4 replies to this topic

[Pairaminis]

I will be switching from a three clock set up to a center one in my 1985 saloon and I was wondering if there is a way to tell if the Smiths unit I bought is positive or negative earth?

Jack

[KernowCooper]

The speedo will not be a type its only the electrical components are polarity sensitive, your car unless a very early mk 1 will be negative earth

[mab01uk]

If the oval 3 clock binacle is a one piece plastic moulding screwed directly to the bulhead with no seperate metal brackets behind then it will be from a Mk2 or Mk3 onwards Mini and therefore negative earth. Mk1 Mini's with positive earth had a very thin flimsy plastic binacle housing mounted on metal brackets behind to the bulkhead with screwheads showing on front face each side of speedo.

[Pairaminis]

Can't ask for a better answer than that.  Thanks.

Jack

Edited by Pairaminis, 11 September 2014 - 12:17 PM.

[surfblue]

The temperature and fuel guage would work either positive or negative earth surely?

As above speedo and oil pressure guage unaffected.

The polarity can be changed if required to fit an alternator to an earlier car without needing to change the instruments.