Central Shift Boxes

[dwjp]

Have been looking at other possible variations on the layout of the cockpit area and wondered if anyone had considered putting the switches in the central area between the handbrake and gear lever. Has anyone tried or even contemplated this??

dwjp

[vez]

Here is a very sweet layout if you are looking for some inspiration:

www.adequatespeed.freeserve.co.uk/pics/dash_layout_4.jpg

[james]

I wouldn't call that sweet. It looks rather "bitty" to me. I think that Stigs layout will probably be pretty good.

[vez]

Each to there own but is a very simple non-cluttered layout!

[GTRCLIVE]

You need to be able to turn the Lights and wiper motor on and off etc, with out moving to far from the steering wheel.
I hate having to move my hands to far from the streeing wheel to operate switches, the car demands respect and concentration while driving fast.
The factory fitt them on that curved surface of the dash so you can get to them quickly.

ps I don't think that when your strapped in I can touch that part of the dash. Would surgest sitting in position and trying any set up before drilling holes.

Have Fun

Clive.

[vez]

Yep thats what we did and we can reach these controls, another reason for sitting the switches in the middle is so co-pilot can also operate these when driver is concentrating VERY hard

[gtrmannen]

vez said: Here is a very sweet layout if you are looking for some inspiration:

www.adequatespeed.freeserve.co.uk/pics/dash_layout_4.jpg

Are you yoking

[vez]

You'd be suprised how well it works and looks far less clutered than the majority i've seen!

[james]

The consensus here appears to be that it looks a bit crap. Sorry.

[ultimapaul]

You beat me to it James

Edited to add, it looks like a Kit Car! Sorry, just my opinion!

>> Edited by ultimapaul on Tuesday 14th January 17:15

[PiB]

I like how close the shifter is to the steering wheel. IMHO I think it is pretty handy to be able to get your hand back the steering as quickly as possible particularly when driving on a track!

Also, I wonder what the little red buttons on the wheel do? Put the wipper whipper control on there.

>> Edited by PiB on Tuesday 14th January 18:32

[Stig]

The dash layout is pretty much to the individual's taste. I like things being symmetrical (the designer in me I suppose), so I tried to balance each area whilst having everything to hand.

The switch bank on the right side of the wheel extends no more than about 200mm from wheel edge, with the Stack controls just beneath them. I also placed my headlamp dip/main button right by the wheel edge so I can flick it on and off without removing my hands from the wheel. Same goes for the fuel pump switchover and the indicator switches which are wheel mounted.

The lighter socket, engine start and extinguisher pull are in the centre out of my way and in fact, out of passengers reach if they're strapped in properly too!

Like the Ultima, it's functional, neat and looks great.

Still, each to their own.



>> Edited by Stig (moderator) on Tuesday 14th January 20:06

[ultimapaul]

Stig - Is the extinguisher pull SVA friendly, or does it fall inside the zone where it doesn't matter?

headited cus I cannt spiel

>> Edited by ultimapaul on Tuesday 14th January 20:18

[Stig]

A good question mate - and one I can't answer!

I haven't got a copy of the SVA regs. so was working on the basis that if it's not, I'll remove it and blank the hole for the test. Same goes for the bias adjust.

I'll replace them err.... purely for track use

Edited to say, that these SVA things are bloody pointless. Given the fact that I'm strapped in with a 6 point harness, if my head were to hit the dash, it would be because it had come off.

Somehow, having a switch poke me in the eye at that point would seem pretty dull by comparison!

>> Edited by Stig (moderator) on Tuesday 14th January 20:53

[ultimapaul]

Yep, totally & utterly pointless, but, rules is rules you know!

If the car is going to the SVA via the factory, they should be able to blag it as they see fit to get it through. Things can always be put back to the way you want them afterwards.

With regards the brake bias, IIRC they too are not allowed (to work that is). Any bias adjuster must be locked off and not adjustable whilst moving (something along those lines anyhow) Again, the factory can sort that.

Paul

[james]

Stig is quite sneaky. His bias adjuster is hidden away, so it can be adjusted while he's driving, but if you don't know where it is, you wouldn't know it was fitted.

Sneaky fer eh?

[dwjp]

Thanks Chaps,

I had been looking to locate the switches between the seats almost on the cockpit floor but having looked at it in a bit more detail I think I should stick with the factory setup as far as possible.

dwjp

[GTRCLIVE]

SVA Rules on switch gear on dash etc. The area 127mm around the outside of the streering wheel is free, as the mans Imitation head will not hit it. If it does, then Stig can do what I did with my Cutoff switch, just use a 20mm hole cutter on a Tennis ball, and slide it over the top. PASS. Needless to say the tennis ball is for hire..

Stig how do I put up a picture like you just have ??

[B1 ECC]

like the Stack unit in stig's photo (although not to sure about black on white ) and the swithgear layout to the right, but i have to say the centre section looks a bit vague.

Oh' with regard to the SVA, if memory serves, nothing must protrude more than 9mm beyond a 200mm radius of the steering wheel rim.

[k wright]

thanks Stig for taking the time to carefully mark the diemensions that you used to mount your dash works. your website is a reference for several of us.

ken