Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Fitting a dashboard clock

Recently I purchased a MIG fighter clock off Ebay to fit into my Roadster and have been plucking up courage to make that first cut! One you make the first hole it really isn't that bad although it is a case of "measure many times, cut once" I did check with Mark Evans at the factory to make sure I could get hold of a new dash blank if I made a mess of it!

Getting the dash off is pretty easy, disconnect the battery, take the steering wheel off for better access, unscrew a number of fiddly screws to get the lower dash trim off, unscrew the three dash retaining screws and bingo, it's off. Pulling it out slightly allows access to the wiring; I labelled all connectors and took some reference photos...necessary as there is a maze of wiring there although a bit easier to get at than the previous 4/4. Whilst the dash was off I mounted my fire extinguisher bracket to the roll bar under the glove box (it is well away from knees!)



The MIG clock has a more complex casing than the usual dash clock to allow for the two front mounted control knobs and needed careful measuring. Placement on the dash needed care also as I didn't want to trim back any of the ash frame to allow the rear of the clock to clear. The outline was drilled using a Dremel and then dressed back with a sanding drum. The bezel of the clock is 3mm deep so allowed little room for error!




The clock fitted. The inner dial is a chronometer and the two knobs are for stopping and starting the clock, winding the 5 day movement (no electric!) and adjusting the time, and controlling the chronometer. The object between the tacho and the clock is a small dashboard instrument light as the clock has no lighting.


Whilst the dash is out I am fitting a net to the front of the glove box and, when it arrives, a new central panel from M-K Holtztechnik. In the meantime whilst in the changing mood I replaced the headlights with a pair of Lucas Tripod Headlights from Aero Racing....their last pair, since Redmorgan put the idea into their head andhad a pair fitted, they have proved a very popular mod to both Trads and Three Wheelers.



More to follow once I get my parcel from Matthias!

You're a braver man than me!

If I'd a wood veneered dash like yours Simon, I wouldn't have been brave enough! Painted MDF doesn't feel quite as expensive!!

That clock looks great!
The hole before being smoothed looks scary

Nice work Jays. I hadn't realised the painted dash is of MDF.

Very nice.
So why the Lucas Light, and not Cibie?
Lucas looks very retro but how about the light is it a good spread etc.
Love it!

Cain

It's just the retro look Cain...sad really as I know that Cibie would be a lot better. Truth is I rarely drive the Morgan at night although I've been quite surprised how good the standard lights are. I know there will be a trade off with the new headlights but some better bulbs might improve things.

Jay,

The dash looks great, not sure I'm brave enough to cut my leather dash....but the clock is really good!

I like the lights a lot, that is someting for the "to do" list, as is a glove box net. What sort of centre panel have you planned?

Peter

That clock does look the business.
Nice lamps as well.

Brave man, well done