5 replies to this topic

[CMcB]

I want to get some Smiths-type classic dials to replace my three-pod set. As shown below.

But all the classic dials arent combined.

If i kept the three pod, Id have a speedo and rev counter as big dials, but what else?

If i added three small dials above the stereo slot, id have a clock, fuel gauge and oil temp???

What are the three coloured strips on the outer rim of the centre dial too please?

[Dan]

The Smiths Classic range doesn't include dials the same size as the Mini's original gauges to my knowledge. There are slightly smaller and slightly larger gauges but not the same size so you'll have to make a new dash panel of some form anyway.

The three coloured strips on the centre gauge are your warning lamps and I'm amazed that you don't know what they are. All cars have the same basic warning lamps and you are supposed to know what they mean in order to pass the driving test. The amber lamp is a low oil pressure warning, when lit it means your engine has drastically low oil pressure and is on the verge of siezing solid. If it lights up you must pull over as soon as safely possible and stop the engine. If the red lamp lights it means there is a fault with the battery charging system and the car and engine are being run purely by the battery and the alternator is not charging, this means that fairly soon you will run out of electrical juice and the engine will stop. Again pull over when it is safe. Both of these lamps should light up when you turn on the ignition and then turn off within a couple of fractions of a second of the engine starting. The blue lamp is a warning that the headlamp main beam is lit and you will be dazzling any oncoming traffic.

Edited by Dan, 29 April 2008 - 08:27 PM.

[CMcB]

So I'm told that messing with these dials will be a pain because of a printed circuit board...

isnt there just a cable that runs to the circuitboard which can go into classic dial? c'mon guys help me out... or does this need to go in the technical section??

[Jupitus]

So I'm told that messing with these dials will be a pain because of a printed circuit board...

isnt there just a cable that runs to the circuitboard which can go into classic dial? c'mon guys help me out... or does this need to go in the technical section??

In the existing pod-style dash there is a large multiconnector into which all of the dash wiring is crimped. This multiplug clips into the pcb and feeds the gauges accordingly.

Swapping FROM this is not too bad... you can work out what each wire is and adjust it accordingly, or possibly buy a loom conversion kit from Minispares or someone friendly on a Mini forum ()

Swapping BACK to the pod-style pcb dash is the worse bit. The multiplug connectors and the crimp terminals that slot in are probably rarer than hens' teeth... you will only be able to get 2nd hand connectors chopped off someone else's loom.

[CMcB]

if i could get faces that look more classic - even the alternative ones ive seen are just like this but different coloured. Anyone know of any 'classic' looking faces that would fit these dials maybe?

[ferrit]

Swapping FROM this is not too bad... you can work out what each wire is and adjust it accordingly, or possibly buy a loom conversion kit from Minispares or someone friendly on a Mini forum ()

Like I did (top quality work by the way, thanks Jupitus). I just need to get my backside into gear and splice it into the original loom.