I want to redo my dash as it has seen better days. I have the old one off and am considering my options. The dash is rather small but I think it has just enough space for what I want. It originally only had the ignition, a navigation light switch, a speedometer in very rough condition and the steering wheel. The emergency cutoff switch was modded and stuffed under the dash. I would like to redo it completely and add new gauges. I plan on installing a new speedometer, tach, volt meter, install the cutoff switch, and reinstall the steering wheel, ignition and navigation light switch. By starting from scratch, I will better be able to cut the holes and get everything positioned the way I want.
My question is on what material can I use so that the steering is properly supported? That is my biggest concern. It is a teleflex steering setup and it seems kind of hefty. The dash right now is almost an inch thick which gives it plenty of support. Would I be able to just use plywood for the start of the new dash and would that provide enough support for the steering? The dash is only mounted by several screws on either side and across the top. I had also seen where clear plexiglass has been used and painted on the back side for a new modern look but I haven't been too successful in the past with cutting or drilling larger holes in plexiglass without it cracking. I also want to have enough support for the emergency cutoff switch in case the tether gets tugged as the connector on the tether fits very snugly onto the switch.
My question is on what material can I use so that the steering is properly supported? That is my biggest concern. It is a teleflex steering setup and it seems kind of hefty. The dash right now is almost an inch thick which gives it plenty of support. Would I be able to just use plywood for the start of the new dash and would that provide enough support for the steering? The dash is only mounted by several screws on either side and across the top. I had also seen where clear plexiglass has been used and painted on the back side for a new modern look but I haven't been too successful in the past with cutting or drilling larger holes in plexiglass without it cracking. I also want to have enough support for the emergency cutoff switch in case the tether gets tugged as the connector on the tether fits very snugly onto the switch.