Edit... Resto mod FIRST DRIVE

[SoFlaFiat]

Sorry Kevin, you have to buy a car with it installed! ONLY way to get one...

Andy,
Not sure about location on the relay block inside, top of the passengers foot well has the new fuse box so I'm not sure if there is room left there. Lots and lots of wires over there...

[SoFlaFiat]

Does it really look so bad?



I'm standing here thinking about all the work involved to undo this and move the relay block inside the cabin and am having a hard time justifying it...

To cheer myself up I started playing with optional ideas for the dash...



I thought as long as I am leaving the confines of "stock" I might push the limits of artistic...

[azruss]

are you planning on install the heater. looks like you are encroaching on that space.

[vandor]

> That is a very cool proportioning valve..i've never seen one like that. I'm going to have to do a little research.

Very common on road racing (ie. track) applications.

[toplessexpat]

I'm standing here thinking about all the work involved to undo this and move the relay block inside the cabin and am having a hard time justifying it...

Well - you know it's there. I know it's there. We all know it's there. Relays belong in the cabin.... Simple . (looks pretty though)

[SoFlaFiat]

Russ,
I have deleted the stock heater and am planning on a small electric heater for defrost only. I will never use either here in Florida but thought I might want a defroster/defogger if I actually drive elsewhere.

Kev,
Csaba is right... I'm just very sarcastic!

Andy,
Of course, you're right, and if I'm going to all the trouble...

[fiat218]

I need a heater in it Alan, in case u sell it to me . Minnesota does get chilllllly

[SoFlaFiat]

No problem Jim, if you buy it, I'll put a propane space heater in the trunk for you!

[fiat218]

Lol ok great.

[spider2081]

I have had my relays mounted close to where yours are and they have been trouble free for over 8 years and over 30K miles. So as far as the environment goes I don't think the engine compartment is much different than behind instrument cluster. The last few years the car is close to a daily driver and driven in the rain.

You guys do amazing work.

[toplessexpat]

If you're looking for inspiration on the dashboard, see below:



The TVR Cerbera was/is an amazing car in many ways, and the dashboard was truly lovely.... now if you could do something similar..........

[SoFlaFiat]

I'm pretty sure the relays would survive, but now I'm not sure my ego will if I leave them there
Andy will never forgive me... Haha

I found a few minutes to mock up my dash digitally so I could play with materials...
What do you think?

[SoFlaFiat]

Andy....
WOW!!!

[toplessexpat]

I like what you've done with your design (and impressed with your CAD). Assuming a wooden fascia with leather clad top, perhaps leather facing on what looks like the aluminium?

But .... surely the TVR one has given you some inspiration?

[SoFlaFiat]

Andy, you'll be happy to know that my inspiration did, at least, come from your homeland...