Dash Requirements

#1

Hi, just want to clarify some rules for the dash. I know the adage: “if the rules don’t say you can, then you can’t”. But I’m asking anyway.

A quick search of this forum tells me that I have to keep the stock instrument cluster. I searched the rules for “instrument”, “cluster”, and “gauge”. Since the rules don’t say I can get rid of it, I have to keep it. Right?

Even if it doesn’t work. Right?

I’m replacing the center air duct and radio slot with gauge panels. I assume that is OK, since the ducts and radio can be removed and the gauges are allowed. Right?

I would like to replace the OBC (next to the radio) with a switch panel. Is that OK?

I’d like to remove the ignition switch from the steering column. That OK?

I’ll keep the heater core in place, although it is disconnected and the hoses are looped. Do I need to retain the heater box itself? If not, I’ll bolt the heater core to the floor and call it good. :slight_smile:

The rules permit add/replace of “heater water control valve”. It does not say “delete”. Does this mean I have to leave the heater valve hanging off the heater core, which isn’t connected to anything?

One last question: can I delete the turn signal and wiper stalks and replace them with toggle switches?

Thanks!

#2

I’d agree with your interpretation that the cluster has to remain in the car, whether it works or not. The rules clearly state that you can add gauges, but it doesn’t mention replacing gauges.

Mounting gauges or switches where the center vent, radio, or OBC lived is allowed, since those can legally be removed. If you don’t have a working fuel gauge, retaining the OBC isn’t a bad idea as it can be used to monitor fuel level.

Since the rules don’t specifically mention the ignition, turn signal, and wiper switches, I’d say that they must be left in their original locations and serving their original functions. I seem to remember a discussion about bypassing an in-op ignition switch. The consensus was that it wasn’t legal, but probably would be ignored.

I think the intent of the rules is that the heater core and related parts must remain in their original position.

#3

I have already broken my blinker stalk getting in and out of the car (it is just hanging there right now). I haven’t fixed it because I know I will just hit it again with my leg getting in and out. A toggle switch there would be an ideal solution for me and my blinkers would work again.

Any clarification on this? I would appreciate it (so would the guy behind me driving to the local garage).

Jason

#4

I’ll second the broken turn signal issue. I have already replaced mine one from a junkyard and have come close to breaking this one a couple of times.

Getting in and out over the cage makes it tough to miss the turn signal. A switch would be great!

Legal… Carter… anyone?

#5

A fix for hitting the turn signal stalk would be to cut it off close the column. An inch or so of stalk would be enough to work the signals and reduce the chance of hitting it getting in the car. I don’t know if that would be considered to be a legal modification or not, but I doubt anyone would file a protest over it.

#6

I was the one with the ignition question a while back. The remembering is right on - not legal to replace it with a button - probably would not be protested - but I replaced it with a junk yard part.

I don’t know of any rule that says you can remove the center vents - where is that? I removed the dial next to the passenger side of the center vent to allow the center net to go in. I also don’t think you can modify the turn or washer stalk to a nub and remain legal by the letter of the law. See the note above on the ignition - that would be an unpopular protest. I think you can remove the cruise control lever, as you are allowed to remove the cruise control. I also remember Carter mentioning that you need to have the knee padding in on the dash (below the steering wheel). I thought that one was odd, as I like to remove things that can burn easily - but mine is still in. I don’t think that will be the death of me…

#7

9.3.13.22 specifically says (in part) that heating and cooling system interior ducts may be removed. So I’d say it is okay to mount gauges where the center vent would be.

I also remember the statement about retaining the under dash panels, but 9.3.13.22 say that they can be removed. I don’t have all of the past versions of the SpecE30 rules, so I can’t say if a previous version did not include those as parts legal to remove.

#8

jlevie wrote:

Sounds like I need to re-read 9.3.13.22! I just did…

I thought the “heating and cooling system interior ducts” where the ducts on the floor (that I removed). I also though the things in the dash were “vents” or “vent openings”. That is why I left them.

I agree on the “panels under the dash” part - I sure missed that - good news - mine is falling apart!

