Roger Ford Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 I'm going to get a blank dash (alu, not CF) and create a minimalist layout with my Race Technologies Dash1. Haven't checked the race regs yet, but I may need to use the standard switches rather than neat little toggle switches. What the best way to cut holes in the dash? Round ones should be easy, but I need a big rectangular one for the Dash1, and small rectangles for the standard switches, if I use them. Do I have to drill-and-file, or is there a better way? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlesElliott Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Drill and hacksaw/jigsaw? It is permitted to substitute non-standard dashboard instruments and switches. It is also permitted to fit any Caterham standard or blank or “Stack” dashboard with non-standard dashboard instruments, switches and paint finish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Ford Posted October 18, 2011 Author Share Posted October 18, 2011 Oh yes - looks like we made Supers the same as Megas. That'll save me having to change the regs for next year :) So ... who makes the nicest toggle switches? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noet Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Keep in mind that bare alu can create distracting reflection if sun comes in on certain angels. Try to get it brushed and perhaps clear matt coated. Egil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Ford Posted October 18, 2011 Author Share Posted October 18, 2011 I was aiming to get one in the standard finish, just without any pre-cut holes. But if I did use plain aluminium, I'd probably give it a coat of Hammerite Smooth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baz Hemsley Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 I think that would look bloody awful. Might be wrong, I often am. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leadership Team SLR No.77 Posted October 18, 2011 Leadership Team Share Posted October 18, 2011 Roger, now I've not tried this, but ....... for the rectangular holes I'd mark them out then support the rear with a block of hardwood, and maybe use a sharp wood chisel to punch out the shapes? The ally is pretty thn and soft so may work. Stu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Support Team Shaun_E Posted October 18, 2011 Support Team Share Posted October 18, 2011 On a carbon dash I drilled the corners of the holes and then used a Dremel with a cutting disc to "join the dots". I think this would work for aluminium as well. You do need a steady hand and will probably need to finish with a file. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skydragon Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 Ditto, same as Shaun but I didn't bother drilling the holes first and just used a dremmel. ( on a CF dash) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Ford Posted October 18, 2011 Author Share Posted October 18, 2011 OK, thanks folks. I'll get some new cutting discs for the Dremel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jakeandlizzy Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 I installed a clock which required substantial cutting while the dash was installed. After a few strategic holes, I just used small and large files. You will be amazed how fast you can cut through the material with even cheap files. A bit safer to the material than a dremel and maybe cleaner as you remove larger chunks of metal with files (so less dust). The item I installed is below and the cutout is not round! In fact it looks more like a 'mickey mouse' cutout so it had to be perfect so that it looked level. http://www.drhornsby.com/pics/index.php?cmd=preview&sfpg=Y2F0ZXJoYW0vKmNsb2NrLmpwZyo4MDdmNzFmNjg2Y2Q5Mjk1YTU3MDkzZjhlZjQxMjg2ZA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Ford Posted October 18, 2011 Author Share Posted October 18, 2011 Interesting clock! I'd like to add a clock to my dash, but I need a battery-backed one because I don't want it to stop every time I use the FIA switch. Can't seem to find one - even the ridiculously expensive Stack one will stop when you kill the power (and no, I can't wire it direct to the car battery - FIA switch must cut everything). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pooh_R Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 Q-Max cutters are good for easy, clean holes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIM 5O Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 you could asked Arch for a blank dash Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Ford Posted October 19, 2011 Author Share Posted October 19, 2011 I have - that's why I need to cut the holes in it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jakeandlizzy Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 Mine you have to wind up! Lasts 3or 4 days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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