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MG Midget and Sprite General - What's behind that dash?

I'm in the process of customizing a dash, and I need to know what the mount looks like behind it. Does anyone have a Midget under renovation with the dash off so you could post a picture of the bulkhead, from the cockpit so I can see what it looks like, where the dash mounts to it? Doesn't matter which side the steering wheel is on, just needs to be of the same "era" as my '74. I'm keeping the current dash on my car so I can drive it while working on the second one. When finished, the plan is to just swap them to minimize down time. Thanks in advance.
Jack
Jack Orkin

here ya go jack

there are 5 studs on the back of the dash that goes into a lip of the top cowling panal... for some reason the phot of the dash shows 4.. should be five... perhaps it was differant during an earlir year


2 photos


Prop

and 2nd photo

hope that makes scence

Prop

Prop

Okay ... so maybe Im the idiot in this equision LOL.

Im only counting 4 holes in the metal panal also.. its the bigger oblong holes where the dash studs get screwed in to

Hmmm, I could have sworn there was 5

Prop
Prop

BTW... Dont look at those photos and think this is going to e a cake walk, your going to need the flexanility of a 9 year old gymnist to get behind and to that mess

its sounds like over kill, but save yourself the hassle and pull both seats... its a time and Back/neck saver

If I ever have to pull my dash agian, Ill pull the steering wheel also. Just a thought.

but then agian Im only 46 and was 42 when I pulled it last. Im sure for you jack it will be a "Snap...

okay maybe a Crackle... But defiantly a POP", Hmmm, okay somethings going to give thats not supposed to, Im sure of that...LOL




Prop
Prop

Prop got it right (eventually)

there are 4 studs from the dash that go through the cowling. There are also 3 "straps" for lack of a better word that connect the bottom edge of the dash to the firewall. They are just metal strips about an inch wide that go from a stud on the bottom edge of the back of the dash and are screwed to the firewall at the other end.

of course early steele dashes are different.

good luck and be sure to post pics as you make progress. We are a nosy lot and we like a peep now and then.

Chris
Chris Edwards

Prop
Quick question, has all that reflective insulation made any difference, is it for heat use or sound deadening ?
Thanks
Rob Newt

I think the bulkhead panel (firewall) behind the dash differs on the N American spec models that use the different scissor type bonnet hinges. Not certain, but I think with those there isn't the intruding little box section that extends rearwards from the firewall behind the dash at either side. Probably makes access for wiring etc rather easier - or should I say marginally less difficult!
Guy

Jack, the mounting is just the four studs at the top edge and some braces that extend from the firewall out to the lower edge. When I build my dash the original braces wouldn't fit and I found that the dash was quite stiff enough along the bottom to really not need them so I left them off. I don't have any photos of the cowl or the dash pieces before installation. In my car the dash panel itself has a sheet metal lip across the top edge which supports the dash from the cowl and the studs run from the padded cap, through the dash panel into the cowl and are fastened there.
B Young

Thanks! Prop, your picture is exactly what I needed. And, I've already found out about removing seats for easier access. A pain in the beginning, but definitely worth it in the long run for working under the dash. Esp. for the less flexible among us!
Jack Orkin

Bill young is correct

I forgot I didnt re-fasten the bottom supports and has done just fine, makes it easier to play with the wiring as there a small amout of flexability in the dash

Sorry rob,

photos are not mine, just google stock photos.

That dynamate is some nice stuff, but you got to have some serious bucks for that stuff... I used a generic version from a local car stereo shop at a fraction of the cost with great success.... Id certianly recommend the daynamate and its generic cousins if you got a gutted out cockpit before the new interior goes in.

it makes for a quieter ride and does help with heat, but I think the dynamate does lot better with heat control
Prop

I think the aforementioned dash panel braces are designed not only to hold the panel out to where it's supposed to be, but also to give way while you're pushing the panel forward with your knees during a collision.

-:G:-
Gryf Ketcherside

Gryf...

Are you speaking from the postion of 1st hand experiance....LOL

Prop

This thread was discussed between 01/03/2011 and 02/03/2011

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