Dashboard dials

[Amorrisman]

Having read the latest edition of minor matters id quite like to install a temperature gauge on my 65 plate minor. Having looked into this further I've seen examples of dashboards which have been modified to include at least three dials (speedo, temp etc) I'd quite like to do something similar. I wondered what people would suggest? Either along these lines, and if so how you do it, or something similar?
Thanks

[Daddybear1984]

Most i have seen/read about tend to have Speedo,Temp,Oil Pressure as the main and some also add volts meter and rev counter but the first 3 tend to be the norm and most important.

[C6Dave]

Don't want this to sound negative but, the more dials you have, the more you end up worrying about.......

The car never actually had, or needed them and works fine without them

[Dominic]

This is what I did for my previous Minor:-
I used a piece of 1mm steel sheet from B & Q, that I cut to fit the rebate in the glovebox surround. I had to bend it slightly so that it fitted the contours of the rebate, then cut out three holes for the guages. When marked out parallel to the flat underside of the surround, it looked as if the holes were higher up on the offside, so I centred them vertically to make them look "right". (OK, so the scuff on the new paint doesn't enhance them!!!!)

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i269/ ... G_2232.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i269/ ... G_2233.jpg

[Dominic]

and it seems that although on my original post, the pictures show up, they don't on here! I'll try and retrieve the photos or post the link.

[Dominic]

Try this, my post is halfway down the first page.
http://www.mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=15019

[Sparticus]

I have been making one at the moment, out of wod 'cos i thought it'd be more fitting . I'm making it so it fits in the grove on the front fascia behind the steering wheel. If you want i could scan in the template?

[bmcecosse]

Oil pressure gauge is by far the most important. Otherwise - no real need for anything. Overheating is obvious without a gauge !

[Daddybear1984]

i agree Roy but like the oil pressure one it is more information on whats going on before anything bad happens, clear to see when a car overheats and clear the oil pressure is too low when the light comes on but by then it's too late generally haha

put in one gauge or many whatever you feel you need/want to know, it's your car you need to be happy with it

Scott

[Sparticus]

Multiple gauges looks bloody awesome, i mean i'm fitting an RPM gauge *when i can work out how to wire it* it's not really needed but it'll look the oops I typed a naughty word when i do! haha

[bmcecosse]

Obvious speling mistake above - 'multiple gauges look AWFUL' surely.......

[Sparticus]

haha Definitely right, coming from the man who thinks riley drums are a good idea OF COURSE I AM JOKING PLEASE DO NOT EXPLODE

[charlie_morris_minor]

there is a guy that sells glass fibre glovebox doors with one / two / three holes precut for 52mm gauges.. can try and find a link for him if you would like. the ones he had at the national were well made and of thick glass fibre

[moggiethouable]

I am reminded of a fitter I served my time with who would gaze forlornly at the latest in 4 wheels whizz by, his retort?
"The more thou 'as, the more thou 'as to gan wrang"
Oil gauge is good, and fits on an L bracket purchased from various dealers right under the drivers side glove box,(no drilling required) discretely behind the steering wheel,the temp gauge however is reminiscent of another of my favourite Yorkshire phrases........."Neither use nor ornament lad"
I speak from experience.[frame][/frame]

[welshrat]

Fitted these many years ago.[frame][/frame]

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

I speak from experience.

Moggiethouable, I hope you go up Ilkley Moor with a hat on.

By far the best mounting for gauges is, as many other owners have done, to buy a backing plate/holder and fit them under the dash. There isn't a shortage of holes to secure them there. Plus this isn't permanent unlike fitting them either side of the speedo, so you could easily remove them should you sell the car, and no gaping holes in the dash either.

If you do want to fit them either side of the speedo you will need to make a 2" hole by marking a circle, drilling and then filing it out to the circle limits. I would advise on undersizing and then gradually filing until a snug fit is obtained.

[Dave@FJ]

Agree! Multiple gauges look great. Here's a preview of my restoration project dashboard - yes I know it needs a steering wheel [frame][/frame]

[ASL642]

Clipper Blue?

[Dave@FJ]

Clipper Blue?

Fiat Volare Blue

I should have warned the purists to close their eyes ;)

[ASL642]

Nothing wrong with the colour. I think Morris Minors suit bright colours