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MG TD TF 1500 - TF Dash Installation

Hi All, From what I can discern from the archives, it looks like the TF dash should be wired up (The instrument panel is already rebuilt and fastened to the dash here.) and then shoved into place with all the wires, cables, etc. The alternative is to put it in and then lay under the scuttle and wire it. I don't have the seats in so it could be done that way. Any comments?

Part 2: The Moss catalog, p46, Dash Components, lists a leather washer 435-515 by the picture of the TD dash. It's for the oil gage pipe. Is this also used on a TF?
Mike
MW Davis

I've just finished my TF dash. I assembled the dash and instrument panel and wired it all up on a carpet on the garage floor. I installed an additional fuse board behind the tool box and wired it up in-situ with "tails".

I labelled all the wiring harness cable ends and prepared them ready for connecting up.

I then cut out a cardboard box and fitted it over the transmission tunnel (without the gear shift in place) to form a table. I laid the dash on the table with the cables upside. I then completed all the terminations and lifted the dash into place. Make sure the captive nut in the centre of the scuttle frame that accommodates the centre bracket on the dash is in good condition then just stick your hand up behind the dash and screw it in. Bit fiddley!

Hope that helps.

AJ


A R Jones

Another view.


A R Jones

I really like what AJ did, sure beats the on your back for 2 hours routine. For another way of doing the installation, I made my panel with a quick disconnect. A Radio Shack 12 pin connector handles all the low to medium current leads. I, specifically, directly connected the ammeter (brown) cables due to their heavier currents. I also constructed 6 panel attach standoffs for MUCH easier panel removal.
I also installed fuses and relays to make protection and trouble shooting easier. Works great and paid off immediately.


R Lambert

I wish I had thought of putting a plug on the connections. Almost makes me think about taking the dash off again!

NB. I did have to take the dash off again to fit the windshield. SO FIT THE WINDSHIELD before the dash!!!

Could you explain what you mean about the 6 panel standoffs. I'm sure that I'll need to take the dash off again sometime in the future.

AJ
A R Jones

Great thread! I like the idea of the quick disconnects.

Frank
Frank Cronin

The quick disconnects were a little extra work, but I like that kind of work. Only regret was I trimmed the wires a little short.
As for the "standoffs", the 6 panel attach screws are way down flush with the main panel metal, buried amongst all the wires and hard to see, let alone get at. All I did was take some aluminum tubing of larger diameter than the mount stud (I think the studs are 10-32, 2BA), thread one end 10/32 for a jammed on & JB welded nut and tapped the other end 10/32. I did put shrink tubing around them as they looked to me as big short circuit targets. Does this make sense?
Makes install & removal painless.

Here's my documentation of the panel disconnect. Fiddly, but worth it, no cool ones while doing this.


R Lambert

Larger vie of connector.


R Lambert

Thanks, gents. It never ceases to amaze me how clever all you guys are in coming up with new ways and improvements. I think I will go with the cardboard box technology! The connector is a great idea too, but I think I need some more color coded wire that I am missing and I want to get this darn thing done. I have added a half dozen fuses to the TF; a couple are under the scuttle for the main lighting and the rest are in-line fuses protecting things like the wiper motor and fuel pump. Mike
MW Davis

This thread was discussed between 13/12/2011 and 14/12/2011

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.