Changing Directions
Sometimes you plan and things don't go exactly to plan, so you need to change directions. So I installed my clean one-piece dash in my 1970 BMW 1600 and have been struggling trying to get the older style switches around the instrument cluster installed because the original lock nuts are too short and the dash is too thick. I was also planning to install the old style hazard switch in the original position, in the dash cubby just left of the instrument cluster. While I was waiting for my WTB ad for longer lock screws to work, (thank you @RichenFamous, @jgerock, @davidhayes), I started assembling the covers for the steering column. When I finished, I was admiring my work and noticed the empty hole for the manual choke. Now the 1600 is headed for EFI, either S14 ITB's or a E30 318i throttle body depending on what engine I go with, so no need for a manual choke. So I started thinking about what I was going to plug that hole with?
What if I plug it with the Hazard switch? What would I do with the hole in the dash left of the instrument cluster? AFR GAUGE! So that's what I did. I cut the wrap on the Hazard switch wire and stretched it over to the hole for the manual choke and rewrapped it. I found a 52mm, 2" deep gauge pod on Amazon, trimmed the base so it fit in the dash cubby and ordered the AEM 30-4110 Gauge Kit. Originally, I was going to use an Innovate LC-1 I had on the shelf from another project, then considered buying the LC-2. I ended up going with the AEM because it was significantly cheaper with the gauge and easier to interface with MicroSquirt. I did have issues, like others, that the AEM was shipped with a generic brand O2 sensor and not the Bosch LSU 4.9, but got it sorted out in the end. The AEM wires were long, so I routed the O2 sensor wire from the passenger side near the firewall, up to the nose panel and across to the driver's side and through the firewall on that side.
I'm still waiting on one of the lock nuts, but my dash should be completely done soon.
Thanks for reading,
Mark
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