12 replies to this topic

[Aridgerunner]

The switch panel is simply too large in every direction to fit in the hole in the new dash rail cover.

Has anybody else had this problem and if so how did you resolve the issue?

Thanks in advance.

Bill

[mab01uk]

Which switch panel do you have in diagram below?

Sounds like you may have the larger switch panels that were used on the Van, Pickup and 'Basic' Mk2 onwards saloons, that had the bare painted metal parcel shelf and did not have the vinyl padded dash rail cover which has a smaller switch panel. (Mk2/3 and onwards)

 

 

Mini-Machine catalogue (see page 41 of pdf file) :-

https://www.m-machin...s Catalogue.pdf

 

 

 

 

[Aridgerunner]

The Mini is a 1978 saloon. According to both Minisport and Mini Spares the lower dash pad is the same for all saloons from 1967 to 1980. The switch panel fit the original pad that I removed more than a year ago and trashed it. I wish I hadn't done that.

The switch panel I have is for four rockers and looks like the one shown for the early and late panels in the diagram. I can't see the difference between those two.

If I could buy a smaller panel that would still hold the four rocker switches that would be great. Is there anyway to determine the dimensions of those panels?

[mab01uk]

Yes the lower dash pad is the same for all saloons from 1967 to 1980. I think it was even the same up to the final year of production in 2000.

 

I also think the only difference between the early and late four rocker switch panels you mentioned in the diagram is the larger size of hole for the later type twist-locking choke cable.

 

 

[Aridgerunner]

At this point I have think the new pad is made wrong. I may have to make the opening larger and hope I make it look good.

Thanks for your help.

[Bobbins]

Is the pad original materials or has it been recovered?

[Itsaminithing]

At this point I have think the new pad is made wrong. I may have to make the opening larger and hope I make it look good.

Thanks for your help.

Your not the only person who has had a problem with badly made modern reproduction parts. Had the same thing & dumped the new switch panel in the bin.

Try to get a 'new old stock' panel ....or buy a second hand original one & refurbish it.

[Chris1275gt]

Without marking the outer surfaces I had to remove some of the sponge around the switch panel opening for it to give enough to allow the panel to pass through the hole. I also had the switch panel in the aperture without the chrome trim on it for a while it looked ok.

Edited by Chris1275gt, 11 June 2025 - 03:52 PM.

[Aridgerunner]

The pad is a new, reproduction item from Mini Spares. But I bought it more than a year ago so there's no going back to them. Throwing an item that cost 125 pounds plus shipping in the bin just doesn't sit well with me.

Removing the foam to allow the panel to fit in the hole sounds like the best approach. If I ef it up then I'll search for a new old stock or a good used one.

Thanks again, and if I'm able to make it work I'll post an update.

[Chris1275gt]

The plastic is quite rigid and retains its shape very well I removed about 4/5 mm around where the switch panel sits which allows the plastic to flex while getting it in. It was a while ago but I think I went round it with a sharp knife then I dug the foam out with a small screwdriver.

[Tupers]

Can you measure the opening in your Mini Spares pad?

I’ve pulled on old one out and it’s 221mm wide x 49mm high. The switch panels are relatively snug but you certainly shouldn’t have to cut anything to fit it.


You should still contact Mini Spares regardless of when you bought it. At the end of the day a bad part is a bad part.

[Aridgerunner]

Thanks for those dimensions. I'll check it tomorrow (Friday) and let you know.

[Aridgerunner]

I measured the opening and found the horizontal dimension to be 223mm at the very center of each half circle. The vertical dimension is a scant 30mm.

I am going to try what Chris mentioned and remove some of the foam so the plastic can flex and allow the switch plate to fit inside. I might get around to doing that later next week.