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MGB MGB Dash conversion, older to newer

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AndyH

AndyH

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I have a 1970 "pillow" dash, it's in fairly poor shape, and a lot of the instruments are not functioning. I managed to pick up a 1977 dash and radio console with all the instruments in them for next to nothing. Would this conversion be a headache? It looks like the bolts are all in the right place, but what about the wiring? Should I sell them and go for a 72-76 instead? I do want a glovebox and I hate the pillow.
 
tony barnhill

tony barnhill

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Re: Dash conversion, older to newer

Think you'll have to do some wiring rearrangements - also, don't remember if your oil pressure/water guages are the same type....&, I'm not sure if the scuttle is the same on your '70 & the '77 - if different, the dash might not line up...also, trying to remember whether the steering column support/cowl are different.
 
PAUL161

PAUL161

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Re: Dash conversion, older to newer

The support bar which holds the tabs for the lower dash fasteners and extends from one side to the other is different. You will have to replace the whole cross bar with a newer, later model bar or align up and replace all the metal tabs. Otherwise the dash will not bolt up. Not as easy as you might think. If I were you, I'd sell it and get a 72 dash instead. It'll probably bolt right up. You'll have to convert to a mechanical oil pressure line which is a no brainer. I personally would not try to convert it over to a late model dash. A lot of work, if you do it right. JMHO. PJ

PS, here's a photo of the lower bar I'm refering to.

mgbdashbar.jpg
 
DrEntropy

DrEntropy

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Re: Dash conversion, older to newer

Okay Paul, now I'm intrigued: what does the two different colors of the tags signify?

...or was it just that you ran out of one or the other...
 
PAUL161

PAUL161

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Re: Dash conversion, older to newer

Pretty aint they! Ha! The wife picked them up for me somewhere. I just didn't have it in my heart to use the pink ones.
ashamed0003.gif
 
PAUL161

PAUL161

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Re: Dash conversion, older to newer

Andy, It looks like the car has the original steering wheel. If you change the wheel, whatever you do, save the center logo button where the horn push is on later cars. As far as I know, that plastic center button was only made in 1970 and a good one is rare. Also, if you intend to remove the engine smog equipment, pack it all away in a box and keep it. Someone, someday, might want to restore the engine back to factory original. Were loosing a lot of these critical parts to the junk yards and we have to start saving them. JMHO. PJ
 
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