MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGA - Dash removal

I've been scouring the archives and didn't find anything that addressed removal of the dash. This winter I'd like to remove the dash to have a couple of holes filled (aftermarket radio and cig lighter) and get it cleaned up. I've read about disconnecting the gauges/cables, but can I pull the dash without totally disassembling the car? My car is going to be a rolling restoration since I don't have the money to do a total teardown.
Thanks.
SJ Jackson

My car had a pvc covered dash and I took it out to replace with a painted one a couple of years ago. I was using my car as everyday transport at the time, so I did not want it off the road. It took a couple of hours or so to remove and about the same to replace. Of course care has to be taken with the temperature gauge piping and sensor, but everything else was very straight forward.
Neil McGurk

Neil,
How many screws are there to remove the dash? Do I have to remove the front cockpit rail first?

Thanks.
S Jackson

Front cockpit rail can stay in place. Remove oil/water gauge first. Disconnect oil pipe at back of gauge. Unscrew temperature sender from cylinder head and thread it through the firewall and dash to remove the gauge. Do not break the small tubing.

Remove four under dash braces and the heater control (if you have one). Then three screws high in the back, and you'll have it in your lap.
Barney Gaylord

Thanks Barney, sounds pretty easy.
S Jackson

The hard part is getting the temp sender out of the head without breaking it. Be VERY careful. Consider the adaptor (photo below) when you replace it. Brass on brass is easily removed in future!
Barry

BM Gannon

Barry, what is the adapter size and threads? Do you have to machine the head?
Art Pearse

Art, No need to machine the head. The ferrule is a standard pipe fitting from the plumber. The ferrule thread is the same as the existing holding nut, the temperature bulb sits inside the ferrule and the existing nut screws into it.
What you see in the photo is a new holding nut, where you could use the old one again and not disturb the bulb or the capilliary tube.
Once this modification is done the head can be removed without the danger of damaging the temperature line.
Barry
BM Gannon

This thread was discussed between 18/09/2009 and 19/09/2009

MG MGA index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG MGA BBS now