I posted a bit about this a while back after seeing a burnt out MGB at
the local wrecking yard. I'm glad someone finally did it and has
reported good results. If I aver end up with a 68 or later MGB I plan to
do the same.
>-----Original Message-----
>From: todd@nutria.nrlssc.navy.mil [SMTP:todd@nutria.nrlssc.navy.mil]
>Sent: Friday, July 18, 1997 9:40 AM
>To: mgs@autox.team.net
>Subject: Padded dashes and soiled jeans
>
>I have just completed a project that I've been mulling over for the past
>year. I've always disliked the padded dashboard introduced in 1968,
>even though it was improved in 1972, and after watching mine crack and
>fade, the wheels in my head started turning.
>
>In January I purchased a '72 parts car. In February I removed the
>dashboard and ripped off all of the padding. In April I sanded it down
>and primed it. In May I filled in various holes that were pertinent to
>'72 but weren't needed for my '74, and primed again. In June I cut a
>piece of the door off and shaped it to fit the glove box hole. A couple
>of weeks ago I gave it three good coats of black wrinkle-finish paint.
>Yesterday I modified the fresh air vent securing hardware. Last night I
>transferred all gauges and switches from the old dash to the new dash.
>And this morning, under the watchful eye of Hurricane Danny, I bolted it
>into my car.
>
>I now have a metal-dash 1974 MGB.
>
>A few points:
>
>- It looks good!
>
>- When spraying wrinkle-finish paint, even coverage is critical.
> Several spots on my dash are noticeably more wrinkled than others due
> to uneven coverage. I'm not that good at spray-painting yet.
>
>- I had clearance problems with the fresh air vents, since they're a
> good deal closer to the firewall than before. I wasn't able to make
> the old ducting fit, so I'll have to modify it or fabricate new.
>
>- There is a one inch gap between the dashboard and the center console,
> through which you can see the sheet metal support underneath. Blaze
> Red really contrasts with Black!
>
>- With all of that padding gone, the interior has a more roomy feel to
> it, and it's lost that clunky chunky look. I've stripped the old,
> cracking vinyl and foam from the door cappings as well, and will be
> sanding them and staining them black to match.
>
>- I have yet to fabricate a top rail. I'm not sure what I'll end up
> with, but it will probably involve foam rubber...
>
>This morning, after refitting the dashboard, I was surprised to discover
>that my worksite wasn't going to be closed for the Hurricane after all.
>So I grabbed a shower, jumped in the car, and fired it up, watching the
>gauges as usual. After three or four seconds without oil pressure, I
>shut it down, then realized that I'd forgotted to reconnect the oil
>pressure gauge! So now I have a new dashboard and a pair of Rorschach
>jeans, but I'm happy!
>
>--
>
>Todd Mullins
>Todd.Mullins@nrlssc.navy.mil On the lovely Mississippi (USA) Coast
>
>'74 MGB Tourer with new dashboard!!
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