673 replies to this topic

[Ethel]

your filler will go off eventually as long as you thorough mixed in at least some hardener. Do use some rust inhibitor under filler though. The instrument binnacle should just pull off, but check for screws - put a block of wood against the back edge and give it a gentle(ish) tap.

Depends on the radio fitting, originally they just screwed up to the underside of the shelf and the radio was held to the housing by nuts behind the control knobs which are a push fit. More modern radios have a catch fastening look for 2 little holes on each side of the front panel. either set up may well have an earthing strap screwed to the back.

you have THREE friends

[minili]

I might go back today and have another go at those bits - if the filler still hasn't set I'll take it off and see if I can find some de-rust to put on there before re-doing it, also have a go at ripping the binnacle off so I can fit the new dash!

If the arches have set enough I'll stick some lacquer on, if not I'll whack another coat or two of paint and leave them til next weekend (even though no arches means no Mini driving - sob!)

As for the radio... Well it seems to be one thing, ie nothing appears to detach from anything else Under the carpet on the dash rail there do appear to be 2 tiny bolts so perhaps I need to try and pry the front off the radio to get to the other end of those - I can't see how it comes off though

[M44K TS]

the clock surround is held on by 4 bolts from the engine side of the bulkhead if i remember rightly

[Ethel]

The mounting bracket for the clocks is. Depends what Lisa is up to, if it's a swap to centre instruments that would work.

A piccy of the radio might help if you're still stuck.

[minili]

I will take my camera so if I can't do anything useful I can take pictures instead of bashing the hell out of the thing

I am not swapping clocks - just want to put a proper dash in, using the existing 3 clocks, so need rid of that binnacle!

[Ethel]

Yeah, I read back through Minty's thread.

http://www.fitaudio....ntry&EntryID=90 - modern ISO radio you can improvise the tools with any rod that fits the holes (wire coat hanger), especially if you can push the radio from behind.

If it is the ancient original eqpt steam radio with a volume knob at one end and a matching tuning knob at the other pull the knobs off to reveal the mounting nuts.

[minili]

Yeah it's a proper old school MW/LW radio, quite cute but annoying because I can't even find Virgin Radio on it

[minili]

Well... The radio came out, huzzah!

You were half right on the binnacle, there are no screws holding it on... There were 5 but they are all broken now

I now have problems being:
> Lil heater vents need to be moved - looks like they should just twist and detach but won't move, and don't want to force it
> Clocks need moving - undone 2 screw/bolts but can't get to the other 2 as they are on the top and there is no space

A few pics to come soon

[yorkshirechris]

The vents in the dash (if thats what you mean) do just pull off if you prize them by twisting slightly and pulling.

[minili]

Yeah that's what I mean and I thought they should but I'd broken enough things on the poor car for one day and didn't want to butcher anythnig else so thought it safest to leave it as I wasn't sure

[Ethel]

There shouldn't be any screws in to the binnacle, there are those crappy spring clip thingies but they hardly ever release properly resulting in split plaggy.

If you look at the bayonet socket affairs round the bottom of the fresh air vents you'll see there's a spring out tab that lock the vent in. they should just twist out but pushing the springy tab bit in a bit as you twist will help.

[minili]

No screws?







I would say that was screwed in


Anyway, now I've heartlessly ripped that to pieces believing it wasn't attached, how do I undo the two screws which go through from the top, holding the clocks in place? I have undone the side ones but can't get to the top ones. I need to be able to move them so I can get them in the right place and attach them to the dash... Though how I will attach them with all those broken bits I have no idea. Have to do something with it though, it looks ridiculous. I've pushed the binnacle back on for now, it'll probably fall off next time I drive it

[minili]

Of course the weekend wasn't all bad. Green things...





Dash is complete, arches still need lacquer. I didn't even touch yesterday's filler, couldn't be bothered

[Down&Out]

lookin good

[Ethel]

Ooops - Sorry Lisa

That's a new one on me, I did put a disclaimer in post 602 , but I wasn't expecting screws there 'n there's no way you could've seen 'em. At least it's gluable plaggy

Might be an idea to unscrew the mounting brackets from the body, should be an easy way to gain access for changing bulbs . How were you planning on attaching the dash to the clocks?