The new scuttle created a bit of a problem. The scuttle is a bit longer than the old one and the steering column wasn't long enough to allow the steering wheel to be fitted. I needed a longer column I had a Sierra column which had a adjustable length control. The advantage was the top part of the column was longer and would allow the steering wheel to clear the scuttle. Also the triangular section had to be extended by about 150mm to allow the section to reach the universal coupling. A section also had to be cut out below the column to allow it to sit flat and true.
Whilst fitting the new column it was apparent that the old dashboard wasn't going to fit and a new one would have to be made. This was good in a way since having built the car I wanted to fine tune the position of the switches. I never really liked having all the light switches and indicators dotted all around the dashboard and at a trip to the breakers brought back a column switch assembly from a Ford Ka and a ignition lock frame from a late model Ford Escort. The ignition lock assembly was fitted to the column tube and the Ford Ka switches fitted over the lock assembly. I removed the wind screen wiper switch from the switch assembly as it wasn't required. The pin out was worked out from the Ford Technical CD I bought off ebay and removed the wires not needed from the plugs. Using the column switches from the Ka allows me to have the headlight controls side/dipped beams and high beams, indicators and the horn control.
The loom was pulled back through the dashboard and connected to the plugs from the column switches. Because of the location of the plugs for the switch assembly I decided to make the dashboard in two pieces. The left hand piece has three switches mounted on it brake test, fog light and hazards. I also fitted the ignition warning light and a start button. This took up pretty much all the wiring as on the other half there will just have the ETB Digi-Dash fitted to it and some other switches. The advantage to having a two piece dashboard that if I want to add other switches or instruments the whole loom doesn't have to be fully dismantled.
The next job will be to make up the other half of the dashboard which will have the Digi Dash fitted to it plus the switch for the electric heater.