Dashboard / Instrument Panel: Description and Operation

Instrument Panel

COMPONENT LOCATION









OVERVIEW
The instrument panel incorporates a tubular steel cross car beam. An energy absorbing assembly is bolted to the drivers side of the cross car beam. The energy absorbing assembly comprises 2 deformable brackets welded to a cross brace. NAS vehicles also feature a single energy absorbing bracket bolted to the passenger side of the cross car beam.
Secured to the center of the cross car beam is a cast magnesium structure which provides support and mounting points for the center console. Mounted on the driver side of the cross car beam is the steering column support, which is also manufactured from magnesium. The cross car beam also provides a mounting point for the dual stage passenger air bag. For additional information, refer to Air Bag Systems
The instrument panel consists of 2 plastic moldings (upper and lower) which are welded together to provide a single assembly. The instrument panel provides mounting points for various driver and passenger interfaces. Also contained within the instrument panel are the air distribution ducts, vents and registers. For additional information, refer to Air Distribution and Filtering