Dash update
I got the new dash done over Christmas break. I'm much happier with these new gauges and the final design.
I started out trying see if I could reuse the old dash parts I cut out to get it back to a more Jeep like look. Slapped together a rough mock up just to see.
Wasn't really excited but started to fabricate and weld some pieces in. Nope. Spent a few hours working on it and knew I wouldn't like it. Start again.
Went back to a design that looks more similar to the curved top I had with the last set of gauges.
- shifted everything about 2" right to get gauges better aligned of steering wheel
- Able to lower the top of the curve about 1" from previous design given the gauge layout. Looks much better to me even if similar
- Created a really nice mounting area on the left of the dash. That will likely be the new home of my t-case controller switch. Considering a few things to put there but that seems like the perfect spot.
I also started to think about switch layout. Sketched something out and decided most switches make more sense in the future console than dash. Going with that plan, so welded dash pad mounts and all but 3 switch holes up. Much cleaner and I think more usable. Still some body work to do and won't prime and paint until gauge and vent cut outs are done but close.
Welded things up, finished dash fab and rough bodywork before a test fit
I spent an hour or two at least marking the cut outs. might seem like a long time but did it 4-5 times at least looking at different options. Wanted to be certain it was just right before I would ever consider cutting.
Mocked it up using the 15" steering wheel in the Jeep when I bought it. I'm going with a 14" flat bottom for more room but holding off cutting out mounting holes for gauges until I get the new steering wheel in and test fit one last time...just to be sure. That may be a month or two, the wheel I'm getting is on back order and not supposed to ship until early March...ugggg.
I worked on quite a few other small things, painting bit parts, rebuilding vent windows etc. but feels like not much happened.
I started working on some wiring diagrams and then came across the company InfinityBox.
I love the direction and vision. It's basically an intelligent wiring system that has a Master controller module that manages remote power modules via a CAN bus wire. The remote power modules can be placed in front and back or anywhere needed eliminating long runs of wiring from front to back of the vehicle. No relays need. The master manages all of the relay functionality by fast switching mosfet circuits. Really cool stuff.
Anyone have any experience with their products. I stumbled on them looking for a good aftermarket PWM fuel pump controller so it was kind of accidental.