Dash Upgrade

[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...

[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

[V8_Disco]

I like that, wanted a rev counter but been put of on how to mount it

A

[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...

[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.

[5988]

Wasn't the B a 4 cylinder?

mostly, there were a few V8's

[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.

[Mrs Bingham]

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.

[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.

[Mrs Bingham]

To get the year off to a start I've finished the dash upgrade - finally!

Cleaned and refurbished


Running


New console and rearranged gauges


All running


Original side panels still in use

[Kiwistage1V8]

Nice job mate.


Be interested to read your tech file regarding the conversion.