My Dash Renovation

[DavidSalama]

After recently having issues with my interior fan and seeing how difficult it would be to remove the unit and replace, I decided to completely redesign and upgrade the interior of my Ultima. Thanks to the professional support of Tom Farrell of Farrell Creations and Restorations in Mooresville, NC USA, the redesign is starting to take shape. After dismantling the top of the car and removing the current dash, some other changes were made to make the GTR safer and stiffer as well. I use my GTR for high speed track events, so additional steel bars were placed around my foot well, into the dash, and under my legs. My roll bar was also moved forward to snug up against the window, and meet other frame points. The concept of the redesign is to have a high cowl and a center console. The following Carbon Fiber Autometer gauges will be installed. Tach, Speedo, Volts, Fuel, Oil Pressure, Oil Temp, Water Temp, two Exhaust Gas Temps, and Boost/Vacuum. Pioneer APP Radio will be installed and controlled by my IPhone. A rear view camera will have a switch to turn on, so I can view the rear at any time. I am hopeful that more track oriented APPS will be available to display track GPS data on the APP radio as well. A fully electronic controlled Vintage Air A/C unit is being installed under the dash, and will be easily serviceable. The steering wheel is now a quick release as well. The entire front of the dash will be removable from the passenger compartment as well for easy service of gauges. The dash will be alcantara on top, and carbon fiber face. Seats, doors, and all other surfaces will be reupholstered. Here are some pics and I will update as we move further along.

[ROWDYRENAULT]

Great project, look forward to seeing it when completed. One of the guys here on the West Coast has a similar pedal setup and he made the floor panel under the pedals removable. I have been under the car when it was on the rack and the additional acsess to the pedals for adjustments ect was well worth the small effort. Just a thought, Lee

[LSX Fan]

Wow! Nice project...I'm looking forward to watching your progress.

[LSX Fan]

By-the-way David, I'm very interested to see how you tackle the Vintage Air system. I'm looking at using them too, but I don't see how I can get their units to fit. The only model that seems to have some possibilities is this one:

http://www.vintageair.com/catalog11/pg44wc.pdf

At 8.5" tall, it would seem to have the best chance at fitting under the dash. Which model did you choose?

[DavidSalama]

LSX Fan,

I will get better pictures of the Vintage Air MINI next time I am at the shop. Tom Farrell was able to fit the unit above the knees of the passenger under the dash. He did have to remove a chassis bar, and replaced it with a higher bar since my new dash has a higher cowl. Not sure how you would fit it without doing this. Really fits great with the new configuration, however. More later...

[LSX Fan]

I looked at the compact and mini models too. But at 9" they are even taller than the super (I thought that was kinda wierd). I figured height would be the deciding factor. Either way, I can't wait to see your solution David.

[DavidSalama]

Here are some pics of the Vintage Air install. More pics and details of my project are available on Tom Farrell's web site.

http://www.farrellrestorations.com/html/projects/U...

[DavidSalama]

[GTRCLIVE]

FYI moving the front roll bar forward moves the bar away from vertical and lessens its ability to take a load from a bad roll over condition. The bar normaly intersects at the bottom of the chassis at a multi tube point anyway. Motorsport cage manufactures will try and keep the main passenger roll hoops as vertical as possible to help stop ingress in a roll over .

Dont mean to be negative but just so you know. If you put some small tubes in the corners of the roof that's helps with stiffness and then weld a plate on top . Also the tubes then help with getting in and out as a grab rail bonus ... Will post a pic of what I mean

[LSX Fan]

DavidSalama said:

Here are some pics of the Vintage Air install. More pics and details of my project are available on Tom Farrell's web site.

http://www.farrellrestorations.com/html/projects/U...

Thanks for that update David. Seems like regardless of the fact the Super is .5" shorter in height, it wouldn't fit because of the length. So I guess my only option is to try and make the Mini fit. Based on your photos it seems like there's a chance to "squeeze" it under the stock dash...but just barely.

I'll call Vintage Air tomorrow and see if the mini can be mounted on its side (90 degrees)...that may help a bunch.

[Storer]

If you are struggling to fit that aircon/heater unit under the dash why not fit it into the front of one of the side pods?

I would think there was sufficient room albeit a bit tight and you could duct the air to where you need it.


Paul

[LSX Fan]

Storer said:

If you are struggling to fit that aircon/heater unit under the dash why not fit it into the front of one of the side pods?

I would think there was sufficient room albeit a bit tight and you could duct the air to where you need it.


Paul

That's a fantastic idea!! I never even considered that. That is what's great about forums...having access to brilliant minds.

[Storer]

I suspect the unit, especially the aircon side, will not be as efficient as in the normal location and you will need to ensure a good airflow to the inlet.


Paul

BTW. Don't forget the drain for the defrost liquid!

[GTRCLIVE]

http://thumbsnap.com/f7PpAEIB


There are other units just as good as Vintage Air try Classic Auto Air has a horizontal vented unit it uses Spal fans to.

[DavidSalama]

Renovation is nearly complete. Here are some pics.

[DavidSalama]

Sorry for the duplicate pix.

[dandare]

That looks really good. Like a production car. A bit too much silver for my liking (at least in the pictures, but maybe different in real life).
And you were wondering about the costs! Don't worry anymore. Just enjoy it!

[3Dee]

V.V. nice David! Bet you are pleased?

As a matter of interest, I always wondered how the trimmers fit the padded covering around the roll-cage bars and end up with a nice double-stitch finish like yours?

Must admit it has got me scratching my head on that one - there must be a simple trick somewhere??? How on earth.....?

[hedgefinder]

wow, thats come together very very quickly , considering your recent posts and that it was a pile of parts only a little over a week or two ago!

[pilbeam_mp62]

Wasn't this "Dash Renovation Overcharge Nightmare " . ???


http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Edited by pilbeam_mp62 on Tuesday 28th August 10:22