Dashboard Clocks

D87 SMW · 27th February 2004, 12:03

Today I recieved my new set of Montego clocks from eBay. On comparing them to the instruments already in R514 RVJ, I found a slight difference, and would like to know if this could pose a problem somewhere...

The new set has this (!) on the bottom left, whereas the current set has (!)(P) both in the same square.

Take a look for yourself...

(new set)

D87 SMW · 27th February 2004, 12:05

(current set)

Austin-Rover · 27th February 2004, 12:42

Its the light for the Handbrake. Why should it cause any problems??? - it means the same thing.

Just plug it in and go...

Oh, the speedo's are interchangeable too - you need not have bought an entire instrument binnacle - just the speedo and you could have kept your original handbrake warning light too.

Beaker · 27th February 2004, 12:45

Whats wrong with the current set?

D87 SMW · 27th February 2004, 13:06

Quote:

Originally posted by Skatiechik
Whats wrong with the current set?

Err - take another look at the current set....

Simon · 27th February 2004, 13:11

You could have got the pack with a rev counter and some additional backlighting, although you were lucky with your Ledbury because it had a mileage recorder that reads in miles. Some recorded Km's instead. It's a case of what they had lying about at the time to make up the cars.

Austin-Rover · 27th February 2004, 13:40

My Ledbury came with a speedo that showed speed in Mph, but recorded distance in Kmh.

Depending how much you paid, Steve, new speedo's can be had from the scrapyard for a couple of quid and slotted into the existing instruments.

A rev counter from a Montego would be a rather nice addition and they are easily added from what i hear...

Rich · 27th February 2004, 13:59

Steve,

If you take the front off you can change the bits inside around. I.E, take the front off, remove the 2 screws holding in the speedo, then the plastic sheet with the symbols on will come out, swap this with the other one, and you can keep the the with the two symbols on. The actual lamps will still be in the same configuration!

Also, if the back of the pack has cardboard fillers in the spaces where the extra bulbs go, then burst these through with a screwdriver, get the new bulbs and holders from a scrap one, noting the length of the holders in relation to there location, and put them in. This will give you more back lighting, but will only be effective if the dials are the semi-translucent type, which will let the light shine through.

You can then add a dimmer by fishing about in the choke wiring area, there should be a small black multiplug with a red/black and red/white wire in if i remember correctly. Remove the side of the plug with the loop of wire in and plug in the dimmer unit!!

HTH Rich

D87 SMW · 2nd March 2004, 15:28

How do I turn the mileage on the new set to 16743 before putting it in the car?

2nd March 2004, 15:38

Very carefully is the answer to that, it can be done by removing the odometer from its mounting then rotating the wheels till you get to the right mileage.
When re-fitting it you will notice slim plastic bits with locating notches on them between each of the numbered wheels that have to locate exactly as they were before you took it all apart.
Its difficult to explain how to do it but far easier to show someone.
Dont waste your time with a black & decker drill it takes forever to put a couple of miles on.
Do not try flicking the wheels around with a screwdriver or similar (apart from marking the surface it will break the small plastic gears inside the wheels)
Nige

Simon · 2nd March 2004, 15:53

I've clocked a speedo before (legitimately to replace the Ledbury one for a proper MPH readout) but I can't rtemember how to do it. All I did was to go to the scrapyard and have a practice. It is quite easy though.

Jonathan · 2nd March 2004, 19:26

When installing the digital instrument pack I just took the assembly apart and put it back together again showing the correct mileage because I didn't have the patience to spend hours winding the miles on. It's an extremely fiddly approach though and everything has to be aligned just correctly to look right and work properly.

talkingcars · 2nd March 2004, 20:53

Why not install them showing zero miles, as long as you make a note in the service book and a sticker or dynmo label stating that a new speedo was fitted at "x" miles and do not imply that the new reading is the correct reading you are not breaking the law.

IMHO

James

E_T_V · 2nd March 2004, 21:02

You are only breaking the law if you sell the car with a warrented milage (i.e. you say it is corect) If not then it can read your date of birth for all it matters

Infact a milometer isn't a legal requirement. Although if the milage ever goes backwards it'll show up a flag on any car checks that are done.