[wayfastwhitey]

I'm posting this for a friend that's building a pony.

The Rule: i) Dash must remain in stock location.

Does this mean that the whole dash pad must remain or just the Instrument Cluster? Seems like I've seen some pretty gutted dashes, and before I cut the whole dash out I figure I better make sure to understand the rule.


Also there is this rule: q) Tube may be reinforced between cage and strut tower. A tube may also
extend beyond the strut tower to the front, continued across the front
and end at the opposite strut tower but may not compromise the original
unibody construction. No non-factory tower to tower brace.


So you can run a tube through the firewall, to the strut tower, and then from the front of the strut tower to the front of the core support? just so long as you don't go tower to tower?

Thanks in advance for the clarification.

[Jim Leasure]

The dash/instrument cluster needs to stay in the same location but the pad can be removed.

You have answered the second part of your question better than I can. Just don't go from tower to tower.

[Mopar93]

[Jim Leasure]

I only read the rule. Are you telling me that our tecs haven't followed the rule for the last few years or at least asked to amend it?

[Mopar93]

Jim,

The cars are legal according to the rule. And so, it has never been an issue.

"i) Dash must remain in stock location."

It is your interpretation of the rule that makes the cars illegal.

The rule does not state that the car must have a stock dash, only that the dash, whether stock or fabricated, be located in the stock location.

-Maurice

[wayfastwhitey]

So putting the unknown dash in the backseat is illegal, but putting it in the trash can is ok?

Seriously though, does the "dash" include just the instrument panel? I'm confused.

I'm pretty sure that once the heater core and the HVAC are out that there isn't much of anything left under the pad, but the IP can be bolted back in or bolted to the knee bar of the cage pretty easily.

[Mopar93]

Gavin,

Many of the teams have eliminated the entire stock dash, including the stock instrument panel. They then fabricate a sheet metal dash (just like you might see in a Sportsman car) and install aftermarket gauges and toggle switches.

However, that's what they used to do. I have nothing to do with what they are supposed to do from here on. Jim will have to make this call.

-Maurice

[Jim Leasure]

As far as I know the rule says stock only, but I'm not going to banter or have a cyber rules meeting. Please call Chuck at 517-812-1853 and ask him. Please tell him Leasure tried to answer the question but was incapable of doing so, he'll understand. Thanks.

[wayfastwhitey]

Thanks Jim,
I appreciate the help. Sorry, I didn't mean to stir up a big stink. I'm sure that the person that needed the information is lurking and here and sees the message to call chuck.

Maurice,
I follow you, we'll get with Chuck and see if the rule has changed. Thanks for the clarification and history. I don't know the first thing about ponys, so it's tough to help sometimes without relying on you guys.

[chuck ewing]

Dash panel ??
The rule states the dash must remain in the stock location.
Some peoples intertations will be diferent regrading stock and fabricted,
THE RULE HAS NOT CHANGED!!! what was legal last year will be legal this year, Stock or fabricated MUST be in stock location.. If you have any more questions please call me at that number.
Thanks :Chuck

[Dennis ONeil]

Therefore you can install a manufactured dash, but it must remain in the normal location for a dash. Would it not be simpler to amend the rule to say "Stock dash may be removed"?
Then any creative interpretation of the rule would be nullified.
If the stock dash can be removed, why does one assume that any dash at all needs to be installed? Does a dash or lack of a dash make any real difference in the performance of lack of performance of a particular car?
Has there been a time when if a car had a dash that it was located other than where a dash should be?
_________________
Thanks
Dennis ONeil
www.oneilsauto.com

"A MIND IS LIKE A PARACHUTE.............WORKS BETTER WHEN OPEN"

[schinde]

Oh, what the heck, might as well.

The rule as printed.

"i) Dash must remain in stock location."

Now, let's do a little English work here.

DASH

The word dash does not have an automotive application, as we have taken dashboard and abbreviated to the word Dash. So, let's use the non-shortened version Dashboard.

noun 1. (in an automobile or similar vehicle) a panel beneath the front window having various gauges and accessories for the use of the driver; instrument panel.

MUST

Auxiliary verb 1. to be required or compelled to, as by the rules: You must obey the rules.

REMAIN

Verb 1. to continue in the same state; continue to be as specified: to stay behind or in the same place:

IN

preposition 1. used to indicate inclusion within space, a place, or limits:

STOCK

noun 1. of the common or ordinary state or type in place

LOCATION

noun 1. a place of settlement, condition with reference to place; location; situation, a place occupied or to be occupied; the proper, appropriate, or usual place:

Given the above English definitions, I think the answer to the question is pretty crystal clear, right?

have a good day,

schinde
_________________
Short track racing is more fun than a human being ought to be allowed to have!

[governor72]

Matt,

Are you back on the pain meds???????? LOL

Hope Dick doesn't start using the dictionary, as I would hate
to hear how Homies is listed in the dictionary.

Dan

[modfan]

Dan that was just mean.Talk about feeding a fire.