The dashboard conversion, using a 72 dash in a 71, is just a straight bolt
on. But there are differences. The oil pressure gauge is electrical on the
71 but on the 72, it is a manual (connected with a small copper oil line
that goes to the engine). Otherwise the gauges should interchange on the
dash. The 72 also has an air duct/louvre in the center - I'm not sure if
you could connect that to anything on the 71, but thats probably no big deal.
Going with the earlier metal dash is a bit more complicated. I haven't
tried it but it has been mentioned on the list. I believe a metal extension
has to be added to that piece that the dash board attaches to as it is
wider on the earlier cars (it was reduced in size to accomodate the larger
plastic dashes). The gauges are also different with larger tach/speedo and
a combo oil pressure/water temperature gauge on the earlier dash.
David Councill
67 BGT
72 B
At 02:45 PM 4/5/2003 -0800, Paul M. wrote:
>This has probably been covered ad infinitum before,
>but I have no idea how to search the archives of this
>list, or whether or not there even ARE archives...
>
>Here goes:
>
>I'm getting ready to pick up a 1971 MGB roadster I am
>in the process of buying from another lister, and one
>of the first orders of business will be to restore the
>interior. I am not a fan of the "Abingdon pillow"
>style of dashboard on the '71, and would love to
>replace it with an earlier style metal dash. I have
>two questions:
>
>1) Is the earlier metal dashboard a direct bolt-in
>proposition on the '71? If so, does ANYTHING carry
>over? Any of the gauges or anything? Or do I have to
>replace everything?
>
>2) If it is NOT a direct bolt-in replacement, I
>assume a swap to the 1972 dashboard (with the
>glovebox) is an easier job, correct? Does anything
>carry over is this scenario?
>
>Thanks in advance,
>- Paul
>(Soon to be 1971 MGB Roadster owner)
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