Dash Upgrade
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- Posts: 230
- Joined: Thu Apr 30, 2009 12:39 pm
- Location: Essex, UK
Dash Upgrade
I've decided to upgrade the dash on the Stage1 but at the same time keeping it as original looking as possible. Note the matching LR bezel and needle on the rev counter. I apologise in advance for the quality of the photos but at this stage it is simply a fully working mock-up as the gauges will require a minor refurbish. There will be additional gauges following shortly.
Regards M...
Regards M...
1983 Stage 1 V8 Hardtop (Mrs Bingham)
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- Posts: 230
- Joined: Thu Apr 30, 2009 12:39 pm
- Location: Essex, UK
The rev counter is from an early rubber bumper MGB GT so it is also suitable for electronic ignition. Obviously I had to convert it so that it reads correctly for the V8 plus I used a bezel and needle off of a doner LR speedo. The wiring to relocate the gauges was a simple extension piece which plugs in to the original wiring. So far no existing wiring has been cut or modified in any way although I will have to re-work the charge light holder as the LR one doesnt fit the MG rev counter very well.
Regards Mark...
Regards Mark...
1983 Stage 1 V8 Hardtop (Mrs Bingham)
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- Posts: 230
- Joined: Thu Apr 30, 2009 12:39 pm
- Location: Essex, UK
To clarify – the rev counter was from a 4 cylinder MGB circa 1974 – 1976 and it had a single vee chrome bezel and a typical Smiths style needle. It is of the later RVC type which is compatible with electronic ignition and like the LR speedo it is 100mm in diameter unlike the later 80mm ones. I converted the circuitry internally to suit the 8 cylinders of the Stage1.
MGB V8 rev counters are like hens teeth I guess and if the one I bought was anything to go by would be extremely expensive as well. I’m told the Series 1 Rover SD1 V8 rev counter innards can be transplanted into any Smiths rev counter can without any modifications thus no need to convert the circuitry.
I am in the process writing up a tech file to cover the conversion in depth and also to highlight what components to look for.
MGB V8 rev counters are like hens teeth I guess and if the one I bought was anything to go by would be extremely expensive as well. I’m told the Series 1 Rover SD1 V8 rev counter innards can be transplanted into any Smiths rev counter can without any modifications thus no need to convert the circuitry.
I am in the process writing up a tech file to cover the conversion in depth and also to highlight what components to look for.
1983 Stage 1 V8 Hardtop (Mrs Bingham)
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- Posts: 230
- Joined: Thu Apr 30, 2009 12:39 pm
- Location: Essex, UK
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