Episode 17

Dealing with the Dash - Part II

After a hiatus, it was time to get back on the dash - the glove box followed by mounting the S2000 gauge cluster. Earlier I'd attached the glove box door, but it opened to a hole full of wires and the remnants of the steering column support. I tried to shorten the stock cardboard box, but that didn't pan out so I created a wire frame.

Test fit - it's going to be shallow...

In place....

Nut plate mounting tabs

Painted and installed! On to the S2000 gauge display.

The S2000 gauge cluster had been loose, perched on a piece of foam in the former glove box for years. Above is the first attempt at a mounting bracket for the cluster and corresponding nut plate mounts. (I later remade this piece to correct the angle of the dash so the display is readable.)

The idea was to utilize the original plastic Honda dash shroud. I slowly whittled it down in an attempt to make it fit but realized it would be difficult to attach and have funny gaps.

Cardboard template of what would fit, to replicate in steel. At this point, I realized I'd need to make a buck to form it.

Wood buck

Cardboard template of the upper dash structure. Basically I'm recreating the glove box door with a curved hole and shroud that meets the gauge pod.

All of the pieces, before welding.

I tacked the face plates in the car to get the angle right.

Added a little bondo to smooth the transitions...

Primed.

The new S2000 opening, with the original in the background.

Mounted!

Up Next: Suspension Modification -- Adjustable Camber!

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