MKIII dash style in a MKIV

[Dug]

Question please,
I’m about to pull a 70 midget or a 69 sprite back into the land of being.
Meaning a body and its parts made as one. I do need some help, my past is not very big on mix and match (I’m sure it’s an upbringing thing) so I’d like some thoughts from you guy's of putting in a steel dash from a MKIII into the MKIV body. First off I’m not strong in my knowledge of MKIV at all. So other than some wiring differences (ends) any issues?
My favorite dashes are the MKI and MKII but I’m not going to go that far backward. So I’m thinking 65-67 with the larger gauges and the lack of issues with cracking dashes. Is there information in past post? Anyone here done this? If I’m daft about the desire to do this tell me! I’m truly hunting for what’s known.
BTW sold my daily driver mini (67 wink, wink) and want to put a late model Spridget into service. I have 99% of all that’s needed for most any A series year model just thinking about the dash at this time. I have good plastic dashes and good steel dashes so?
Second would you put MKII seats in said car or go for the MKIII / MKIV?
Thanks in advance
Dug

 

[Trevor Jessie]

I think you will need an early model steering column and possibly modify the mounting points to accept it.

 

[Dug]

That's an area I hadn't given attention to yet, good call. There are a couple of 65's out with the other two so I can do some measuring about the shrouds and lengths.
Thanks!
Dug

 

[dklawson]

Doug! You sold the Mini? I'm shocked. However, I seem to remember you have quite a few cars.

Not pertinent to your discussion here, but we just added a '72 Spitfire to our stable as a learning tool for my sons. It's already a bit of mix and match.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Think about keeping the collapsible steering column. Maybe changing the plastic surround and moving key up to dash. Not sure if that would work or not. Or if there is room for plastic surround to work with MArk III Dash. This is a mod I'd like to do myself. Have a replacement fiberglass dash that I picked up for a really good price but task of removing and replacing is a little daunting. Need to recruit some MOWOGs with little hands to get access to those 5 rusty nuts holding dash to firewall. Figured I could get it apart. Worry was reinstalling.

 

[Dug]

Doug, Yep sold my 67, wink, wink, nudge, nudge 91. I do still have two minis left that are true year models. The "67" was a good car but....I miss driving a "driver" style spridget (meaning roll up windows) for the wet winters here in the Northwest.
72 spitfire huh...poor kids! (said tongue in cheek).

Jim, thank you, These are the things I’m wanting help with. The 70 is just a tub so I’ll start by “loosely” putting in a metal dash to see what interferes. I figured with all the soles here on this board this maybe an old topic that has some known data.
Dug

 

[spritenut]

I have replaced the later padded dashboards with the metal MKIII type a couple of times.
You do need the early steering column along with the dash and the crash pad.
It is pretty much a straight bolt in except for 2 new holes and a couple of carridge bolts in the far corners of the cowl which are hidden for the most part by the windshield and crash pad.
The crash pad bolts right where the padded dash bolted.
You need the old style steering column to fit the notch in the dash and you will need the old style plastic steering column cover and signal switch.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Thanks Frank,

Like I said, I like the idea of the collapsible column. As much as I want the older style dash, I'll trade off for the safety value of the column that gives when it needs to give.

 

[HAN8L1965]

Ah, come on live a little on the wild side. Every car should have a spear built into it.

Mark

 

[spritenut]

Yeah, a spear aimed right at your heart.
And did anyone see just how much force it takes to *collapse* a later steering column? Kiss your heart goodbye.