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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - v8 dash removal

Just a quickie
Factory V8 -
I am about to attempt to mig weld area around front screen lower corners, and I'm assuming its advisable to take out the dashboard, Is this fairly straight forward?, I will of course remove the screen etc (which I know is a pain in the a*se to get back in

Nigel Griffiths

I'm expecting to have to do mine at some point so have been considering what to do. At the moment I am thinking in terms of screening the back of the repair rather than removing the dash. But once you have the oil pipe disconnected from the back of the gauge and the glovebox innards out the rest of the dash is pretty easy - or at least it was on a late model roadster. The screen, ah well that is something else. You might like to have a look at http://www.mgb-stuff.org.uk and click on 'Spanners' and 'GT Screens' before you start.
Paul Hunt

Nigel

I think the problem is the dash top vinyl. I left mine in place during my rebuild, but didn't need to do any bottom corner welding. Isn't the dash top vinyl stuck down on what is part of the shell?? I'm trying to recall, the crackle front comes out no problem, and the padded top edge will come off, but I can't remember if the flat top section is part of the shell or a separate panel. If it detaches then take it off, otherwise the dash top vinyl will be vulnerable to heat damage from the welding. If you peel it off it may not go back smoothly.
Refitting the screen is a real test of patience. Now is not the best time of year - the warmer the weather, the more pliable the rubber. The glass to rubber and fitting the rubber insert is pretty easy - with a bit of lubrication - silicon or similar.
It's the stainless finishers which are the real test.
Dave
Dave Wellings

Nigel,
When I removed the dash from my 173 V8 it was stuck to a thin board backing which in turn was glued to to the metal dash top. it also had foam underneath around the air duct slits. Chances are the board will break when trying to remove.A new board is easily made up together with some decent foam.
Regards
Steve Bowley
Steve Bowley

Thanks for all the advise.
I managed to undo all the dash facia retainers and slide the dash forward approx 4 inches, all I have to do now is remove the padded top edge and vinyl cowl cover....
Nigel Griffiths

Hi, my input is probably a bit late now,but I had my GT painted while I was away on holiday. The painter found rot at the bottom of one of the A posts. He repaired it using oxy welding & did not remove the dash or the vynil covering. The windscreen was already removed for the paint job. There's no burn marks or any other signs of damage.I suppose it depends on how much rust & precisely where it is. Barrie E
Barrie Egerton

Barrie

Any advice or experience welcomed, I am at present developing my MIG welding technique
before attacking car, will update this post as and when, based on what you've said I hold out hope for vinyl covering.

cheers

Nigel
N.T Griffiths

This thread was discussed between 04/10/2002 and 08/10/2002

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