Billet Dash, for Manx Style, 2 Small 2 Large 2 Small, Chrome

OVERVIEW

Elevate the interior of your custom dune buggy or Meyers Manx clone with the ultimate centerpiece of cockpit engineering. This Latest Rage Billet Aluminum Dash Panel is designed for the serious enthusiast who demands a professional, show-quality finish without the headache of custom fabrication. Machined from high-grade billet aluminum and finished in a mirror-like triple-plated chrome, this dash panel provides a rigid, vibration-resistant mount for your vital engine monitors. The iconic 2-small, 2-large, 2-small configuration allows you to organize your instrumentation logically, putting your most critical data pointslike your speedometer and tachometerfront and center, while flanking them with essential secondary readouts for oil pressure, temperature, fuel level, or voltage. It isn''t just about looks; it''s about creating a functional command center that can withstand the dust of the dunes and the vibrations of a high-performance air-cooled engine.

What truly sets this billet dash apart from stamped steel or plastic alternatives is the precision-engineered mounting system. The back of the plate is expertly drilled and tapped with 6mm-1.0 threads, allowing for a completely "blind" installation. This means you won''t have unsightly screw heads or bolt faces breaking up the clean, chrome aesthetic of your dashboard. Whether you are building a period-correct street cruiser or a rugged off-road rail, this panel provides the structural integrity needed to keep your gauges securely seated even during hard landings or high-speed runs. When you are behind the wheel of a classic VW-based kit car, the dash is what you see more than anything else; upgrading to this billet chrome unit ensures that every glance at your gauges reminds you of the quality and craftsmanship you''ve poured into your machine.

FITMENT

• Meyers Manx: All original and reproduction fiberglass bodies.
• Manx Style Buggies: Fits Empi, Berrien, and various "Manx-clone" fiberglass bodies.
• Dune Buggies: Universal fit for custom flat-panel dash configurations.
• Sand Rails: Ideal for custom tube-chassis mounting brackets.
• VW Kit Cars: Compatible with Bradley GT, Fiberfab, and other air-cooled VW-based kits with sufficient dash space.
• Custom Applications: Can be adapted to any flat surface on Volkswagen Beetles, Karmann Ghias, or Type 3 custom builds.

SPECS

• Material: CNC Machined Billet Aluminum for maximum durability.
• Finish: High-Luster Triple-Plated Chrome.
• Large Gauge Holes: Two holes at 3-1/8 inches (3.125") ID (Standard for Speedometers and Tachometers).
• Small Gauge Holes: Four holes at 2-1/16 inches (2.0625") ID (Standard for Oil, Temp, Fuel, and Volt gauges).
• Mounting Hardware: Backside is drilled and tapped for 6mm-1.0 bolts (bolts not included).
• Layout Configuration: 2 Small (Left), 2 Large (Center), 2 Small (Right).
• Weight: 1.51 lbs Solid enough to prevent gauge flutter but light enough for fiberglass mounting.
• Overall Design: Smooth radius edges for a premium, finished appearance.

PRO TIPS

1. Master the Grounding Circuit

One of the most common mistakes I see in air-cooled VW electrical work is relying on the dash panel itself for a ground. While this billet panel is aluminum, the chrome plating and the fiberglass body of a buggy are not reliable conductors. I highly recommend running a dedicated 14-gauge ground wire from each gauge to a common ground bus bar tucked behind the dash. This ensures your gauge needles won''t jump or provide false readings when you turn on your headlights or wipers. Always use a star-washer on your grounding points to bite through any oxidation and ensure a metal-to-metal connection that will last for years of off-road abuse.

2. Blind Mounting Success

Since this dash is tapped for 6mm-1.0 threads on the backside, you have the opportunity for a perfectly clean "bolt-free" look. When installing, I suggest using 6mm threaded studs rather than standard bolts. Thread the studs into the back of the billet dash with a drop of blue (medium strength) Loctite. This allows you to slide the dash through your fiberglass body and secure it from behind with nyloc nuts and large fender washers. The fender washers are critical; they spread the clamping force across a larger area of the fiberglass, preventing the dash from cracking the gel coat over time due to engine vibration or rough terrain.

3. Gauge Alignment and Protection

Before you tighten the mounting brackets for your individual gauges, sit in the driver''s seat and check the "clocking" of the faces. It is common for gauges to rotate slightly as you tighten the rear U-bracket. For a true professional look, ensure the needles are all oriented identically at their rest positions. Additionally, because this is a chrome finish, I recommend applying a high-quality carnauba wax to the face of the dash before installation. This makes it much easier to wipe away fingerprints and trail dust later on without scratching the chrome surface. Don''t forget to use rubber grommets for any wiring passing through the fiberglass behind the dash to prevent the sharp edges from chafing your harness.