How to fix dash

[lomondbob]

I'm cutting the scuttle panel to mate up the deep dashboard. The dash has flanges at each end. Do I remove these to enable the dash to sit flat against the scuttle (prob not) or do I make slots at each end of the scuttle in which to insert the dash flanges? This would seem to weaken the whole structure considerably but makes sense.

Also, I note the dash is asymmetrical at the lower part where it meets the tunnel section. Is this normal? Two pix attached.


Thanks, Bob

[craggle]

I think the return lip is there to hide the step created when using the cockpit surround.
If you are not going to use a cockpit surround trim then I guess it could be trimmed of the dash.

Don't cut slots in the body though as this could weaken the area.

The dash is slightly offset. I think this is just to give more room on the drivers side to allow easier access once the steering wheel is fitted.

Craig.

[lomondbob]

Craig. That is EXTREMELY helpful. I am using a cockpit surround but the flange is still too big. I'll just have to grind it down a few mm.

Bob

[craggle]

Another good tip I got from Mr Dave Brookes was to fit a bolt through the bottom of the dash panel where it touches the transmission tunnel but only bolt it to the dash panel to leave a fixed stud sticking out. You can do this with a standard bolt pushed through the dash panel then do a nut up on the other side.
A corresponding hole can then be drilled in the top of the tunnel and then simply push the bolt into the hole and secure the dash at the top.

Works a treat.

Craig.

[lomondbob]

Craig. I had already thought about doing this but my plan was to insert a bolt upwards from inside the tunnel and secure it with a nut on the top of the tunnel. So, there would be a permanent thread sticking up through the carpet. The dash can then be located on top and a nyloc used to bind everything together. But I'll decide when I'm at that stage.

Bob

[craggle]

That would work equally well.
I didn't think about it until after the tunnel and gearbox was all bolted in place so getting to the inside of the tunnel was near impossible.

Craig.

[dave]

The dash to tunnel part is offset to give more leg room for the driver. It all looks perfectly balanced if you look at it with one eye closed and the other shut.

[lomondbob]

Dave.

Story of my life - blind leading the blind!