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MG TD TF 1500 - Dashboard in a MGB GT

Yes, I know. Wrong forum. However, there is very little activity and response in that forum, so I prefer to ask all my old friends here.
The TD has now followed the bears, but not to the same places. Mine is in a barn outside Oslo. With some friends.
I am looking for an MGB GT these days. Not very easy in Norway, with rather few cars. This time I would like left hand drive.
I had a look at one today. It needs some bodywork. But it also had an American dashboard, with no instruments or glove compartment on the right hand side.
So my question is simply: is it possible to change that with a British/European dash?
And from all of you, I will take any tip about what to buy at what price regarding a GT. Of course, I could buy a right hand drive British one, but the taxes and transport etc will make it more expensive.
Choices, choices...
Image shows the car I looked at today.

Raymond Wardenaer

You are referring to the 'Abingdon Pillow' dash.

The metal underneath is different from the all metal dash, but it can be done. Google the topic, or go to the MG Experience site and search there... right now that site is under repair so the search function has been disabled, but the site is active with many experts on hand to help answer your questions. You will recognize a lot of the names there.

We have the Abingdon Pillow dash in Maggie, our MGB. We put in a Prestige Autotrim interior, it has a ton of side pockets and other cubbies. We tour long distance and have no problem with bringing things with us without the dash.

I installed heated seats and cruise control, and also rebuilt the heater and added an oil cooler thermostat which contributes to faster engine warm-up. There is an entire area of my website devoted to the build, and past projects on the car.

Hope this helps,
dave

Dave Braun

This is a shot of the shorter upper dash assembly used with the Abingdon Pillow dash.

Warmly,
dave

Dave Braun

The short answer is yes you can bolt up any of the other 3 dash styles that were produced during the production run of the MGB. I'd avoid the last of the group because the instruments were changed and won't accept those from the pillow dash GT.

When searching for a B, be cautious of any signs of filler and body rust along the lower rocker assembly and rear fenders (wings). The strength of the unibody comes from the three pieces that make up the castle rail. Any rust or filler in that area could mean a rebuild is forth coming. Not a particularly fun job.

L E D LaVerne

I drove the wheels off a 1967 MGB-GT in the late 70s and early 80s and loved it. Even drove it in 1977 from Philadelphia PA to Miami FL and back in one week (total 3,000 miles with no issues (but a few quarts of oil)). With the 68 model year, things changed on MGs sent to the US. Not sure about the UK, but the changes were not for the better in my view.

If I were ever to get another one, it would be a 67 assuming one could be found with little rust. As you probaly know, in the US, GTs have not brought a lot of money in the past, but it does seem they are becoming more valuable. In the US, you could probably get one for less (and perahps a fair amount less) than $5,000 in nice shape (especially a newer one).

Best of luck.
Tom Going

As said by the others, it can be done but why?

I think the 'Abingdon pillow' adds to the character of the car and it will be a big and expensive job unless you already have the right european spec dashboard.
The bare metal of the '60's MGB LHD dashboard is worth a couple of hundred Euro's. Above that I think not all the gauges and switches are the same.

I don't know how much prices differ from Holland to Norway, but here driveable GT's are from EUR 4.500,- to EUR 10.000,-

Willem vd Veer




http://nh.craigslist.org/cto/3243601529.html
J E Carroll

Be very careful of any bubbles at the lower rear dog legs or you'll be looking at a lot of work.

David Werblow

I think I have found the car now. I hope so. Dark blue, which is my favorite color, 1973, LHD, overdrive, Webasto sun roof and a dashboard with glove compartment!
I hope I can get to see it tomorrow. Very excited.
Raymond Wardenaer

Keep us posted!
Jan Kristoffersen

If you can find the LHD Dash for a i972 MGB or GT the instruments and switches and heater controls wiil switch exactly. If you have a 1973 or later dash, the heater controls are different. No mods necessary.
I have a '71 B-GT with a '72 dash so I now have a glove box.

Don Harmer

Raymond,

Of course it's a matter of personal taste...but I don't understand what's wrong with the US dash.
Besides, there is a glovebox (that is, for paperwork such as a roadmap) at the side wall on the passenger's side.

Jasper

JL Nederhoed

This thread was discussed between 23/10/2012 and 27/10/2012

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