binnacle swap advice needed

[utopia]

I have got a replacement binnacle for my oval dash 944 because my rev counter died a while ago, does anybody know if I need to remove the steering wheel to do the swap?
Also are there any implications with the differnce in mileage, the replacement has 50,000 less miles on it, I guess just to keep hold of the original would be sensible?

 

[bmnelsc]

I would keep the old one for "documentation" purposes but you still need to record the mileage you are starting at with the replacement so that prospective buyers don't add the two together [] (I'm assuming you are not going to reset the replacement to zero)

Once you have the old one out perhaps you can photograph the two together so the odometer readings are captured.

 

[T3rra]

Dash clocks? Complete cluster?

Yes u need 2 remove the steering wheel, u can just replace the rev counter, or swap over the speedo and keep ur correct mileage.

Removing the steering wheel, a little tip, park the wheels on something so ur front end is higher then rear, this will make it easyer 2 get the nut back on

 

[utopia]

Thanks for the tips guys, I will have a search on the site for a "how to remove the steering wheel" thread.

 

[robwright]

It's a doddle. Pull the lozenge off from the middle. It will be hard so be careful not to break your nose when it comes. Then simply undo the 24mm nut. Job done. Make sure your wheels are dead straight first. You can find all these things and more at Clarke's Garage. www.clarks-garage.com

 

[utopia]

thanks Rob, the clarks site is a great source of information.

 

[Mike_Pollock]

It isnt difficult to adjust the mileage on the replacement up to your existing one, lever the ratchet up on each roller and move it round to the required point, move on to the next digit!

I would say I adjusted mine UP to 272K when I swapped mine.

 

[utopia]

Well, replacement binnacle fitted and steering wheel back on and aligned, after 3 attempts.

All is good with the rev counter and other gauges except the fuel gauge [], one second it's reading the next is isn't.

I have cleaned the ribbon strip and checked it is connected tight but no joy, I guess the replacement could have a fault, any ideas guys?

 

[T3rra]

Swap over the fuel gauge with ur other, that will rule off the gague, did u swap the speedo? Or adjuset the mileage?

 

[utopia]

I must admit I bottled it and just swapped the whole unit over, I wasn't sure about dismantleing the unit and risk either breaking it or not being able to put it back together.

 

[T3rra]

It's really quite easy, good chance 2 check the bulbs. How's the 3 light prism under the cluster? I replaced my cluster due 2 the glass craking. The dash lights were very dim on the other cluster. Ended up wiring in a small strip off blue LEDs facing the clocks, discrtitly mounted inside the cluster

I would swap over the mileage, otherwise it will make the car seem doggy or the seller untrustfull should u sell on

 

[utopia]

ORIGINAL: T3rra

It's really quite easy, good chance 2 check the bulbs. How's the 3 light prism under the cluster? I replaced my cluster due 2 the glass craking. The dash lights were very dim on the other cluster. Ended up wiring in a small strip off blue LEDs facing the clocks, discrtitly mounted inside the cluster

I would swap over the mileage, otherwise it will make the car seem doggy or the seller untrustfull should u sell on

Yeah, I know what you mean about the mileage, if it's not a lot of trouble could you give me a few pointers on how to take the binnacle apart
Your help is much appreciated.

 

[T3rra]

Yeah sure, do u have u old cluster still.

6mm /7mm and 8mm sockets

On the back where the blue circuit board is, theres some nuts around the outside, think there 8mm remove all them, and the 3 main bulbs at the bottom. There maybe a few other bolts, once removed the glass should part from the back, now u can remove the clocks u wish 2 remove,

That's just a case off 2 bolts and a few bulbs,


Pretty simple and will all make sense as you start 2 do it

 

[utopia]

ORIGINAL: T3rra

Yeah sure, do u have u old cluster still.

6mm /7mm and 8mm sockets

On the back where the blue circuit board is, theres some nuts around the outside, think there 8mm remove all them, and the 3 main bulbs at the bottom. There maybe a few other bolts, once removed the glass should part from the back, now u can remove the clocks u wish 2 remove,

That's just a case off 2 bolts and a few bulbs,


Pretty simple and will all make sense as you start 2 do it

thanks a lot for the info, yes, i do have the old binnacle so i will go ahead and take it apart and let you know how i get on.

hopefully will be able to make a good one out of the two

thanks again

 

[utopia]

I managed to take apart the 2 binnacles at the weekend, I put the rev counter into my original one and changed several bulbs, I also used the front clear panel with the silver reflctors at the bottom from the second one as it was in much better condition than my original.

I now have fully functional gauges with the original speedo, and as a bonus I can see them at night as well.

Thanks for all the tips.

 

[T3rra]

Great. Glad 2 been off help.

As Iv had no replies 2 my sunroof query. U wouldn't mind raising you sunroof and checking the area around the lifting arms for play. Iv noticed mine leaking and Iv notice slight play. Just wondering if this is the norm or not.

Thanks

 

[utopia]

ORIGINAL: T3rra

Great. Glad 2 been off help.

As Iv had no replies 2 my sunroof query. U wouldn't mind raising you sunroof and checking the area around the lifting arms for play. Iv noticed mine leaking and Iv notice slight play. Just wondering if this is the norm or not.

Thanks

Of course I will, I will open it up on Saturday morning when I am at home and let you know.