Paul:
I converted my 1970 to the later 1973 spec. dash with glovebox and center
console many years ago. At the time it seemed the thing to do, but I'm not
recomending it to anyone. The addition of a glovebox, just ends up being a
place to accumulate stuff that rattles, and IMHO it is not big enough to
justify the conversion.
The original center console hit my thigh, and was uncomfortable on long
trips.
Now before I get yelled at by owners of later cars, I am listing the down
sides, not the pluses. My 1973 MGB is staying stock, and I got it
specifically because of the face level vents, somthing that is a bonus on a
GT. I'll deal with the center console, by adding a removable pad.
Since the arguments are coming fast and furious about metal dash vs pillow
dash. I drive a 1965 MGB and can state that the early dash layout left a
lot to be desired. Personally I believe the 1977-80 Dash is the most
ergometric for daily driving, but each dash has it's pluses and minuses.
As noted the center console you saw was made by Amco, it is long out of
production but luckily used ones are available from time to time. Make sure
you check out the padded arm rest, latch and hinge areas because these are
unique and tend to fail.
Personally I'm not a fan, as I don't like the way the console meets up with
the stock vertical unit, but I did like the fact you could install
additional guages.
As an alternative, there is a nicely made US manufactured center arm rest
assembly, which uses the stock '73-80 armrest pad and a reinforced latch.
This gives you the armrest, and cupholder, but does not have any place for
guages. Then again, it allows you to keep the nice carpeted hump around the
shifter. Sorry if this seems like a marketing gig, but I just like the
product and think it deserves a recomendation. It's made by the same guy
that makes the MGB battery box liners, so can be sourced from the usual
suspects.
http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=29731
hope this helps
Kelvin.
> I am just getting ready to dig in to the restoration
> of the interior of my 1971 MGB. Everything is pretty
> much in place. I've decided to keep the "Abingdon
> Pillow" (call me crazy, but the aesthetics have grown
> on me somewhat...) I have the carpets, the upholstery,
> all the panels... I'm ready to go.
>
> Then today, I received a 1971 MGB sales brochure that
> I bought on eBay, and inside, there is a photo of an
> MGB with a factory-optional center console and analog
> clock. The clock has what looks to be a faux wood
> surround applique.
>
> I have never seen an Abingdon Pillow-equipped car with
> a center console, and the Moss catalog doesn't list it
> anywhere or show it in any of the exploded diagrams.
> I haven't been able to receive catalogs from either
> TRF (apparently out of them currently) or Victoria
> British (four separate requests and they still haven't
> sent one, dang it!)
>
> Does anyone know if these parts (the console and/or
> the clock) are still available somewhere? I'd love to
> get them new if possible.
>
> Thanks in advance,
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