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MG TD TF 1500 - TF dash and center console install & wiring

The steering column is lowered and ready to install the dash.

If you install the main dash with glove boxes first - can the bronze center console be installed after separately?

This way you can lay the bronze center console on some support / mini work table in the car while you wire the main harness to the switches. Once all wired, position the bronze console into place.

I've seen in the archives where the whole dash and center console is all assembled as one unit supported on a mini work table and once the wiring is assembled, install the dash.

Wondering if anyone tried the main dash first and wired the center console separately to be wired.

Frank

TF 1414
Frank Cronin

I think I tried to do the center panel later once. Found it much easier to just put it in the main panel and put it in as one piece. Make sure you have your windscreen mounted before you put the dash in.
L E D LaVerne

Hi Frank,

Once again I upset the originality brigade and fitted a multi pin socket into the wiring loom behind the dash. I was able to assemble everything on the bench and then simply plug it together in situ. I did use a single, heavy duty connector for the thick, main feed wire though.

Problems fitting the dash are minimal compared to starting the nut on the studs in the vinyl covered "eyebrows" above the dash. The only way I could could do this was to glue the nuts to the end of one of my fingers!

Jan T
J Targosz

Frank, Yes, it can be done, and I've done it. I installed all new wiring harnesses in Emma, 1954 TF, and will att. 2 pix showing some of it. There isn't much extra wire length, so I had to prop up the center console, upside down, to work on it. If only 1 pic can be att., I'll send another email.
Al


Al Parker

ooops, lost the other, will go looking. I think Bill Gates hates me and hides/deletes stuff in the PC.
Al
Al Parker

try this


Al Parker

If you assemble the Dashboard to the Dash Panel before attaching the center consul, you will have a very difficult time securing the small carriage bolts.
There is available a sub-wiring harness.
This allows you to wire the Dashboard on the bench at your leisure.

I used bullet connectors to connect up the pigtails. It makes the job quite easy.

You will need to add just a couple more pigtails for power feed and return than are in the picture.

Jim B.


JA Benjamin

Al, I don't know how you did it but I tried just to see if I could install the center console -- no dice!

I will try to slacken the slotted screw that attaches under the scuttle and side mounts and tilt it down some to get more clearance. Pic attached is how I left the project today. I'm puzzled how the factory did this. If the tub was lowered to the chassis with the dash and steering column installed like how the TD was done, how did they get that console in without scratching paint and damage????

Jan - I know exactly what you mean by the nuts for the scuttle pad. Today I installed the map lights and the black wire clips used to secure the wire hidden under the scuttle. Really fussy work getting everything situated and making sure the wires are not pinched when tightening the nuts. I didn't have to use glue but I think what really helped is a real good cleaning of the threads to the pad chasing them with a die to ensure they can be threaded on easily with your finger tips.

In other news.... Using my original sockets for the indicator / warning lights,soldering the brass buttons to my harness, I noticed I'm missing a ground wire for my low level fuel light. Something is not right comparing to my original harness so I'm calling RI Wiring on Monday.

Frank

TF1414



Frank Cronin

Frank,
I hope I am reading you right, there is no ground wire for the low fuel warning light, it is isolated from earth.
It is only earthed via the tank float switch (green/black wire).
Ray
Ray Lee

You are correct and I meant to say the direction indicator warning light.


(long day and lack of sleep from new puppy!)

Frank

TF 1414



Frank Cronin

I ended up installing the dash and center console as one unit. The body of the switches behind the dash for the light and ignition switch kept getting in the way. I suppose you could remove them, connect the wires, and install them already wired from the back.

In any case, laying the whole dash on a small stool with padding to protect the paint to do the wiring worked out best for me.

Frank

TF 1414



Frank Cronin

Purrrty
L E D LaVerne

Quick update on this. A friend came over to the barn and helped me with the steering column, accelerator lever, and toe board last weekend.

It was a nice feeling to be able to install the centerpiece on to the steering wheel.

Dash is DONE.

I did take it for a ride and did a few laps around the farm. 1st and second gear. Got myself a couple moving blankets bunched up and made myself a seat. No street driving. Just on the grass. It was awesome.

On to the next phase to get floor boards installed, trans & axle cover, hand brake, carpet, seats, etc...

Frank

TF 1414








Frank Cronin

Frank,

Congrats again on your TF work. Turning over/ igniting the motor and moving the car is such a good feeling.

I am about to fit up the dreaded Wheel Arch Covers on our TF1500. On the TF 1250 some years I had success fitting up the wheel arch covers after a
memorable effort ! They are still tight.

I would like to express less angst when attacking this area now on the 1500.
I seem to remember you using a foam type base on the wheel arch before fitting/glueing the covers on with excellent results. What was the type of foam material used,(thickness etc.) and where did you purchase it ?

Cheers
Rob Grantham
TF3719("Aramis"),TF9177("Athos").
Rob Grantham

I really love how this car is coming along.
Christopher Couper

Thanks Chris and Rob. It's getting there!

Rob, the foam was acquired along with the interior kit I got from Kimber Creek. Tom Wilson now has Collingburn's patterns and materials for TD and TF.

Doug Pelton, From the Frame Up I believe carries it. He said so on his video on You Tube or stop by an upholstery shop. It's under the Sundries section but no price?? Contact him via email.

https://youtu.be/Lbv3f8t8cB8

I cut patterns on paper to test fit and to ensure no gaps will be seen and then cut the foam. Once this foam pad is on, it's not moving.

Frank

TF 1414





Frank Cronin

I appreciate all of the input and do's and don'ts on rewiring the dash on my TF 9435 the cluster is now wired with only one wire to go a brown wire with blue stripe that I an still in doubt as to where it's home should be. Al Parker's pictures have been really helpful.

Thanks to all,
Ralph Bush
Ralph Bush

This thread was discussed between 08/04/2019 and 21/06/2019

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.