9 replies to this topic

[vincieshile]

I need help. I can't figure out how to fit the top dash padding (haven't tried the lower one yet). The two bolts at the ends are no problem but there is another bolt in the centre - where does it go? There is no hole except the cut-out for the ashtray and if I force the bolt until it slips into that hole then the padding is tight against the windscreen and won't drop down past the rubber. What am I doing wrong?

[Artful Dodger]

i got a 72 1275GT reshelled into a later 70's GT and it has 4 oval shaped holes all along the dash rail. they should jsut plop in and then do up the nuts. if u cant see the 4 oval shaped holes then drill some new ones. whot hurt

[vincieshile]

i got a 72 1275GT reshelled into a later 70's GT and it has 4 oval shaped holes all along the dash rail. they should jsut plop in and then do up the nuts. if u cant see the 4 oval shaped holes then drill some new ones. whot hurt

Thanks. That's just the sort of thing I was planning but decided to ask here first in case there's some easy way that I'm overlooking.

[Dan]

That's the wrong advice though, very few Minis indeed have a 4 bolt top dash rail. Your car uses the ash tray hole for the centre fixing, with a clamp that goes across the hole to secure the stud. The padding is supposed to be hard up against the screen seal, but it's really meant to go in before the screen which is why it's tricky to do it this way. Get it in place and then give it a good rattle around and it will settle down.

[vincieshile]

That's the wrong advice though, very few Minis indeed have a 4 bolt top dash rail. Your car uses the ash tray hole for the centre fixing, with a clamp that goes across the hole to secure the stud. The padding is supposed to be hard up against the screen seal, but it's really meant to go in before the screen which is why it's tricky to do it this way. Get it in place and then give it a good rattle around and it will settle down.

Thanks Dan. So that's where the centre bolt goes. Would I be right in saying that the padding should be wedged in between the screen seal and the dash rail?

[M44K TS]

Yeah, I had to really manipulate mine to get it to fit, (read: hit it quite hard a few times for it to slot into place) Ideally having the windscreen out is the best time to fit one. Just keep at it and it should eventually fit. As for the centre clamp, it's just a small c shaped bit of metal with a hole drilled in it so it bridges the ash tray.

[vincieshile]

Yeah, I had to really manipulate mine to get it to fit, (read: hit it quite hard a few times for it to slot into place) Ideally having the windscreen out is the best time to fit one. Just keep at it and it should eventually fit. As for the centre clamp, it's just a small c shaped bit of metal with a hole drilled in it so it bridges the ash tray.

Thanks for suggestion. Will try tomorow.

[Artful Dodger]

wos gonna say it might be specific to the make and model..sorry for any confusion

[vincieshile]

During the restoration many little things were changed. For example the windscreen wouldn't fit until 16 mm were cut off. New rubber was fitted. So space between the top rail and windscreen may not be what it should. I am convinced that alterations will have to be made. Anyway thanks to everyone for your time and help. Vincent

[vincieshile]

Finally solved the problem by bending forward the bolt the goes down into the ashtray space. I made a bracket for it and tighened a washer and nut until all was pulled into place. Thanks for all the suggestions.