Today I started on the dash build. I need some place to mount the new fuse box and other in-dash electronics, so I need a dash frame first. I forgot to charge my Makita batteries last night, so I was slowed down by dead batteries at first.
Anyway, here's the basic shape so far:
It's about the same height as the factory dash, but a bit more square. I'm not a big fan of wood in cars, especially topless cars, so the build will use all metal and fiberglass.
I reused two of the factory dash brackets. They will get cleaned up and painted when I paint the rest of the dash frame. Here is how I mounted them, right side:
Left side:
It's pretty solid. It's dead level, centered in the car and at the same exact height on each end. Symmetrical dash FTW!