Precat 'Black' Acrylic Lower Switch Panels

[PeteGriff]

Hi guys, I have had a couple of messages asking if I can do the original type lower panels? I created a walnut veneered and aluminium version to go with my re-engineered dashboard design, but did not know whether there was interest in the original acrylic lower panels! My original was ruined by the previous owner so I replaced it with a walnut veneered type when restoring my Griff about five years ago, it was at that time I designed, developed and built the re-engineered laminated dash design.

So, I have been looking at the original Precat panel and have in mind a really good quality and classy design that will supersede the old TVR unit which is awful quality! I intend to do away with the mounting screws randomly placed around the switch rims, and also design the rear to accept LED illumination bulbs in the correct places to illuminate window graphics and heater up/down arrows, plus the two small dots on the top panel near heater switches. My intention as always is to make them look original but better!

To help with the design process can anyone here with a Precat and original panel advise whether the window and other graphics come on with ignition always, or come on when side lights on? Also, are the lamps white of coloured, if so what colour where?

I've had some interest on the TVR Griffith forum on Facebook, would there be any interest here?

Costs as yet unknown, but would not be cheapI I am afraid. Regards, Pete

[BIG DUNC]

I “think” they are always on, but so dim that you can only see them at night.

I am out at present, but will check the car and reply more fully this eve.

[davep]

Hi Pete, the pre-cat fibre optics unit gets its 12Vdc feed from Ignition Feeds relay 9, via Fuse 15, so switched On at ignition:



For colours see:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Edited by davep on Sunday 23 February 13:31

[BIG DUNC]

To confirm, on my car the lights come on with the ignition, not the lights.

The dots in the switches are white.

The window symbols and the up / down arrows are green.

Red dot for hotter and green dot for colder.

[PeteGriff]

Many thanks DaveP and BigDunc, much appreciate your time. What I think I will do based upon the 'Fibre Optic' post that Dave linked me to, is develop a separate LED lit system whereby I will create the back panel to accept LED's. Therefore supplying the lower panels with fitted LED's that can just be connected to a 12V source powered from the ignition! Would therefore eliminate Fibre Optic issues. Regards, Pete

[BIG DUNC]

Keep us informed of progress Peter, and let me know if you want any more pre-cat info.

My panel is in good condition so no reason to change it, especially as I am trying to keep the car as original as possible.

However, if you came up with something that looked original, but had decent illumination I would be very tempted.

[PeteGriff]

Hi Big Dunc, when restoring my Griff the intention was to keep things visually looking original but improved and better quality, hence my re-engineered laminated dashboards. So, yes if I come up with a feasible design for the original Precat lower panel it will look original! Regards, Pete