MG MGB and MGB GT Tech Talk
This winter I would like to fix up some of the dash gauges on the 79 B. I would like to remove 1 at a time refinish/clean and install.
I have read posts on rotating the bezel to remove... but I think my gauges are held in with either taffy or gorilla glue.
Can someone give me a step by step for getting these out?
Thank you
-Kevin
Kevin,
I'll be waiting to see what answers you get. I was successful in removing the chrome rings of the tach and speedo, but the little ones....no go. As to the big ones, I was able to move them by getting both hands on the bezel. My next ploy is to try a slip neck pliers of some sort, on the smaller gauges, but I don't want to bugger up the bezels. If your wife has one of those flat rubber grippers for opening jars, perhaps that will get you some more traction. Good luck.
Steve
You will have to either remove the dash or reach up behind. The gauges are held on with clamps that are attached to the back of the gauge with round thumb screws.
You can reach up behind and unscrew these (if you are 12 years old or a contortionist) and then by jiggling a little the clamps will slide off of the threaded bolts on the back. The gauges will then slide out the front where you can take off the wires. Make sure you use tape or something so you know what goes where when the guage goes back in.
You can find an article on removing the dash in the Library.
Good luck!
Don, Kevin is trying to open up the gauges themselves after removing from the dash. I'm no help as my gauges are different than yours. Mine are 1969.
Well, I guess I'm less than no help then. Doh! Mine are from a 71 and you just rotate the bezel (and then deal with all the gunky stuff that used to be a seal).
The big guages twist til you reach a slot, then out the front. The small gauges still use thumb screws on the back (behind the dash).
I think seveal folks are addressing gauge removal with the thread should be bezel removal.. Maybe I am getting this wrong.
The glue is the deteriorated seal. I'd dose with WD40 wait a couple days and do the twist thing Don''t overdo it as you don't want the penatrent to damage the face paint. If that won't do it, clean it good and it can be carefully and gently pried from "behind" so any nicks etc won't show. This is a time intensive incremental operation. You don't want to crack the chome. i do this on old SW gauges and frankly haven't tried the newer B but in lieu of the tabs, it the only way to get them apart.
IMO you really need to remove the gauges from the dash by undoing the thumb nuts before attempting a removal of the bezel and glass. The likely outcome of trying to remove the bezel while the gauge is still in the dash is damage to the surface of the dash around the gauges.
Once the gauge is out on the bench you can see more clearly what needs to be done.
Chris
Sorry, I have been wet sanding. Looks like I will have a window of good weather this weekend to spray some paint.
It was a two part question, although not worded to well.
#1 I need to get the gauges out of the dash. (one at a time without removing the dash - hopefully) seats are out so I can get under it pretty well.
#2 I need to crack them open and clean the glass and/or replace a plastic lens.
Thank you
-Kevin
You should have no trouble getting them out of the containers once out of the dash. At least I never had a problem at that point. Just be careful not to drop.
Removing them from the dash can be a pain, but not always. I would take out the two big ones first; that allows you room to get some acces via those holes to the smaller ones which as mentioned earlier, are held in with knurled nuts (just like saying that).
I generally end up with a band aid or two on various parts of my hands when all is said and done.
Once out, you may consider removing the black paint on the bezels as they look really cool when they're bright instead of flat black, especially if the paint is worn. I used a scotch brite pad the last time I did this. Just rub it around the bezel for a while and it removes the paint and then shines them up.
Good Luck!
Kevin
I have taken the dash out of MG's many times. It's not as bad as they seem. I first tried to take the gauges out like you want, but a couple are very hard to get at. Take the dash out completely. Disconnect battery. With your model start at the glove box. Once removed, you can see center vent hoses,. take those off. Your dash has a couple of main wire harness connections to unplug. Now use a 1/4 inch socket set, with a couple of long extensions. You will see the first of 6 nuts that need to be removed once the glove box is removed. You might be happy to see that all 6 of the original nuts are not on the studs, reasons like Limey stated, it could have been removed by a PO and no need to replace all if it seems like it's all tighten up.
Once removed much easier to work on the gauges. and put them back in place. An afternoon job at most. And you learn and can see if any wires in dash need to be replaced, or given attention too. One thing I have seen happen is the wires put back on wrong when you try to work on your back and have to use the feel touch. I just like to do it once, so I try to do it right, the first time.
Ken