dash board thickness

[Boris]

I'm looking to mount a change up light between my speedo and rev counter (above centre) I need to make a 10mm hole but would rather not use a drill (because of the burr) I can get a sheet metal punch but it only good for 16 guage (1.2mm)

Goes anyone know the thickness of the standard dash?

[Drumster]

Over the years I've drilled more than a few holes in the dashbard using a step drill. It'll be fine.... just make sure there are no wires nearby and don't forget to factor in the chassis tube that runs along the top of the dash.

[Stationary M25 Traveller]

Echo the above - step drill or taper drill work fine in thin sheet metal. I put a 24mm dia hole in the bulkhead recently for a cut-off switch. Very neat hole.

[richy]

Dont try a punch - it'll more than likely crack .

Go slowly with the drill and you can file off any burrs afterwards.

Richy

[BBL]

If you have a removable steering wheel, it is easy to remove the tach or speedo and measure there in the cut-out. Be careful not to lose either of the washers that are behind the knurled nuts when you remove them, as they are small and can be difficult to locate after being dropped.

[c7trp]

I've used these with success in the past.

 

Tapered hand reamer

 

Start with a small, say 6mm, hole and enlarge with this. Easy in the alloy dash

 

 

[The Pikey]

As said above a step drill will do an ok job of it but a sheet metal punch will do a perfect job of putting a hole the thin aly dash.

 

J

[Jonathan Kay]

I used a hole punch where you drill a small pilot hole then thread one bit either side and tighten with a wrench by hand: don't know the correct term. Worked perfectly.

 

Jonathan

[Boris]

Thats exactly what I had in mind Jonathan, seems a better way to me. Cleaner and more control (IMO)