10 replies to this topic

[TheJack]

So I decided to take off my top rail cover as I am going for a mk1 looking outside and in, I successfully removed it and now know I have some work to do to tidy it up. Dent in the ashtray hole due to bolt being stuck. I am worried about the gap between the top rail and the binnacle of my clocks...any suggestions?

 

 

[AVV IT]

Convert to a centre binnacle speedo, as fitted to those models that didnt have a padded upper dash rail as standard, thus getting rid of the twin pod clocks and the gap. It will help with the retro look that you're trying to acheive too.

[jpw1275]

As said above

[TheJack]

Convert to a centre binnacle speedo, as fitted to those models that didnt have a padded upper dash rail as standard, thus getting rid of the twin pod clocks and the gap. It will help with the retro look that you're trying to acheive too.

I would love to convert it to a centre speedo but it's more money :/ just ordered a mk1 grill and surround with some bits as it should be getting painted soon and the liner for the dash is new and the clocks, binnacle and bracket aren't that old either 

[splintercat]

Go for it mate centre Speedos are pennies here or flea bay.
Even with the plastic centre pinnacle and it will sort out yer dilemma. And as far as the rewiring goes it's a piece of cake......Must be as l managed to do it lol

[AVV IT]

Convert to a centre binnacle speedo, as fitted to those models that didnt have a padded upper dash rail as standard, thus getting rid of the twin pod clocks and the gap. It will help with the retro look that you're trying to acheive too.

I would love to convert it to a centre speedo but it's more money :/ just ordered a mk1 grill and surround with some bits as it should be getting painted soon and the liner for the dash is new and the clocks, binnacle and bracket aren't that old either 

As above used centre binnacles are relativley inexpensive and readily available, you'll also need a centre binnacle dash liner, speedo cable and centre binnacle wiring loom/harness too (if you don't want to cut into/convert the existing one). None of these are particularly expensive and you could always sell your existing liner and instrument cluster/bracket to help fund the purchase. If this isn't possible though, then perhaps you should consider refitting the padded upper dash rail until such time that you have the funds to convert to a centre binnacle. The later speedo pods mounted behind the steering column were never designed to be fitted below an exposed upper dash rail and as such I think you're probably going to struggle to make one look presentable without a padded dash rail above it.

[Mini-Hazel-Nut]

Very interesting peeps and good news as I have just purchased a centre binnacle from that certain auction site myself. One question, as I haven`t yet set about stripping the dash out, can a 3-instrument binny go straight in with the padded top in place or will that have to go? I`m glad to hear the rewiring is "a piece of cake", not my strong point. Oh.....someone mentioned needing a speedo cable - does the one going to a 2-instrument cluster not fit? 

[Marco1972]

Very interesting peeps and good news as I have just purchased a centre binnacle from that certain auction site myself. One question, as I haven`t yet set about stripping the dash out, can a 3-instrument binny go straight in with the padded top in place or will that have to go? I`m glad to hear the rewiring is "a piece of cake", not my strong point. Oh.....someone mentioned needing a speedo cable - does the one going to a 2-instrument cluster not fit? 

It's a different cable fairly inexpensive from mini spares
The difference is it has a screw on end as a pose to the White plastic clip that the later instrument pack had its also a different length

[andy159]

i see you have after market  dash liners in cream, you could speak to the manufacturer of them and ask if they can make you a matching top cover for the dials.

[splintercat]

Very interesting peeps and good news as I have just purchased a centre binnacle from that certain auction site myself. One question, as I haven`t yet set about stripping the dash out, can a 3-instrument binny go straight in with the padded top in place or will that have to go? I`m glad to hear the rewiring is "a piece of cake", not my strong point. Oh.....someone mentioned needing a speedo cable - does the one going to a 2-instrument cluster not fit? 

The padded top rail will have to go looks s.it with it and the centre binnie just won't fit right.
Rewiring is a doddle there's a thread on here or if not lll send you the info for it.
As for the Speedo cable...different lengths and different fittings so you need to buy a the right one.
It'll be worth it though.

[Mini-Hazel-Nut]

Thank you Splintercat, would you send me the info please? I`ll feel happier going in "armed" so to speak. Minispares is 2 miles down the road from me so I have no probs from that point of view. As an aside - I love your cat, he looks just like my Fred, a rather large ginger tom and top-Cat amongst my family of four.