Dash Panel / Gauge Placement

[Panoz26]

Would like some opinions, as we all know this board has plenty

I am making a new dash panel and have attached pic's of the initial template and placement - I like the idea of keeping the area for the brake and clutch reservoirs open and in plain sight, but, then again, I also like it closed off...

What do you guys think of just a centered dash panel or should I make one that goes full length to close of reservoirs, computer and fire bottle?

THANKS:

IMG_7989 [800x600].jpg

IMG_7990 [800x600].jpg

IMG_7991 [800x600].jpg

Devin
PS - new motor has shipped and enroute!!

[panozracing]

u sure got a lot of stuff in there. Is that a traqmate and a racepak or some other screen? Lots of gauges too. who has time to watch all that?

[Panoz26]

Originally Posted by panozracing

u sure got a lot of stuff in there. Is that a traqmate and a racepak or some other screen? Lots of gauges too. who has time to watch all that?

Brian...
the 10" Screen is a rear view camera -- helps me see the spec racer guys..
Traqmate is installed below on the switch panel

Devin

[NZGTRA17]

Originally Posted by Panoz26

Brian...
the 10" Screen is a rear view camera -- helps me see the spec racer guys..
Traqmate is installed below on the switch panel

Devin

Devin, not sure why you would want to put a speedo in the prime spot right in front of you. What do you use a speedo for when racing - scaring yourself? I have never raced with one. Only reason I can think of for having one fitted to the car is for monitoring pit lane speed. You can use the tach as a speedo anyway if you know your gearing charts well enough.

I would put tacho where speedo is and possibly flank this with oil pressure one side and water temp the other. That way your 3 prime gauges are right in front of you. The less important gauges can go in the forward position.

Kel.

[Cobrafang]

I recommend that you get rid of the switch box and use a Moroso unit. Really cleans the inside look up.

Tom

Originally Posted by Panoz26

Brian...
the 10" Screen is a rear view camera -- helps me see the spec racer guys..
Traqmate is installed below on the switch panel

Devin

[Panoz26]

Originally Posted by Cobrafang

I recommend that you get rid of the switch box and use a Moroso unit. Really cleans the inside look up.

Tom

Tom, link me..

Kel - if I place the Tach where the speedo is, I can't see it - it's a 5" Tach and once the steering wheel is on, it's hard to see. I mount it to the left on the A-Pillar cage bar (with a shift light).

I like having the speedometer for a quick glance down prior to corner entry and exit - and of course - for top end straight speeds -- that's about the only time I look at it - it's a nice to have, and, I had it, so, I figured, what the heck -- might as well use it.

Now, back to the original reason for my post:
So, after looking at the template for a couple of different times throughout the day today, I am going to close off the entire dash and use 3 pieces of steel, cut a window for my reservoirs -- similar to the Panoz dash that was in there, but a 3 piece for easier removal when/if needed.

If you guys want to see finished project, Ill be glad to post and then apply body armor for the flack that will no doubt follow.

Have a great weekend.
Devin

[Panoz26]

Originally Posted by Cobrafang

I recommend that you get rid of the switch box and use a Moroso unit. Really cleans the inside look up.

Tom

Tom - DAMN YOU!
I started looking, well, I like.
I can get rid of that entire rig - just need to make sure I can reach the kill switch, etc, if I mount flat panels to the dash plate...

but, you have me thinking now.....

Devin

[Cobrafang]

You can mount it on the top bar at the windshield. passenger side with an angle.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MOR-74131/

My dad can shoot you a picture of his....but I warn you.

YOU WILL WANT.

It really looks nice.

Also you can get a multi pair cable like a trailer wiring kit and just run one big cable down the roll cage.



Tom

Originally Posted by Panoz26

Tom - DAMN YOU!
I started looking, well, I like.
I can get rid of that entire rig - just need to make sure I can reach the kill switch, etc, if I mount flat panels to the dash plate...

but, you have me thinking now.....

Devin

[Paul Buxe]

I just finished mocking up my gauges for my LS2 conversion (while I wait for my custom push rods to show up). I was able to use a 4 gauge panel from Speedway. It uses 4 gauges plus warning lights for each gauge ( I was never watching a gauge when it took a deep six). I was able to mount it on top of the existing Panoz dash. Then there was just enough room to mount the tach to the left of that 4 gauge pack. THat way the tack is right over my right hand on the steering wheel and the rest of the gauges are just to the right. By using Panoz dash as a mount, the gauges are just below the windshield and you dont have to take your eyes off the road much to make a quich look-see. I can pust a picture is anyone cares.
Paul

[feqrags]

Like on one of the other post the trailer connectors, flat 6 or flat 4 work(w/dielectric grease) well, and weather packs are probably overkill- but look nice. You will be proud when removing the pannels..Bill

[P_Mac]

An analog gauge conversion is on my list for this year, so I'd love to see any and all dash conversions.

One question, is it relatively easy to use the wires running to the old Pi dash unit, or would I need to run new wires all the way through the firewall?

[Panoz26]

Originally Posted by P_Mac

An analog gauge conversion is on my list for this year, so I'd love to see any and all dash conversions.

One question, is it relatively easy to use the wires running to the old Pi dash unit, or would I need to run new wires all the way through the firewall?

the only wires I used off the PI were the speedometer wires, everything else was new since the Autometer required different sending units. It's an easy job.

[Squerly]

Originally Posted by Panoz26

Brian...
the 10" Screen is a rear view camera -- helps me see the spec racer guys..

Umm, Devin. There's nobody back there, they're all in front of you...

[Panoz26]

Originally Posted by Squerly

Umm, Devin. There's nobody back there, they're all in front of you...

Are you saying I am slow or that I am lapping everyone

[Panoz26]

well, I finally got a hold of Brandon -- ending up ordering a couple of GTS Dash Panels.

I had gone to a fabrication shop with my template and they wanted 285.00 to design and laser cut the panel.....

Brandon sold me panels for 33.00 per -- what a friggin deal that is.
Thought some of you might want/need to know.