Adding extra gauges to Abingdon dash

The Abingdon pillowtop dash on my '69 has a certain charm and I want to keep it, but it sacrifices space that could be used for additional auxiliary gauges and switches.

Aside from the standard rectangular oil pressure, fuel level and water temp gauges, I want to add a Smiths voltmeter, ammeter, oil temp and clock.

Does anyone have experience adding auxiliary gauges to the pillowtop dash/console setup?

The default console already has cutouts that limit the ability to tailor the pattern and I don't require all the switches for which the cutouts are intended.

I'm considering purchasing the newly-available blank console, which I could tailor to my needs.

One possible option is to relocate my heating and fresh air switches to the console and placing two auxiliary gauges in their place, then find space for the remaining two gauges.

A more radical alteration is to use the upright console and tunnel console from the 1972+ model together with the my pillow dash, but I am not certain if such a hybrid would fit the dash. If it did, I could have ample room for the heating and air control switches plus two gauges on the vertical console (or leave the h/ac switches in their original locations and place all four aux gauges on the vertical console) plus the radio.

The few switches needed and hazard light could be located toward the front end of the tunnel console in front of the shifter.

Unfortunately, as Camille is in hospital and will likely be an inpatient for at least a month, I can't do a template.

I am reluctant to add an under-dash panel for the gauges. No doubt, at more than 6 feet tall, I would strike it every time I enter or exit the car. It's an exercise in contortion already.

Here is a web site for the Smiths gauges in question. I think the prices are reasonable. Also, does anyone have the "magnolia dial" gauges? They make a nice contrast, especially with a primrose exterior/black interior.

<http://www.gaugeguys.com/Smiths/Authentic/Classic/small.htm>

Why do I want to do this? Just because. In fact, in due course I want to add a vintage Halda SpeedPilot. I'm resigned that it would probably need to reside atop my dash panel.

Looking forward to suggested options.

Brian with the V6 B on our forum moved his heater controls and installed two gauges in those locations. They look great!

I'm not sure but I think the Magnolia faces might be available in the UK from the MG Owners Club store. However, I think you have to be a member of that organization to buy from them. You could check them out on the web.

George Herschell

<http://www.mgocaccessories.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2emgocaccessories%2eco%2euk%2facatalog%2fMG_interiors%2ehtml&WD=gauges&PN=MGOC_Accessories__Gauges___Clocks_169%2ehtml%23aK133#aK133>

<http://www.ukmgparts.com/index1.html?o=111005200027854>

The problem I see so far with the guages is they are for the 100mm metal style dashes in the UK they eatined that style. The NA spec went to 80mm for the speedo and tach. I'll keep looking.

Perhaps you could find one of these optional consoles. Looks like you could probably fit three gauges in it. This photo was scanned from a 1970 sales brochure...

There is no need for both the ammeter and a voltmeter. In fact, you will save yourself some problems in the future is you pass on the ammeter altogether, an just use a voltmeter. There is a good reason why new car makers quit using ammeter and went to voltmeter instead. Just may save your wiring harness from burning up. Consider the fact that every bit of the current to chatge your battery has to pass through the ammeter on it's way to the battery. Any problem like a loose connection or broken wire sees all the current that the alt puts out and will reduce or stop you battery from being charged. The voltmeter just reads the battery voltage and is completely indipendant of the charging system, so if something goes wrong with it, the gauge quits working but the battery continues to charge.

Heres a dash pic for some ideas.

Bryan, very nice setup!

I think that would be cool. Bear in mind what Gerry said about the Ammeter - Had an "interesting situation" with my 80 Toyota 4WD PU when I did the same thing. I think the console would be most forgiving, but the dash that suncloud has is really hip!

The console above is by Amco. I see them around for sale now and then.

Judging from the line drawings in Moss as well as Rob's clip, it appears that the '72 radio console and tunnel console could fit the Abingdon dash. I'll contact Moss and Bob at Brit-Tek tomorrow.

Granted, it won't help in a concours competition, but I view such a change as taking no more from the authenticity of the vehicle as does substituting a Weber for SUs. Similar situation as with my valve cover. Mine happens to have the breather tube, which is improper for my vintage, but I would rather an unvented oil filler cap and the tube sucking air from a seperate filter than to have a vented filler cap that seeps snot!