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dash help/ideas

8K views 11 replies 7 participants last post by  Lancem 
#1 ·
in the very near future i will be starting my engine swap in my YJ, good bye 2.5L hello 350..lol. so i figured its time i start looking @ my options to re-do my dash. i dont realy care for factory layout. i'm trying to get ideas of things i will need. i always prefer to start planning on 1st.

I see a lot of people that install diamond plate, or some sort of metal dash. keeping it flat. For example found these pictures online:



now it goes look very nice and clean, but also looks like there could be a issue seeing some of the gauges. i have been making test boards using 1/4" wood to get a idea and it does seem like will be more of a issue seeing whole gauge. anyone try a dash like above? if so how do you like it any changes you recomend? i could always fiberglas the dash.. prefer not to bc of all the time etc..but something i can do lol if worst comes to worst.

some items planning on installing in dash.

Gauges:
Speed (0-120)
Tach
Water Temp
Oil pressure
Volt
Air pressure (for compressor)
Amp (so I can see the draw).

Figure these would be only gauges I need unless anyone can think of any I missed.

Warning Lights: Check Engine, Alarm LED, Turn Signal
Don’t know if I need anything else, figure dont need high beams

Other items in dash:
Radio
CB
Heater controls
Lots of switches for lights
Cig Lighter
Main Power Kill Switch


anything i'm missing, should not use? anyone have any ideas?

thanks for any input
 
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#2 ·
i read about a cj dash kit that looks prety sweet. seems like alot of work but the end result would be spectacular.... copy and paste web address below

jeep.off-road.com/jeep/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=261302
 
#3 ·
yea i agree i have seen stuff like that as well and looks good in pictures. just seems some of the gauges further away may have a issue seeing them. maybe i'll just mess with it and see what happens
 
#6 ·
all depends on how fast you want it and how much you want to spend.

most will probably tell you sell the 2.5 and buy a 4L bc in a lot of cases will probably be cheaper. but i have done alot to my 2.5L over the years so i want to keep it, plus since it's not my every day driver i can take my time and look for deals on parts etc. nice having a friend thats a mechanic so that helps alot in Labor and in finding things.

Right off the bat i plan on, engine, trans, front & rear axles, probably transfer case, SOA. some other things i know i'm missing

my friend found a old Chevy w/ 350 and turbo 400 trans in it. that i can get for cheap probably like $400, will rebuild before i install. then just missed another friend sellin a ford 8.8 for $75, so i was pissed about that, but just my luck. lol

alot of it is probably luck finding parts. bc find a good used engine like me it's cheap, order it from a company could have several grand in just that.

but we're still lookin for parts..once i hear back from him i can make a list. but that could be this week or weeks down the road...lol
 
#10 ·
to make your fabrication changes easier for testing ideas... use cardboard. You can paint it flat black if you want a different look. It can be easily cut, moved, changed, bent, etc... Then, once you settle you can use the cardboard to make a stencil. Cut it out of thin wood and cover with fiberglass for nice rounded and smooth edges or go with steel for the sharp flat look.
 
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