Manx Club

Why does the replacement dash not fit with the original metal frame? Is it because it is too thick? If this is so the bracket could be shortened or the dash thinned from the underside. Seems to me either one of these methods would be easier than glassing it in. Is there some other reason like it has a different overall OD. I posted this here in order to not hijack another thread that got me thinking about it. I really like the idea of it being a separate piece. Thanks

Fiberglassing the dash to the rear of the hood makes them both stronger. Its the simplest and best way to attach them. The ABS hoods were technically "removeable", but they were held on with so many screws that it was easier to remove them with the hood as a unit. The only advantage to making a new dash removeable would be access to switches and wiring. The new dash with the hinged face panel meets that need.

I've found the same issue with my replacement dsash. Doesn't quite fit the frame, but I will make it fit by one of the methods mentioned earlier. I did not get the drop-down dash, since my hood is removable I will have access to all gauges and everything else needed.

The original dash frames served several purposes, (a)mount the steering column, (b) attach the windshield to the body and (c) support the dash. The original dash frame didn't so much hold the dash in place but actually reinforced it and helped hold its shape. The original ABS dash was a pretty flimsy piece on its own. The sides and top of the original ABS dash overlapped inside the back of the hood. The dash was attached directly to the hood by a series of truss head screws across the top and the four windshield bolts on the sides. The fiberglass dash doesn't need a metal frame for reinforcement or to help hold its shape. The new fiberglass dash doesn't overlap inside the hood, it butts up to it. If a person didn't want to bond the dash to the hood with fiberglass, they could attach it with thin metal strips and bolts. The original angle iron dash frame is designed to fit the old ABS dash. Modifying the new dash to fit the old frame seems backward. You might eventually get it to fit but by then your dash probably will need reinforcement. The best best use of the original dash frame is just as (a) a steering column mount and (b) a way to attach the windshield to the body. Bruce Meyers recommends in the instructions that come with the new dash, to cut off the angle iron and rod section of the old dash frame.

I just answered this question in the other thread...although not nearly as eloquently.

Thanks for the replies. I was hoping I wouldn't have to get into fiberglassing. Anyway that's a project for another time. Thanks

If you wish you could build a brace (strips of metal) under the hood and dash and use Dzus fasteners to connect the dash to the brace/s. Think it would cause more problems (vibrations, not as strong) then any benifit that you would get.