Changing Dash

[dean_ratpac]

I'm about to change the dash to the stainless steel version, well; attempt to!

I did read that it is possible to keep the Oil Pressure/Water Temp in situ (without removing capillary pipe)

Has anyone done this successfully and would they be able to enlighten me on the best way.

Cheers
Deano

[davidd]

When you do it can you please take lots of pictures as it is on my list at some point!

D

[SimonKD]

dean_ratpac said:

I'm about to change the dash to the stainless steel version, well; attempt to!

I did read that it is possible to keep the Oil Pressure/Water Temp in situ (without removing capillary pipe)

Has anyone done this successfully and would they be able to enlighten me on the best way.

Cheers
Deano

You can only keep the water temperature capillary in situ if you slot the dash itself (horrible if you ask me) unless you already have the slotted type. You cannot disconnect the capillary from the back of the water temperature gauge as it's a sealed unit. The sensor end can be a swine to remove from the water pipe and often ends in breakage anyway. Penetrating fluid with loads of soaking time seems to be the solution. Don't use a blowlamp as you'll wreck the capillary system/gauge.

Regards
Simon

[WIL35]

I found the best way to get the capillary sensor out of the coolant pipe (without breaking it) was to disconnect the large hose at the end of the coolant pipe and push it out from the inside with a bit of wood.

[dean_ratpac]

So it looks like the only way is taking sensor and feeding it back through. I've recently had the stainless steel pipes put in, so it shouldn't be too much of a pain getting the sensor out. Does anyone know the thread size etc., as I'll like to plug it up while I try to remove the capillary tube and not have the coolant pi$$ing out everywhere.

cheers

[JensenA]

I fitted mine without removing the Temp/Oil guage. Just use a very fine hacksaw and cut a slot to the top of the guage. I know some may say it's a bodge way of doing it, but in all honesty it makes fitting it a 30 min doddle of a job, and you can only see the cut if you bend your head right down. Your choice

[dean_ratpac]

JensenA said:

I fitted mine without removing the Temp/Oil guage. Just use a very fine hacksaw and cut a slot to the top of the guage. I know some may say it's a bodge way of doing it, but in all honesty it makes fitting it a 30 min doddle of a job, and you can only see the cut if you bend your head right down. Your choice

so effectively cutting the bevelled silver edge so it slips through?

Edited by dean_ratpac on Wednesday 6th January 19:06

[JensenA]

dean_ratpac said:

JensenA said:

I fitted mine without removing the Temp/Oil guage. Just use a very fine hacksaw and cut a slot to the top of the guage. I know some may say it's a bodge way of doing it, but in all honesty it makes fitting it a 30 min doddle of a job, and you can only see the cut if you bend your head right down. Your choice

so effectively cutting the bevelled silver edge so it slips through?

Edited by dean_ratpac on Wednesday 6th January 19:06

Bevelled edge??
Just use a fine hacksaw and cut a slot from the top of the dash to the top of the hole for the guage. The oil and water pipe to the guage just slot through.

Practice on your existing one - your going to have to cut that anyway, you'll see what i mean then.