FIA, street vs comp dashboard

J.Jensen · #1 (**permalink**) 10-21-2014, 11:37 AM

The website describes the comp dash as bare aluminum, but the image showing it (FIA dash picture) displays a black dash. Is it painted black - or just an image of the comp specific layout on an upgraded dashboard?

Thanks

strictlypersonl · #2 (**permalink**) 10-21-2014, 02:38 PM

It's bare aluminum (but painted) as opposed to the street dash which is covered in vinyl.

J.Jensen · #3 (**permalink**) 10-21-2014, 02:55 PM

Thanks

I love the quick replies you give here. Almost faster than e-mails

I made the assumption that bare was without any surface finishing - occupational hazard being an aircraft engineer

CompClassics · #4 (**permalink**) 10-21-2014, 03:01 PM

...........example

J.Jensen · #5 (**permalink**) 10-24-2014, 02:17 PM

Sweet looking thing. Anyone have one with the same layout in vinyl or leather covering?

LightNFast · #6 (**permalink**) 10-24-2014, 07:22 PM

John, I always enjoy seeing photos of your wonderful example on an "FIA". I'll include one of mine with a leather dash... and John, please no nit-picking!! Well, at least in public -

*13* · #7 (**permalink**) 10-24-2014, 11:33 PM

Had mine powdercoated.

cobrajeff · #8 (**permalink**) 10-25-2014, 05:13 AM

Had mine powdercoated, too...satin black

J.Jensen · #9 (**permalink**) 10-25-2014, 05:23 AM

Thanks both of you

If Jeff puts up one of the powder coated dash - I´ll never be able to make up my mind

*13* · #10 (**permalink**) 10-25-2014, 05:45 AM

J.Jensen · #11 (**permalink**) 10-25-2014, 11:35 AM

That was really nice too!

Are the foot boxes finished off with white paint or are they just white in general from ERA on the inside?

*13* · #12 (**permalink**) 10-25-2014, 11:44 AM

I've thought about painting the boxes black, maybe some of the aluminum too. Right now, They are as manufactured... Bare fiberglass & aluminum panels.

xb-60 · #13 (**permalink**) 10-25-2014, 04:57 PM

Does the title of your thread indicate you're considering a street dash layout as well?
Cheers,
Glen

cobrajeff · #14 (**permalink**) 10-26-2014, 06:24 AM

Here's mine. I took a few liberties....I placed the speedo a little closer to the driver so it would be easier to see;
I added a fifth gauge (trans oil temp) to it; and there's a 5/8" diameter steel tube glassed into the back of the
lip of the dash to reinforce the grab bar mounting.

Jeff

tkb289 · #15 (**permalink**) 10-26-2014, 10:41 AM

To add to the FIA dash collection … here are photos of ERA2136 and for originality reference, CSX2323.

For my ERA, Peter and crew reduced the height of the dash by about 1". This raised up the bottom edge, making it easier for me to fit. For those that are tall, this is a great dash setup. In order to accomplish this, the gauge to the left of the tach had to moved to the right side, hence the five gauges in a row.

The dash is painted flat black and is fairly durable, but my dash now has a few scratches in it which I suppose adds to the 'patina'. Having the dash powder coated would protect it better from scratches if that is a concern.

ERA2136 - Custom Dash

ERA2136 - Flat Black Paint

My favorite FIA is the Gurney / Grant car CSX2323, a fabulous example with plenty of historic 'patina' ...

CSX2323

1985 CCX · #16 (**permalink**) 10-26-2014, 03:05 PM

John

Gasket goes on door not body?

Am I remiss?

J.Jensen · #17 (**permalink**) 10-27-2014, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xb-60

Does the title of your thread indicate you're considering a street dash layout as well?
Cheers,
Glen

Never say never - until the day the deposit has been transferred, I guess everything is open, but I do want to build a race car replica, since for me, the Cobra is about racing history.

The title could probably have been more clear, as it was the difference of surface finishing from ERA, or even more precise, the actual comp dash finish with paint or bare metal that I was unsure of after reading the ERA web.
Any misunderstandings I just blame on me being Norwegian and not having english as a primary language

JJ

xb-60 · #18 (**permalink**) 10-28-2014, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J.Jensen

Never say never - until the day the deposit has been transferred, I guess everything is open, but I do want to build a race car replica, since for me, the Cobra is about racing history....

JJ

What about this one, COB6008, a race car from the start, FIA hips from the factory, but a street dash layout

....or this one, CSX2001, street dash

....or a CSX2558 inspired ERA 289FIA, nice

Can you see my bias?

Cheers,
Glen

ERA174 · #19 (**permalink**) 10-28-2014, 08:28 PM

Just my opinion, go wide ratio toploader with 3.08 rear ratio for street use.

*13* · #20 (**permalink**) 10-29-2014, 02:19 AM

I have a wide ratio with a little bit lower rear gear ratio. 3.53? I think. I'd go 3.08 if you plan a lot of highway miles. Not decided on if I'd change gearing, if I did it all again. I think either are good.