I've been busy getting the interior ready to go to the rhino-liner shop lately. One of the things I had to do was finish the instrument panel. The tachometer is my Texas-legal "speed-measuring device". The other holes are for 2 5/8" Stewart-Warner classic style (white on black) gauges: oil pressure, oil temperature, water temperature (with orange light to tell me when to turn on the fan), ammeter, fuel level (with white light to tell me if fuel pressure dips), and an hour meter (the small hole on the extreme right).
There's also a BIG red light for oil pressure warning, and right next to it is a knob for adjusting brake bias front-to-rear.
The switches to the left of the wheel are for headlight/running light off-on, high-low beam (with blue high-beam light), and an on-off-on switch for turn signals. Up is right, and down is left.
There's also a starter button under the oil pressure idiot light.
The hole next to the tach is large enough for me to reach through with a gloved finger to reset the tach's tattletale needle. I think I'll put a rubber flap or something behind it to cover the hole.
I know it looks kind of cobby, but that's the whole idea - race car simple, with no frills (also, if I polish it up, the reflection could be blinding). The upper dash panel is not installed yet. You may notice the rivet holes along the top of the aluminum dash. The stock Pinto upper panel rivets there, and stretches the rest of the way to the windshield cowl. I had it powder coated crinkle black for low reflection.
Some may notice the steering quickener on the shaft. I want steering to be go-cart quick, but heavy enough that when I sneeze, I won't change lanes! I think it's going to be plenty heavy.
The pedal assembly's not in the car for these pictures, of course. Also not pictured is an aluminum panel that goes in where the normal console plate/glove box/whatever-it-was went. The panel has a number of switches that control things like blower motor, wipers, interior light, fuel pump, etc. All the switches are marine-grade.
There are a few other things you may notice in the pics. Feel free to ask, if interested!
Regards, Paul
Hey, wait, that does not LOOK stock..... :P
HOLY HECK, Batman, that's impressive! Nice work!
Chris
Thanks, Chris!
I had a busy busy summer, marrying off our only daughter, and hardly got any time at all to work on the Pinto. What the heck, it was too hot in the shop, anyway! Now the weather's turning, and my goal is STILL to get the thing rhino-lined inside so I can finally start with the final assembly. As parts go on and the thing looks more presentable, I'll post more pics.
Paul
After going through the pains of my own project [project shurtagul] i can appreciate your work. Nice job. I know it is frustrating not to work on the car but you will get there and I am looking forward to your pictures.
jim
cossiepinto,
I am impressed...yes, please keep us updated on your progress...badass!!
High_Horse