Pre 94 Dashboard (black rimmed dials)

[Simon-n7710]

I’m looking to replace my dash, early type with the black dials with a steel engine turned one.

Struggling to find a supplier of one of these, apparently the dials are a specific diameter for these early models?

Can anyone confirm this…and who sells replacement dashes for an early model?

Thanks everyone!

[TarquinMX5]

According to the 'bible', the earlier dials are of a different diameter to the later ones, but no idea exactly what!

[Simon-n7710]

TarquinMX5 said:

According to the 'bible', the earlier dials are of a different diameter to the later ones, but no idea exactly what!

I’m tempted to swap the dials too now. The early ones look really cheap and let the car down!

[andrewbr]

The black-rimmed dials are larger. I chatted with James at TVR MADS who will re-veneer your dashboard but you have to send it in, there are no replacements available for our early cars. Other companies who do that work have been mentioned here but I can't remember their names off the top of my head. Unsure about swapping gauges, but I'd be interested in any information you come up with on that out of curiosity.

Edit: sorry just saw you want to replace the wooden dash with a stainless one, I'm sure you can get that upsized to the earlier gauge size by any of the suppliers or even a local machine shop since it's all metal.

[Simon-n7710]

andrewbr said:

The black-rimmed dials are larger. I chatted with James at TVR MADS who will re-veneer your dashboard but you have to send it in, there are no replacements available for our early cars. Other companies who do that work have been mentioned here but I can't remember their names off the top of my head. Unsure about swapping gauges, but I'd be interested in any information you come up with on that out of curiosity.

Edit: sorry just saw you want to replace the wooden dash with a stainless one, I'm sure you can get that upsized to the earlier gauge size by any of the suppliers or even a local machine shop since it's all metal.

I chatted to James too, he knows his dashboards! He mentioned the profile might be different too.

I’m tempted to just go for it and alter the apertures. My only worry is damaging it when increasing the diameter! I am tempted to swap to Caerbont dials, cost aside it would simplify things - assuming the wiring etc is the same..!

I’m surprised how few “black dial” Chimaeras are around?