Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Quadrant Gauge Removal

Hi all,

I'm in the process of refreshing my 1965 Plus 4. I need to replace all the dashboard toggle switches and respray the black metal surround in "black crackle.

I have a question on how to remove the quadrant gauge and the speedometer? Can the chrome bezels/glass be removed and then the gauge just pulled backwards out of the metal surround, keeping all wires connected? Or do all the wires need to be disconnected from the quadrant gauge and speedo and then pull them out from the front?

Hoping the wires don't need to be disconnected - otherwise I'll be chasing down bad grounds for weeks when I reconnect incorrectly!



Thx

The first thing you need to do is remove the wires I'm afraid. Not sure why you are trying to avoid that but careful labelling before removal is the key. Take a photo or two first as well. The units should be clamped to rear of dash. Remove clamp thumbscrews and clamps noting there may be some grounding wires on eyelets under former, then lift the whole units out from front of dash.

Not really afraid of disconnecting the wires...it's just that I hate fettling electrical gremlins. During this job I'm also going to need to figure out why my panel lights aren't working despite having new bulbs... I hate crawling under the dash!

Assume the panel light issue is a bad ground - but who knows!

Removing the bezels is a right pain even with the instruments on the bench.

The bezels are secured with a folded over tab which must be bent back to allow the bezel to be given a twist to free it.

Removing the glass from the bezel is even more of a challenge - it seems Smiths used some sort of sealant between the bezel and glass which sets like concrete overtime and you are more likely to crack the glass than remove the bezel. Soaking in cellulose thinner might dissolve the sealant though.

On reassembly don't forget the square section rubber gasket between instrument and panel...I get mine from David Hodgson in the UK.

Whilst you have the clocks out, keep them somewhere safe, I've only ever seen one pair come up for sale....with a £600 price tag

Arwyn

Removing the bezels will not allow the gauges to be pulled back through the panel. The gauge housing has a flange, which the bezel twists on to as Arwyn noted. There are two studs on the back of the gauge, which secure a "U" shaped clamp. The nuts on the studs need to be removed before the gauge can be pulled out.

Regarding the panel lights.....do you have a dimmer switch? Check that to see if it has been moved to " DIM". Also test the switch. From memory it is basically a rheostat type with a contact that slides over a wire "coil" to vary the current/voltage to the gauge bulbs.

Not on a 1960's Plus 4 - it's just an off on toggle switch.

Only rheostat on a 1960's car is the fan control

Arwyn

I'm going to replace all the switches and gems, sand all the grounds, and hope that everything turns on again!

One question though...I have a row of 4 toggle switches on my car at the top of the switch panel:
1) Wipers
2) Panel Lights
3) Fog-lights (currently not connected - but will be soon!)
4)??????

What is the 4th toggle switch for? Can't find it on the wiring diagram either...

Got the same in my 1968 Plus 4 - think it could be a spare switch or in certain export markets for parking lights, I use mine for my electric fuel pump

Arwyn