Another dash board Q

[Runningwild]

I’m making a new dash. Any thing you see wrong or if I forgot something please let me know.
No side air inlets. Air comes in where heater core used to be and splits between feet and windshield.
5 toggleswitches. Fuel pump. -  running lights. - wiper. - interior fan. -  backup camera
Window switches stay where they are.  Did I forget anything.  Thanks. Tom

[Runningwild]

Pictures

[Arizona]

One thing I would comment on. I made my dash with the tach and speedometer flush like yours. I noticed that they cast an annoying glare on the windshield at night. Since I almost never drive it at night it wasn't really a big problem for me.

[BDA]

I don't know a lot about the S2 dashboard but I would make three comments. First, I think an instrument binnacle is a useful addition as it will help keep the glare of the speedo and tach off the windshield. I've seen where some people dispense with it so I guess it's a personal choice. Second, since you seem to be finishing your own dash, I would advise you to finish all the edges and the back as well. The polyurethane will help keep moisture from migrating into the wood. Thirdly, you don't seem to have a glove box. Certainly a personal preference, but I've found mine very useful. Mine also has a door with a magnetic latch which I also find very handy.

I like the plan for a backup camera. I have one in my radio that I find useful, though I wish it were bigger. The funny thing is that when I was building my car, I was looking for something jazzy to put there but GPSs and backup cameras and stuff like that were not that available in 1998 so I had to settle for a clock. It's a good clock but it is just a clock! 

[Gary t]

As already mentioned it very important to finish it the same on all sides. Most people that do lots of veneering also advise veneering both sides. I have a left over piece of oak that I plan to put on the back.g
 This will help to keep it flat.

[Runningwild]

Thanks guys. Very helpful. As it’s a 68 S2 non federal car I kind of wanted to with out the binnacle
Of course it won’t look stock anyway.  Something to think about. 

[jbcollier]

I have an S1 and it has an upside-down, heads-up-display at night.  Unsurprisingly, it's not particularly helpful.  You tend to run with the instruments as dim as possible.

[dakazman]

What brand of back up camera are you going with? I will be adding that option as well and deleting the ashtray.
Dakazman

[gideon]

If you sell the ashtray you could buy a backup camera with the money and have enough left over for something else.

[Runningwild]

Not sure of the camera brand yet. Only have half an ash tray. But I have a twin cam bell housing that will pay for a few things!

[jbcollier]

I fit a stereo with a back-up camera.  Worked well, as a back-up camera, but a Europa is just to noisy at speed to bother with a stereo.  I removed it and fit extra gauges, a rally comm system and a GPS with a back-up camera.  On long drives, my last was 6 hours at 4K rpm, I wear a headset with a mike.  I can hear enough but not too much and I can listen to my phone and take calls as well.

[dakazman]

JB , LOL 😃
 I have never driven my or any other lotus and can’t wait to go thru your driving experience .
Dakazman
 

[Chuck Nukem]

JB , LOL 😃
 I have never driven my or any other lotus and can’t wait to go thru your driving experience .
Dakazman

Same!!

[Grumblebuns]

Probably too late to change things for you but on my S2s I've always hated having the ignition switch located in the middle of the dash. I much prefer the location on the TCSs.

[surfguitar58]

I also am interested in what you decide on for the back-up camera. My ideal would be something that plugs into an iPhone, since I already have an iPhone mount where the radio should be. Seems redundant to have separate LCD screens for GPS, music and back-up cam.

I am considering one of those set-ups that attach to the rear-view mirror with integrated dash-cam and a screen for a license plate mounted back-up camera, but I feel like every time I go over a bump the extra weight would throw my mirror out of adjustment. Has anyone had any experience with this type of system?

I am also reticent to drill any new holes in the dash, or anywhere for that matter, for electronics. The cars are timeless, but the electronics will be obsolete in 3 years.

Tom