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MG MGA - Dashboard installation

I read in Barney's site that you should remove the steering column first. Is this really necessary? - I really don't want to do that again!
Art Pearse

Art,
When I replaced mine, I didn't remove the column, but I did remove the steering wheel. I might have loosened the column, I don't remember exactly.
S Jackson

Nö, just drop the top bracket so that you can get the dash in without scratching the new paint, there is no need to remove it completely
dominic clancy

OK, thanks
Art Pearse

So, is it feasible to mount the dash first then install components one by one?
Art Pearse

Another question. Studying the Moss catalog I see there is some piping connected to the upper flange of the dash. I guess I need to install this first before I mount it? Also the Moss pic shows it overhanging the dash a bit. How far does it extend? Have to make this myself from the seat leather.
Art Pearse

Art, You'll have a job clipping the lower piping on the top of the dash after it is installed. I gave up trying even though I'd bought the special clips. Instead I stapled it to the back of the bottom of the cockpit rail with the narrower piping stapled to the top and it looked fine.

I installed my gauges before fitting the dash - I imagine it's a lot easier doing it this way rather than doing it lying on your back with your feet in the air! ................................Mike
m.j. moore

when rewiring a car I usually drop the column by removing the top clamp and let the dash hang in place on the lower braces. Then it's relatively easy to get your hands in through the top and wire and mount the smaller gauges to the dash. Then I can still get to the screws to mount the dash to the scuttle, and then the large gauges go in last.
dominic clancy

Easiest to assemble the complete dash on the workbench, except you might leave out the safety gauge for later. There is a separate dash harness that fits above the instruments and can be installed complete on the work bench with just one bullet end to be connected later.

If the steering column is not in the way you can sit on the tunnel with dash on your knees while making the main harness connections. Then attach dash to the body with three screws at top and four braces at bottom. One of the top screws may be obstructed by one of the large instruments, so it may be easier if you remove the clamp and move the instrument forward while installing that screw.

For most people this process may beat the crap out of lying on your back under the dash to do all of the wire connections.
Barney Gaylord

I think somewhere there is a picture of Mike Ellman- Brown's TC being assembled. The dash is complete before installation.
gary starr

Art,
On the coupe there are two lengths of piping above the dash. One is clipped to the top edge of the dash, and the other is across the top of the vinyl covered wood trim piece between the trim and the cowl. They are different diameters of piping. Cecilia has both sizes, in various colours.
I fitted all the gauges, all the switches, and all the dash wiring, to the dash prior to fitting the dash into the car.
Peter.
P. Tilbury

Pete, mine is a 1600. Does it have the dash piping? And where exactly does it end, does it curl around the end of the dash, or what?
Art Pearse

The top piping was 1/8" (core) and the bottom was 1/4". As I fit both mine to the cockpit rail they were both finished in the same way at the ends....................Mike



m.j. moore

In the end, it's much easier to assemble the dash first and then install. It's much easier to install the dash if your replace the three screws with studs/nuts - they are 10/32" if memory serves...but check first.

Leave the steering column in, but loosen the top bracket and it will hang 5" lower or so, making it possible to maneuver the dash past it. You will end up upside down on the floor no matter what once installed - we've all been there. Just make sure someone else is home in case the blood rushes to you head and you pass out.


JIM in NH
AJ Mail

Art,
If it is a coupe, it follows the curve of the dash at each end. There are 7 or 8 metal clips evenly spaced that hold the piping on the top edge of the dash. (MJ's photo is a roadster)
Peter.
P. Tilbury

We fully assembled the dash prior to installing, the steering column was "relaxed" but kept in place.


David Lake

This thread was discussed between 22/05/2013 and 26/05/2013

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.