As it turns out, the clock only has a red backlight.
I guess I'll have to use red backlighting. In spite of my aversion to red backlights, it might work out OK with my plan of a deep red interior.
Progress is still being made, slowly. I'm still sorting out the wiring situation. As far as systems go, I know how each "system" will be wired. I now have to plan out where each relay and fuse will be located, and how the wires will get there. It is a chore that I take in small bites. I think I'll separate the fuses into 3 separate locations. One for Full-time power, one for ignition circuits and one for accessory circuits. The location for relays will also need to be sorted out. I won't be running heavy power thru the ignition switch, headlights, starter solenoid and other heavy current circuits. The switch will energize a relay feeding those fuse blocks, solenoids, lights, etc to limit the chance for those switches to wear out. Lucas switches are reportedly not what they used to be.
In the meantime, I have welded up the large holes in the dash panel and cut new holes for the custom layout of new gauges. IT is tough drilling circles with 1/8" drills and then filing them smooth. Any method that gets things done I guess. I also filled up the holes that were used for the OEM heating controls to the tight of the radio cutout. I'm not sure what to do with all of that new found real estate.
Attachment:
modified dash.jpg
I then turned my focus to things behind the dash, figuring I needed to do this to see where fuse panels, A/C and heat hoses, and the HVAC air tubes will be. That eventually sent me to figuring out what dash vents I will be using. I found some small vents that will fit on the outer ends of the dash and got them on order. Then I found the '73 vents will fit in the radio opening perfectly. However they are a bit deep and may run into the AC evaporator unit. I also found that the defroster vent plenums (under the dash) have to be modified to clear those '73 vents. So here I am. I got one done today and another one started.
Attachment:
modified defroster plenum.jpg
Attachment:
OEM defroster plenum.jpg
I received my early steel dash switches today from the UK. the wiper switch is Lucas (actually some 3rd party that has the rights to the Lucas name from what I read) Another switch that was a "reproduction" switch was also ordered. Upon close inspection, they are both from the same mfgr. The plastic housing has the same tool radii and material looks exactly the same even the crimp marks for assembly have the same mis-located witness marks on one side. The only difference is the name Lucas and England, which were cast into one part was clearly blanked out on the repro one.
On another front. I ordered carpeting for the '79 convertible. Spring is coming.
P.S.S. I got my 1st Covid vaccination last week. FWIW it was the Pfizer one.
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Chuck.
“Any suspension will work if you don’t let it.” - Colin Chapman
Visit my ongoing MGB Rustoration log:
over HEREOr my Wankel powered Locost log :
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