TR2/3/3A Removing Gauge Panel

[TR3Novice]

Brand new here and a mechanical novice. I want to remove and paint my gauge panel. I have read numerous threads regarding the Temp capillary tube, etc and many of the potential pitfalls. My question is with the choke cable. Do I remove it at the dash or at the carburetors and pull the cable through? If at the dash do I have to maintain tension on the cable somehow to be able to replace it where it is, it works great and I don’t want to mess it up. Thanks!

 

[sp53]

You unhook from the cabs then there is a nut behind the dash on the choke; pull the choke out from the cab.

steve

 

[TR3Novice]

You unhook from the cabs then there is a nut behind the dash on the choke; pull the choke out from the cab.

steve

Thank you Steve.

 

[charleyf]

Sometimes getting the cable back through the dash can be difficult. One thing that I have done is to attach a wire to the carb end of the choke cable. Then when you pull the choke cable through the firewall make your wire long enough to span the distance and leave it through the dash. When you are ready to put the choke cable back in-- reattach the wire to the carb end of the choke cable and pull/ guide the cable back into position.
Charley

 

[TR3Novice]

Great advice! I appreciate all, thanks.

 

[Jerry]

You might put oil on the wing nuts that hold the dash on. Hopefully they still turn but the cars I have worked on they are rusted. Also, you need a small hand to get up there for two of the nuts.

 

[TR3Novice]

You might put oil on the wing nuts that hold the dash on. Hopefully they still turn but the cars I have worked on they are rusted. Also, you need a small hand to get up there for two of the nuts.

Thanks Jerry, I will follow all advice!

 

[mrv8q]

I used the Eastwood black wrinkle paint 15 years ago, still looks great. I used a heat gun to set the wrinkle. Magic!

18 years ago…

 

[TR3Novice]

Eastwood it is. I watched videos painting the panel with crackle paint. My first internet search would have been for “which brand” after the panel was out, now I can skip that. Thank you!

 

[TR3Novice]

I love the picture on the left, the right looks a bit (a great deal) intimidating to me.

 

[2002S2000]

The backside of these panels is laughable but it works, just difficult to access, etc. The first time I handled mine, I had a few sparks before thinking to disconnect the battery........slow learner. Good luck.

 

[mctriumph]

If you do not etch & prime this panel, the wrinkle paint WILL flake off later.
Do it right, do it once!!! I prefer the walnut veneer as in this 59(of mine) just a little
more work ,but worth it I think.
Mad dog

 

[Jerry]

And I used the same leather as on my seats. Not original, but looks good. I did not have good luck with the wrinkle paint becoming hard enough to survive touches and scrapes from the key. You do it the way you like the dash.

 

[TR3Novice]

Thanks Jerry, I get it. Spent a great deal of time removing what was left of the previous paint.

 

[TR3Novice]

Thanks Jerry, I get it. Spent a great deal of time removing what was left of the previous paint.

 

[TR3Novice]

Thanks Jerry, I get it. Spent a great deal of time removing what was left of the previous paint.

 

[Jim_Stevens]

I took mine to be powder coated with a wrinkle-like finish. Love it, and it will never flake off

 

[TR3Novice]

I took mine to be powder coated with a wrinkle-like finish. Love it, and it will never flake off

It turned out beautifully!

 

[sp53]

I love your dash; the patina is great. I have seen that choke knob before on something somewhere perhaps they were sold back in the day. Does that spot light work? The light looks like a high quality installation that was done back in the day and it held up well. I bet the whole car is that nice? Please take a couple of pics of the rest of the car and post them.



Steve

 

[TR3Novice]

I love your dash; the patina is great. I have seen that choke knob before on something somewhere perhaps they were sold back in the day. Does that spot light work? The light looks like a high quality installation that was done back in the day and it held up well. I bet the whole car is that nice? Please take a couple of pics of the rest of the car and post them.



Steve