Dash Panel Installation Instructions

 
   
Unpack the dash panel and test fit the gauges to ensure the holes are the correct size.   Remove steering wheel and disconnect all wiring necessary to remove factory dash. Loosen all the steering shaft bolts and push the collapsible shaft flush to the face of the dash.   Set the dash panel in place so the bottom of the aluminum panel fits flush with the bottom of dash. The top edge may need to be trimmed.  Set the dash panel face down and using a jigsaw carefully trim off the top edge if needed.  
   
Set the dash panel in place to layout the switches and lights. Make sure when laying out a drop center dash you do not locate the switches near the bottom 90 degree edge of the aluminum dash.  Trace around steering shaft on the back of the dash panel.   Mark the holes for the lights and switches  that you will be putting in your dash.

 

 You will need a block of wood for supporting the dash when drilling the  holes.

 

  
   
Spade bits are the bits you will need to drill the holes in the dash panel. 

 

 Make sure the spade bits have the brad tips on the outer edges, this will help make a clean cut through the plastic without cutting the fabric.    Place the block of wood underneath the dash panel for a flat surface to drill on.   Gently drill through the plastic with light pressure.  
   
By using light pressure you can stop after the brad tips have cut through the plastic leaving a disk. When the disk is removed the vinyl has not been cut.   Now make relief cuts from the center not cutting too close to the plastic. Sand the backside of the dash panel so the glue will stick better to the plastic. 

 

  
   
Spray glue on the back side of the hole.   Wrap the edges for a finished steering wheel hole.   Now drill out the holes for the lights with the proper size bit. Make sure to put the block of wood underneath to support the dash while drilling.    
   
Drill out the rest of the switch, button or light holes.   Once the holes have been drilled the vinyl  can now be trimmed from the hole with a razor blade or exacto-knife.   Set dash in place and mark where the holes are going to be made in the aluminum dash panel. Remove the dash panel.  
   
Use a jig-saw or air nibbler to enlarge openings of aluminum dash to accommodate angled gauge pod and any other holes needed for switches, lights, etc.

 

 The ends of the aluminum dash need to be covered with vinyl to the bottom 90 degree lip.

 

   Test fit the dash panel to make sure no final adjustments or trimming will be needed. Load the small gauges, switches, and lights into the dash.  
   
Here is a dash panel ready to install.  Before installing the dash we put on the padding and sidewall vinyl on the transmission tunnel.   If you are using a drop center dash with a transmission tunnel cover install it before the dash. Do not put a screw in the center of the top edge. This is where the dash panel will need the most clearance.  
   
This is a picture of the back with the small gauges installed. Hook up the small gauges. Make sure to pass the wires through the hole where the gauges will be placed.    Hook up the lights and switches that pass through the aluminum dash Locate pre-drilled holes covered by vinyl in the bottom of the panel, there are 6 holes in the drop center(2 on each side, 2 on the bottom) and 5 in the standard. With an 1/8" drill bit follow holes through the aluminum panel.  
   
Using supplied trim screws attach dash to the aluminum panel. With the same trim screws fasten the bottom of the dash to the transmission tunnel.   The ignition switch may need to be installed through the back after the dash panel is secured. Install the large gauges using the mounting brackets to sandwich the panels together. Hook up the rest of the wiring attach the steering wheel and your ready to go!