Started making a carbon fiber dash panel (Updated)

Since I have the RacePak data recorder it didn't make sense to keep the analog gauges with sensors and the RacePak sensors doing the same duty, so I'm making a new panel to use RacePak's IQ3 display dash. I managed to get my hands on a prototype part from Florida 5.0 they are going to call the IQ3 Dash Pocket. They have a panel already available that is one piece, but it was 1" short for my needs. So the girl I was talking to told me about the Dash Pocket they are coming out with and that I could mount it to my own panel. She said I could have one for $45 even though they haven't set the price yet. I promised to send them some photos of the installation when I get done. I copied my old panels shaped and hole pattern then mounted the pocket on the back, I'll cut the hole for the IQ3 display dash when I get it so I have a nice uniform fit around it.

Nice.

That's pretty cool.

Not bad for an old man..lol

Looks great Doug, but then everything you do looks that way. I wish I was a perfectionist!

Thanks guys, you too Mikey

In case any of y'all still use the stock dash, they've got you covered if you want to use the UDX/LDX, IQ3, and G2X dash.

very nice work

Finished up the new dash panel while I'm working on installing a new and lighter steering column. With all the changes I've been making we should lose well over 100 lbs off the front.

Went from this...


To this!

Looks good.


What parts were you working with Racecraft on? How did the new spindles work out? Still need to get spindles and arms for mine. flipping between the spindles from PA or Racecraft...

Looking good Grandpa !!

Now get that thing done so we can kick some behind in TN....

Wow, what a difference! Looks great!

Nice work as always Doug!

I guess we'll have to call you Fancy Pants from now on ,since Ole Fancy Pants don't fancy this site anymore Looks great Doug!!

thats gotta be 40#s lighter than that autometer gangbang.............

jbozzelle wrote:Looks good.


What parts were you working with Racecraft on? How did the new spindles work out? Still need to get spindles and arms for mine. flipping between the spindles from PA or Racecraft...

Thanks guys!!!!!!


Top secret! If I tell you, then I'll have to kill you . The spindles fit great, total bolt on deal.

it could be some of the same stuff my boys chris and matt have been useing for about 2 years.trick stuff wish it had been on the market when i was bulding my car.100lbs off the frontend that would be killer wat to go dough!


http://www.racecraft.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=51&chapter=5

what is the weight savings ? and how much did you spend ?

bruno wrote:what is the weight savings ? and how much did you spend ?

Dropped enough weight , that me might be able to run a 5.80 now..

bruno wrote:what is the weight savings ? and how much did you spend ?

As far as the dash panel and gauges go, only a few pounds. The RacePak dash eliminates all of the wiring for electric gauges and dash lights and the -3 hoses for the pressure gauges. But it does really clean things up with only one cable to the dash panel. The carbon fiber 12"x24" sheet was about $60.

QtrWarrior wrote:

bruno wrote:what is the weight savings ? and how much did you spend ?

Dropped enough weight , that me might be able to run a 5.80 now..

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Doug Rahn wrote:

bruno wrote:what is the weight savings ? and how much did you spend ?

As far as the dash panel and gauges go, only a few pounds. The RacePak dash eliminates all of the wiring for electric gauges and dash lights and the -3 hoses for the pressure gauges. But it does really clean things up with only one cable to the dash panel. The carbon fiber 12"x24" sheet was about $60.

QtrWarrior wrote:

bruno wrote:what is the weight savings ? and how much did you spend ?

Dropped enough weight , that me might be able to run a 5.80 now..

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

iwas asking about the racepak deal .......

Well, I finally finished up the changes on the dash and I also did some rewiring to clean things up. Nick, to answer your question I haven't weigh all of the old gauges, hoses, and wiring I removed yet. The display dash was $655. Now all all I need is my gift from Racecraft .

Very nice Doug! I have a Computech dash to go in mine. Now post some pics of it lit up!

David Willingham wrote:Very nice Doug! I have a Computech dash to go in mine. Now post some pics of it lit up!

Will do, as soon as I put the batteries and cable back in. I'm also waiting on a custom fuel cell to fit the same place as my old one, just smaller. Looking forward to seeing your truck next month

Doug....you should love the RacePak dash. Mine has been trouble free for about 5 years.
The only issue that I had was not the dash, but sensors that I originally screwed in to the engine, for oil pressure and crankcase vacuum. The original sensors (transducers) died after a couple of seasons and I realized that remote mounting was the answer. I now have them remote mounted with a flex line going to the engine.
The dash is a lot of money, but a very good quality high tech instrument.
Keith

looks very nice Doug