I prefer a few dials to something like the big Stack dash. I'm thinking about getting the Stack ST700 to get some dash lights and cut down on one or two gauges. Not sure how else to fit them all on the dash! ST700 isn't a whole lot cheaper than the big Stack Dashs but I prefer the look.

[harry b]

This is my layout. I had a big stack but didn't like the feedback from the digits.
The two remaining holes next to the ST770 will be a watertemp and oil pressure
The one near the center of the car will be a fuellevel.
I got rid of the weird looking flip up cover is gone. Didn't fit with the layout.

[Helluvaname]

I think the logic on the order of the small dials is that the most important is nearest to you, so more likely to be noticed, eg:
Oil Pressure nearest, Temperature next, and Fuel last.

[RobGT81]

harry b said:

This is my layout. I had a big stack but didn't like the feedback from the digits.
The two remaining holes next to the ST770 will be a watertemp and oil pressure
The one near the center of the car will be a fuellevel.
I got rid of the weird looking flip up cover is gone. Didn't fit with the layout.

What are you planning on having on the ST770, oil temp + ? ?

[harry b]

RobGT81 said:

What are you planning on having on the ST770, oil temp + ? ?

Had a typo, it's ST700. I plan to have the oil temp fuel pressure and the speedo.

[Eugene7]

This is my dash...

[MXM]

Mostro said:

I have the standard dash layout, albeit in CF, and I think it's an essential part of the character of the car

Fair enough, there are as many ways to enjoy the Sevens as there are Seven owners I'm ready to give up on keeping things original, and my car already has a lot of non-factory parts anyway.

I like the look of 3 small dials together. On the other hand, maybe 3 dials aren't even necessary. I would prefer to have a separate gauge for fuel level, and maybe oil pressure (it's analogue). But temp readings can be digital in something like that ST700, since my (Smiths) gauge is too slow and imprecise in any case.

But then the buttons... I have a few custom functions, and stock rocker switches have a limited set of icons. The backlight on mine, at least, is also pretty useless. Helps you to locate the button, but not see what's written on it. I see that many go with the flip toggle switches, saves a lot of space and they have a nicer feel to them. But any good examples on how to mark the switches?

[harry b]

MXM said:

Fair enough, there are as many ways to enjoy the Sevens as there are Seven owners I'm ready to give up on keeping things original, and my car already has a lot of non-factory parts anyway.

I like the look of 3 small dials together. On the other hand, maybe 3 dials aren't even necessary. I would prefer to have a separate gauge for fuel level, and maybe oil pressure (it's analogue). But temp readings can be digital in something like that ST700, since my (Smiths) gauge is too slow and imprecise in any case.

But then the buttons... I have a few custom functions, and stock rocker switches have a limited set of icons. The backlight on mine, at least, is also pretty useless. Helps you to locate the button, but not see what's written on it. I see that many go with the flip toggle switches, saves a lot of space and they have a nicer feel to them. But any good examples on how to mark the switches?

Original my car had this set of switches. How about custom switches.
Engraved plates. Stick them on with double sided tape.

[RobGT81]

Slightly OT, does anyone know where I can get a blank CF dash panel from? Don't seem to be able to see one of the Caterham site.

Harry, I was going to suggest engraved plates too. I have seen a GT40 replica with them, look very nice.

[russelli]

[harry b]

RobGT81 said:

Slightly OT, does anyone know where I can get a blank CF dash panel from? Don't seem to be able to see one of the Caterham site.

Harry, I was going to suggest engraved plates too. I have seen a GT40 replica with them, look very nice.

Fluke for the UK and probably through Westermann (mog) on the mainland. That's where I got it from.
Don't know yet how it will look in about 8 years if it goes milky.
Actually I don't care about it since they are very reasonable priced to my standards anyway.

And it was a perfect fit too.

[7UPX]

I'm just completing major refresh of my 1993 Caterham and for exactly the reasons you've mentioned I've laid my dashboard out slightly differently. The photo says it all. My main problem was finding a blank dash panel - ebay. Carbon-fibre blanks probably easier to source, but not original alloy ones.