Thanks!

#9

Another fix for the blinker stalk is to just bend it back (towards the dash).

#10

So do I have to leave that whole HUGE box with the vent control cables and everything? Or can I just keep the heater core itself in there and ditch the box?

#11

Tracked a rental car before??

#12

I’d say it has to remain in place since I don’t think that it is listed as a part that can be removed.

#13

Let me be the devil’s advocate for a moment. 9.3.13.22 says “The interior, including… may be removed.”

The sentance is not written to specify that removal is limited to . Consider the difference between the two following sentences:

The steering wheel assembly, including the airbag, can be removed.
The steering wheel assembly, strictly defined as the wheel itself and excluding all other devices and housings, can be removed.

We seem to be interpreting the interior removal paragraph like the latter example, but it’s written like the former.

It goes without saying that there are other, more restrictive paragraphs, that deal with various interior specifics. And I’m not suggesting that a general paragraph in any way trumps one of the specific paragraphs.

The bottom line is that the interior paragraph just gives us a list of suggested things to remove. What the paragraph does not do is limit what interior things can be removed.

If we want 9.3.12.22 to limit what can be removed, we should ask Carter to change the wording. Personally, I’ve no dog in this fight. I’m not itching to drop weight by removing anything from my interior. I’ll kick your ass by taking the tower shortcut.

#14

The heater box is a pain in the ass. I gave it to the cage builder so they could bend the dash bar around the friggin thing. Now it’s trapped in there (the builder bolted it back in before bending the bar).

The heater core kept sliding out and hitting my leg at a track event last week. As soon as I came off the track, I launched the thing into my truck. It’s now in a box in the garage. (My bad for not taping it in there.) :stuck_out_tongue:

First chance I get, I’m taking a Sawzall to the heater box. It’s a mess, it gets in the way of my electronics, and just knowing this useless blob of plastic is under there bugs me. Yeah, I’m anal about this stuff. :laugh: If I ever race SpecE30 and get dinged for not having the box, then I’ll have to go play in GTS. :frowning:

#15

I have pointed this wording issue out to Carter during the annual rule revisions, but he interprets it as a list of items that can be removed.
bruce

Ranger wrote:

[quote]Let me be the devil’s advocate for a moment. 9.3.13.22 says “The interior, including… may be removed.”

The sentance is not written to specify that removal is limited to . Consider the difference between the two following sentences:

The steering wheel assembly, including the airbag, can be removed.
The steering wheel assembly, strictly defined as the wheel itself and excluding all other devices and housings, can be removed.

We seem to be interpreting the interior removal paragraph like the latter example, but it’s written like the former.

It goes without saying that there are other, more restrictive paragraphs, that deal with various interior specifics. And I’m not suggesting that a general paragraph in any way trumps one of the specific paragraphs.

The bottom line is that the interior paragraph just gives us a list of suggested things to remove. What the paragraph does not do is limit what interior things can be removed.

If we want 9.3.12.22 to limit what can be removed, we should ask Carter to change the wording. Personally, I’ve no dog in this fight. I’m not itching to drop weight by removing anything from my interior. I’ll kick your ass by taking the tower shortcut.[/quote]

#16

leggwork wrote:

[quote]I have pointed this wording issue out to Carter during the annual rule revisions, but he interprets it as a list of items that can be removed.
bruce

[/quote]

I may suck as a racer, but I’m as competant at English as the next guy. What this paragraph says is clear. If we are being directed to interpret it differently, that’s Carter’s perogative. He’s the boss. But I agree with you that we ought to change it’s wording so that it says what he apparently wants it to say.

Something that is clear isn’t subject to interpretation. If the regs say that we can use 15X7 wheels, we can’t be told “No, you can’t use 15X7 because we really meant 14X6”.

I contend that the current paragraph re. interior is clear. Meaning that the list of items is just some suggestions within the greater clause that states that the interior can be removed. So if that’s not the boss’s intent, we need to get it changed before it causes heartburn.

I’m really good at doing what I’m told. Just ask my wife. But I’m all kinds of anal about receiving clear guidance.