Knowledge Base

How to fit new dials to your '2. White dials for the Mk2 are included for you to download

Fitting white dials
by Paul

The dials can be downloaded below;
IMOC-Dials-110-300dpi.tif (411 k)
IMOC-Dials-160-300dpi.tif (468 k)
MOC-Dials-180-300dpi.tif (425 k)
Dials for the UK 3S-FE Coupe (314 k)

First a disclaimer - I'm not responsible for any accidents you have or damage you do to your car.... Be careful!

I printed them out on High quality Inkjet paper on a HP-2000 printer. The printer was set for normal paper - as for some reason you get the best result this way. Note I didn't use 'Photo' paper, just the normal coated stuff - copier stock won't work well.

The files are Tiff's, which means a Bitmap with scaling information, it should print out OK - note the Horizontal and vertical line, these should be exactly 100mm long! check it before going further.

I then got the page 'encapsulated' in a Matt Laminate by a company on Slough Trading Estate (Cost about '1.00).

You then have to cut them out.

the circles and Odo cut-outs I did with an old 'paper drill', these are the punches used in office style paper punches, and they go through the laminate easily - even when blunt. Ask you office people if they have any old ones (they are designed to be replaced once blunt, you can get new ones from most office suppliers)

A New sharp Stanley knife blade and steel ruler helps.

Do the following when the engine is cold (temp gauge points to the bottom)

Now, take a note of where the petrol gauge sits with the ignition on, you'll need it later.

Next you need to remove the speedo panel. This is actually quite easy. Remember to remove the plastic panel above the instrument panel, but below the top of the dash - with this out, you can remove the cluster without removing the wheel.

The clear front of the cluster comes off with plastic clips.

Next, you remove the instrument needles. You can warm them gently with a hair dryer if necessary.

Cover the original dial with tissue to protect it, then slide two tea-spoons under the needle. Prise upwards gently and evenly to prevent damaging the shaft.

You can now install the new dials - they are held on with a little double sided tape.

If you wish, you can remove the end-stops from the old dial with a knife and fit them to the new dials.

Next, take the panel out to the car, and re-attach the electronics. Turn on the ignition making sure the panel doesn't short against anything. This sets the shafts to their normal positions.

You remember where the petrol tank needle pointed' Good, re-fit the needle.

The engine is still cold, so re-fit the temp gauge needle.

Engine revs are zero, but actual zero is about 3mm below then end stop. so lightly place the needle pointing 3mm below, rotate above the end stop and press home. When you release it, the needle should swing down and hit the end-stop (if you fitted it that is)

Car speed is zero, but actual zero is about 3mm below then end stop. so lightly place the needle pointing 3mm below, rotate above the end stop and press home. When you release it, the needle should swing down and hit the end-stop (if you fitted it that is)

Now disconnect the cables, and re-assemble the panel. Then re-assemble the car!

Voila! Job Done.

It should take you 2-3 Hrs including taking the dash out of the car.

It would now be worth checking the calibration of your dial (accuracy of placing the needle!). You can do this by following a friend up the road, or using a stopwatch and a measured mile - I'll leave it up to your conscience.

Good Luck!

Paul

: Sun Jun 19, 2005 10:33 pm Images?

Hi there

I would love to fit white dials to my car - but cant find the file you listed as IMOC-Dials-160-300dpi.tif (468 k)

any chance of getting the full URL?

Cheers - Brian

: Tue Jun 21, 2005 7:58 am [ KB ] Fitting White Dials

[ Article updated...poyntesm ]

Category: Interior
Type: Text How-To

Article Name: Fitting White Dials
Author: poyntesm
Description: How to fit new dials to your '2. White dials for the Mk2 are included for you to download

>>Read Full Article

: Thu Jan 17, 2008 10:55 pm

I need the link for

IMOC-Dials-160-300dpi.tif (468 k)

If poss please would love white dials

: Thu Jan 17, 2008 11:19 pm