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Dash Upgrade

Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 2:30 pm
by Mrs Bingham
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...



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Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2010 9:37 pm
by 5988
liking the look of that ...
what's the rev counter from, MG B/midget?
how much wiring is involved in moving them about, id guess not much

Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 12:32 pm
by V8_Disco
I like that, wanted a rev counter but been put of on how to mount it

A

Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 1:12 pm
by Mrs Bingham
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...

Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 10:26 pm
by map1275
Wasn't the B a 4 cylinder?

If you get an early B unit, it would be a matching Jaeger part. Although still chrome bezel.

Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 10:42 pm
by 5988
map1275 wrote:Wasn't the B a 4 cylinder?
mostly, there were a few V8's

Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 11:49 pm
by map1275
Yes, I used to work on them. But if the gauge is from an early UK spec rubber bumper B, then it would be 4 cyl. circa 1974. B-GT V8 didn't come out till later.

Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2010 12:11 pm
by Mrs Bingham
To clarify ā€“ the rev counter was from a 4 cylinder MGB circa 1974 ā€“ 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. Iā€™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.

Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2010 11:13 pm
by map1275
I don't see where the compatible with electronic ignition comes in? As the pulse sensor type still relies on a triggered coil's pulse.

Posted: Mon Jan 31, 2011 12:00 pm
by Mrs Bingham
To get the year off to a start I've finished the dash upgrade - finally!

Cleaned and refurbished
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Running
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New console and rearranged gauges
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All running
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Original side panels still in use
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Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2011 8:23 pm
by Kiwistage1V8
Nice job mate.


Be interested to read your tech file regarding the conversion.