MGB & GT Forum

Looking at a 76 B (one of the first RB's) in decent shape - no rust; engine overhaul, new clutch, top, brakes, and a number of other maintenance updates, drives well, and reasonable price, too. As most of you know, it has the dashboard, gauges, etc. previous to the Rubber bumper generation. If I were to buy this, I would want the later (RB) style dashboard. I know some think that's silly - but to me, it's important.

So - is this a fairly straightforward chore? In other words, does the wiring line up as the same, and does the replacement dash itself fit in the same location, or are modifications needed?

Anyone do this? Thanks for the tips.

Doug

Hmmmm..... looks like a lot of others are curious too - no one has any comments?

Doug

Well, I removed my fair share of dashes - '70, '71, & '72. I won't say it's easy exactly, but it's not that difficult, either.

You need to get on you back under the dash. If you are planning on removing the seats, after removal is a good time. There are 6 - 7/16" nuts holding the dash to the inside cowl. The ones on the ends, and on the passenger side are easy. The rest - not so easy. Use a spring type or U-joint socket extension.

As far as I know, the bolt pattern on the dashes are the same from '69 on. You will become the authority on that, however.

When I put the dashes back, I only used 4 of the nuts instead of all 6 - the easiest ones to get to. It is still plenty solid.

The wiring harness - well, pay attention when you remove it. It's not too big of a deal, get some pictures if you think you need them. The wires are color-coded, so putting them back isn't a big deal. I wouldn't think it would be too different from an earlier RB. BTW - 74 1/2 was the first RB year, but the dashes had minor changes during the production run.

Do you have this? http://www.advanceautowire.com/mgb.pdf

If there are wiring differences you could interpolate them between model years.

Hope this helps.

---

Jim K is a grease-stained wretch

Physically not a problem. Switch and heater control locations are different so will require some ingenuity or access to a later model parts car to get the smaller parts you will need.

Along with the afformentioned heater controls, the dash/instrument harness is different - and the steering wheel/column/controls.

Doug, why or what is the reason you want to change your dashboard?

Asking because I was planning to replace mine, it has some cracks in the top, but I found a shell that fits and covers the top very well and looks like a new and original.

Let me know if you go through with it. I'm picking up a pillow dash gt. Tomorrow. The mid 70s dash has always been my favorite. If yours is in decent shape perhaps I will try to get it from you.

David,
I am sorry, it is a misunderstanding, what I was trying to say is that my dashboard is in bad shape at the top, some cracks from the sun exposure, but I bought from Moss the "Dash top repair panel" for sixty dlls. and this covers all the top and the dashboard will shows like a new. (but remember this item only cover the top). See the Moss catalog. If yo are interested I can show you some pictures of mine. Regards.

As I believe I indicated in my first post (I may not have been that clear I suppose) . . . I am looking at this car. I don't own it. IF I were to buy, I would want to replace the dash, which is actually in pretty good shape.

I want to swap because my first sports car was both a material and emotional treat to myself after surviving four years in the service during the Viet Nam conflict and then going on to graduate from college. That was a brand-new 1977 MGB. Even though it had heavy rubber bumpers, raised suspension, and horribly slow acceleration - I loved that car and all the fun I had with it. So, I'm looking to revisit that experience (sort of!) and the dashboard look, feel, and function is an important part of that.

Doug

forget swapping the dash....find a 77-80 MGB if that is what you remember. Plenty to go around.

---

Law of Logical Argument - Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.

"Anyone with an intense emotional interest in a subject loses the ability to observe it objectively: You selectively perceive events. You ignore data and facts that disagree with your main philosophy. Even your memory works to fool you, as you selectively retain what you believe in, and subtly mask any memories that might conflict."

Trust me - I am looking and am finding... but so far nothing that I would want to own. This 76 B is in really nice condition which made me think about changing the dash.

Doug