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How do I get the Dashboard...

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mylillooker

mylillooker

Senior Member
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and instrument panel off. The PO put an after market turn signal on that I believe is the reason I have no head light. I'm not sure why I have no brake lights. There are so many wires hanging out from under it...whew! The gas gauge doesn't work, the tach is in and out. Darn him /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif. I'd just like to get behind there and see what's going on for myself! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif
 
I just finished re and re ing the dashboard on my 76 midget. One thing for sure, if you don't have to take it off, then don't... it's not a fun job.

On my car there are three screws holding brackets attached to the bottom of the dashboard onto the firewall. These are very easy to deal with, however there are also four bolts which are part of the dashboard and which go through the flange under the windshield to secure the dashboard. The problem is that these four bolts are along the upper edge of the inside of the dashboard. Unless you are made of rubber you are going to have a hard time reaching them.

Being a novice at this it took me two hours to get the four bolts off, and an equal length of time to get them on.

If you have a fax number available I would be glad to fax you a drawing from the restoration manual I have which shows all this stuff.

Taking some of the instruments out of the dash would probably make the re and re easier, but that creates problems of its own.

I am not sure if your 79 is the same as the 76, but that was my experience.

Good luck, you will need it, along with a lot of patience.

Regards
Al /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/canpatriot.GIF
 
Also, re the brake lights, at the risk of stating the obvious I presume you checked that the switch mechanism for the brake lights is working properly and that it is properly adjusted.

Regarding the turn signals, these are not in the dashboard and can be reached by removing the steering column cowl. That' assuming that they are like the ones on my car installed by its PO.

Regards again
Al /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/canpatriot.GIF
 
And, if you do want to remove the dash, it is easier if you drop the steering column. I did not have too much trouble removing mine, but the nuts at the top are very difficult (esp if they are rusted). However, as stated above, removing the tach and speedo helps with access and those are held in with thumb screws. If you need help, just give me a ring, I'm in the phone book, and I enjoy working on these cars. I live in the Fern Creek area.
 
sometimes turns dont work if the hazzard switch is bad. these switches hazzard, head lamp and heater, can be easily but carefully taken apart cleaned and repaired. the dash is no ez r+r as stated.


mark
 
The brake light switch and related stuff (professional, eh?) are located at the rear end of the clutch and brake pedal box, just outboard of the heater outside air duct. I have removed the cover plate on the box, but not the switch itself so I don't know if it's any kind of a problem. On my car the ignition coil is mounted via a bracket on top of the pedal box cover.

Regarding books, there are several which are readily available (amazon?) and are very useful. I have the "Official" manual by Robert Bentley, but I prefer the Haynes manual which I also have. If you a going to do a detailed restore the book by Terry Horler is a very useful read. It's more anecdotal than instructional, but contains very detailed specification information for each model.


Keep up the good work.

Regards
Al /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/canpatriot.GIF
 
I now have rear lights and turn signals all the way around. Still no brake or head lights /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif. Where is the brake light switch. Is there an MG book for Dummies (er...I mean beginners) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif. Mr. Jessie, I haven't been able to find your # in the book, but would love to bend your ear or anyone elses for that matter. mywales@netzero.com ...BTW you guys here have been Great! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/angel.gif
 
Yup, on mine there wasn't enough clearence to unscrew the switch and I had to actually take the pedal box loose. Aggravating, but not overwhelming.
 
Als is right if you want a real headache just try removing the dash. I started then quit..No Way will I ever attempt that again.. Its a real bear...
 
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