Billet Dash, for Manx Style, 1 Large, 4 Small Holes, Alum

OVERVIEW

Elevate your cockpit to professional-grade standards with the EMPI Billet Aluminum Manx-Style Dash Panel. Designed specifically for the iconic lines of the Meyers Manx and its various dune buggy offshoots, this dash panel replaces the often-flimsy fiberglass or plastic mounting surfaces with a rigid, high-luster piece of precision-machined hardware. When you''re bouncing through the dunes or cruising the coastline, the last thing you want is a shaky speedometer or vibrating gauges. This billet panel provides the structural integrity needed to keep your instrumentation rock-solid while adding a custom, high-end look that screams quality. The brushed aluminum finish offers a timeless aesthetic that complements both vintage-inspired builds and modern, high-tech sand rails.

Engineering excellence is at the heart of this EMPI component. Unlike universal panels that require unsightly front-facing screws, this billet dash features a clean, "blind-mount" design. The backside is precision drilled and tapped for 6mm-1.0 threads, allowing you to secure the panel from behind for a smooth, fastener-free appearance on the face. This specific configuration features one large 3-1/8 inch center hole, perfectly sized for a standard speedometer or tachometer, flanked by four 2-1/16 inch holes for your critical monitoring gauges like oil pressure, battery voltage, fuel level, and cylinder head temperature. It''s the ultimate solution for the air-cooled enthusiast who demands a cockpit that is as functional as it is beautiful.

FITMENT

• Meyers Manx: Original and Resorter models with flat-style dash areas.
• Manx Clones: Fits most EMPI Imp, Bruce Meyers Signature Series, and generic "Manx-style" fiberglass bodies.
• Dune Buggies: Compatible with Berrien Buggy, Kyote, and various 1960s/70s era fiberglass kits.
• Custom Sand Rails: Easily adaptable to any flat-panel dash fabrication on tube chassis vehicles.
• Universal Applications: Can be mounted to any flat surface on Volkswagen-based kit cars and street rods.

SPECS

• Material: High-grade Billet 6061-T6 Aluminum.
• Large Hole Diameter: 3-1/8 inches (80mm) ID (Standard Speedo/Tach size).
• Small Hole Diameter: 2-1/16 inches (52mm) ID (Standard Accessory Gauge size).
• Mounting Hardware: Back-side drilled and tapped for 6mm-1.0 studs.
• Finish: Machined Billet Aluminum with a smooth, polishable surface.
• Configuration: 1 Large center/offset hole, 4 Small flanking holes.
• Corrosion Resistance: Naturally resistant to rust, making it ideal for open-cockpit buggies and beach cruisers.
• Manufacturer: EMPI.
• Part Number: 16-9826-0.

PRO TIPS

1. Master the Hidden Mount

To achieve the cleanest look possible, use 6mm-1.0 all-thread or headless set screws as mounting studs. Thread them into the backside of the dash panel with a small drop of blue thread locker. This allows you to slide the panel through your fiberglass dash and secure it with nyloc nuts and wide fender washers from the inside. This "hidden" fastening method ensures that no screw heads distract from the beautiful machined finish of the billet aluminum, giving your VW a true show-car quality appearance.

2. Grounding and Electrical Isolation

Since this dash panel is made of conductive aluminum, it can act as a common ground for your gauges, but it can also cause shorts if your wiring is messy. We highly recommend running a dedicated ground wire from one of the mounting studs directly to the chassis. When installing your gauges, ensure all "hot" terminals are well-insulated. Using a bit of heat-shrink tubing on your spade connectors will prevent any accidental contact with the metal panel, which is especially important in the high-vibration environment of an off-road buggy.

3. Maintaining the Billet Luster

Aluminum is durable, but exposure to salt air or moisture can cause it to oxidize over time. To keep your EMPI Billet Dash looking brand new, we recommend applying a high-quality metal sealant or a thin coat of carnauba wax immediately after installation. If you prefer a mirror finish, the machined surface is an excellent candidate for hand-polishing with a dedicated aluminum polish. For those looking for a "stealth" look, this panel can also be powder-coated or anodized to match your vehicle''s specific color scheme without losing the precision fit of the gauge holes.