Instrument Positioning

[snkbte]

Trying to break the rules or at least make some new rules


It is my understanding that the ADR's require that the when locating the gauges in the dash the speedo "must" be in effect behind the steering wheel. Viewable through the spokes of the steering wheel. I want to locate all gauges including the speedo to the left of the steering wheel. The reason for asking is the Nissan X-Trail has all it's gauges to the left. So if its OK for the X-
Tail would it be OK for us?

What about the putting the ignition in the dash, can that be made / fitted so its legal?


Will be picking up my kit this Friday

SNKBTE

[NASSTY]

It's the same deal with the Toyota Echo - center dials including speedo.
As for the dash ignition the problem there would be how to activate/deactivate the steering column lock; a must for ADRs. Ford FPV GT's still use the ignition on the column but the starter button is on the dash. Interestingly, motor journos have canned this set up probably b/c of the inconvenience of tuning the ignition and then pressing a starter button but I've always wanted a nice big red button on the lower middle dash somewhere!

[BMK]

snkbte



I would talk to the engineer that is going to assist with the project. If he is 'OK' with the placement and will sign off to the registration office you should be right.



I know manufacturers get away with all types of things, but the engineer you have, is the one you need to keep on side.



The Mini moke came into this country with deck chair seats and box panels, yet my engineer who was assisting with my '28 Ford Roadster was not even interested in comparisons or arguements. It was.." do as I say or get another engineer". That was 20 plus years ago.

Good news on picking up the Cobra this weekend.

Cheers

Bernie

[Aussie Mike]

Try this trick: Find some pictures of the guages you like and blow them up to the right sizes and print them on a colour printer. Cut them out and glue them to some cardboard and stick them on your dash panel with blue-tac.

This way you can experement with all different guage layouts till you find one you like. You can also see if the guages are easily visable from thedrivers position etc. it can take some of the guess work out of your layout.

As for the starter button. Phil has done this on his Classic Revival and I think it's a good idea. It's a tight squeese to get your big mits in to the ignition key. I figure I'll put the starter button in parallel with the ignition key so you can use either one.

As Al mentioned it is an ADR requirement that the vehicle has a steering lock. Garrett has got the ignition key on the dash of his superformance but it came from a Porsche which has a remote steering lock mechanism. Possibly an expensive option with a fair bit of work to fit and get working.

Cheers

[Aussie Mike]

Here's a pic of my dummy dash layout: Cardboard guages

Cheers

[NASSTY]

G'day Mike!

Just wondering what steering column you're using. I want to source a column that has a round surround instead of the square surround on most late model cars.

Also, is the end uni on the shaft on the inside or outside of your footbox?

Cheers

[Cobra.au]

Here's what will happen if you don't think carefully about your gauge lay out.


http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/s...cat=500&page=1

http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/s...cat=500&page=1

Craig W

[Aussie Mike]

My column is from an early model Suzuki Swift or Holden Barina. I have a spare one that's a bit later model but similar if you are interested.

There's 3 unis, one on the end of the column that's inside the foot box. A short shaft about 6" long that goes through the foot box with a uni on the end and then another longer shaft that runs down to the uni on the rack. There's a support off the end of the foot box that holds the longer shaft and stops it deflecting.

Cheers

[REPTYL]

Hi Mike,
Your fuel and clock are a couple of degrees out to the left.
Please rectify ASAP

PS. I still haven't got rid of the nervous tick that developed around the time of your signature spelling error.

Must go and ensure forks are all facing north in the cutlery drawer. bye

[Aussie Mike]

Forks facing north. I thought I was the only one that did that. Ring spanners all have to face the same way in the tool chest too.

[pneall]

Craig,

With 400 kw you wont have time to look at gauges.

Phil

[Mando]

I thought that was normal! I didnt think there was any other way to have your forks and knives OR your spanners.

Regards

[stefanog]

I thought I was the only one! is this a Cobra thing?? thought I was becoming a compulsive.......whatever you call it! feel normal now! is this normal? what's normal anyway!! is anyone capable of focussing their attention to any conversation when something is not straight?? or at right angles?? or facing in the same direction AT RIGHT ANGLES? have to fix it up before I continue with conversation. Scary!

Craig

You can always change this configuration in the future but I see what you mean.

Stef

[justbetter]

See you getting a little old mike, them guages are really big, and the numbers even bigger..

Wait to your eyes lube up with water down the straight and that magnifies even more.

tell you after today, never really got a chance to look at them, looked at alot of number plates from behind really close, try ing to work out though if they were waving me through or telling me i had 1 lap to go

[ledge]

In the paper work i have from motor reg it says that the guages have to be on the drivers side of the centre of the car , It doesn't say that the speedo needs to be behind the steering wheel . Definetly check it out before you cut any holes
Cheers

[Leeroy]

Too late hope I've mounted them in the right spots or its buy a new dashboard !
Leeroy

[PCC]

Very tidy Leeroy

What is your dash made of?

You've managed to make the dash look both traditional and modern in one go - Well done.

Hey - look on the bright side, you could patent the layout and sell it to the Yanks or French etc

[Leeroy]

Thanks Peter, the dash is f/glass and is the one C/revival flogs. I have painted it in the exterior color but with a matt clear instead of the gloss as will be used on exterior. I am very happy with the result as you say it is both traditional and modern in one go!! purely arse I'm afraid.
Leeroy

[snkbte]

Thanks for the input, It is great to see the photos attached in your replies.

The ADR says the speedometer and any other gauges must be within the drivers view! Being within 25 degrees to the right, 40 degrees to the left and no more than 35 degrees below horizonal. I'll take the advice and check with the engineer before cutting anything.

Cheers

SNKBTE

[cameron02]

I spoke to my engineer today he said that the speedo must be behind the steering wheel and visable to the driver (you).

It can be mounted in the centre of the dash but the speedo will need to be angled towards the driver by a specified amount. Which is apparently difficult (not sure why).

The only other thigs that must be visable to the driver are the indicators and high beam lights. So other gauges can be put anywhere.

Spewing! I wanted to have my speedo in the centre. I find that the steering wheel obscures the view of the speedo in most cars and I have to duck down or lean forward to see what speed I'm doing