Along this line, I would like to replace the padded dash on my Midget (71)
with a wood dash. I would appreciate any input, pro or con, from anyone who
has made this conversion, or seen a finished project. My main concern is
cutting the large holes for the speedo and tach, and the rectangular ones
for some of the switches.
Thanks,
Mike Ellsworth
71 Midget
----------
> From: Randy Rees <randyr@starwave.com>
> To: 'todd@nutria.nrlssc.navy.mil'; 'mgs@autox.team.net'
> Subject: RE: Padded dashes and soiled jeans
> Date: Friday, July 18, 1997 1:21 PM
>
> I posted a bit about this a while back after seeing a burnt out MGB at
> the local wrecking yard. I'm glad someone finally did it and has
> reported good results. If I aver end up with a 68 or later MGB I plan to
> do the same.
>
> >-----Original Message-----
> >From: todd@nutria.nrlssc.navy.mil [SMTP:todd@nutria.nrlssc.navy.mil]
> >Sent: Friday, July 18, 1997 9:40 AM
> >To: mgs@autox.team.net
> >Subject: Padded dashes and soiled jeans
> >
> >I have just completed a project that I've been mulling over for the past
> >year. I've always disliked the padded dashboard introduced in 1968,
> >even though it was improved in 1972, and after watching mine crack and
> >fade, the wheels in my head started turning.
> >
> >In January I purchased a '72 parts car. In February I removed the
> >dashboard and ripped off all of the padding. In April I sanded it down
> >and primed it. In May I filled in various holes that were pertinent to
> >'72 but weren't needed for my '74, and primed again. In June I cut a
> >piece of the door off and shaped it to fit the glove box hole. A couple
> >of weeks ago I gave it three good coats of black wrinkle-finish paint.
> >Yesterday I modified the fresh air vent securing hardware. Last night I
> >transferred all gauges and switches from the old dash to the new dash.
> >And this morning, under the watchful eye of Hurricane Danny, I bolted it
> >into my car.
> >
> >I now have a metal-dash 1974 MGB.
> >
> >A few points:
> >
> >- It looks good!
> >
> >- When spraying wrinkle-finish paint, even coverage is critical.
> > Several spots on my dash are noticeably more wrinkled than others due
> > to uneven coverage. I'm not that good at spray-painting yet.
> >
> >- I had clearance problems with the fresh air vents, since they're a
> > good deal closer to the firewall than before. I wasn't able to make
> > the old ducting fit, so I'll have to modify it or fabricate new.
> >
> >- There is a one inch gap between the dashboard and the center console,
> > through which you can see the sheet metal support underneath. Blaze
> > Red really contrasts with Black!
> >
> >- With all of that padding gone, the interior has a more roomy feel to
> > it, and it's lost that clunky chunky look. I've stripped the old,
> > cracking vinyl and foam from the door cappings as well, and will be
> > sanding them and staining them black to match.
> >
> >- I have yet to fabricate a top rail. I'm not sure what I'll end up
> > with, but it will probably involve foam rubber...
> >
> >This morning, after refitting the dashboard, I was surprised to discover
> >that my worksite wasn't going to be closed for the Hurricane after all.
> >So I grabbed a shower, jumped in the car, and fired it up, watching the
> >gauges as usual. After three or four seconds without oil pressure, I
> >shut it down, then realized that I'd forgotted to reconnect the oil
> >pressure gauge! So now I have a new dashboard and a pair of Rorschach
> >jeans, but I'm happy!
> >
> >--
> >
> >Todd Mullins
> >Todd.Mullins@nrlssc.navy.mil On the lovely Mississippi (USA) Coast
> >
> >'74 MGB Tourer with new dashboard!!
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