Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: Instrument Panel Swapover

  1. 12th March 2011, 02:20 PM #1
    Chivalry
    Chivalry is offline Master
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Western Australia
    Posts
    260
    Total Downloaded
    0

    Instrument Panel Swapover

    Hey all,

    We recently purchased a 1988 RRC (Built November `88) that has a non-functioning speedometer, we also bought a 1993 RRC (Built Feb `93) for parts. The `93 has circular gauges and seems to have an electronic speedo. The `88 has the older style speedo/tach with KM/H and RPM bars over the middle of the gauge and a cable/analogue speedo. Will swapping the instrument panel from the `93 into the `88 be difficult? Will we have to trace the loom back under the dash to find a plug/motor and inspect the transmission for a speedometer sensor or cable? How much work could be involved in swapping the new instrument panel into the older car?

    Will take reference photos if required. It would be nice to have the clean, new style instrument panel but if there is too much work involved, would the cheaper route be to trace the problem on the older speedometer and replace/repair the cable? Time is rather tight as the `88 car is due for a pit inspection and registration in roughly 3 weeks time. The `93 has been sitting on at least 2 properties for some time but is in remarkably good condition, it has no registration sticker but has WA plates. The `88 is a very solid RRC with only 3 rust spots (door frames not included) and is currently registered in QLD, hence the required pit inspection to pass WA registration.

    Thanks for any help, it will be greatly appreciated
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  2. 12th March 2011, 06:44 PM #2
    Pierre
    Pierre is offline Wizard Silver Subscriber
    Join Date
    Jan 1970
    Location
    Blairgowrie, Vic
    Posts
    1,106
    Total Downloaded
    0
    Photos would help to see what speedo is actually in place in the 93 car. Sounds like a soft dash set, like in Disco and that would be an a pain swap.

    Off the top without the photos, fix the existing. Pull the binnacle out, and change the speedo head for a close km one from, say, TRS in Adelaide. Before I replaced it, however, I'd check the speedo cable for a break, and the 90 degree drive head for damage/failure.

    HTH and look forward to the next instalment.

    Pete
    Last edited by Pierre; 12th March 2011 at 06:44 PM. Reason: ./s
    Dizzie, 08 D3 TDV6 SE
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  3. 12th March 2011, 09:31 PM #3
    Chivalry
    Chivalry is offline Master
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Western Australia
    Posts
    260
    Total Downloaded
    0
    Thanks Pete, will get a shot of the cluster tomorrow, hopefully in some good lighting. We were told by a Rover guy in Perth that the speedo cable on the older models is a 2 piece cable with a motor in the middle that is under the dash - do you know if this is correct?
    The white plastic screw that is in the back of the speedo on the cluster is loose, when you try to screw it in you can get a small jump or two out of the speedo needle before the screw unwinds itself back out and the speedo drops again. I presume it's some sort of tensioner?

    Cheers.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  4. 12th March 2011, 09:38 PM #4
    CraigE's Avatar
    CraigE
    CraigE is offline Moderator Gold Subscriber
    Join Date
    Jan 1970
    Location
    South Yundreup,WA.
    Posts
    7,468
    Total Downloaded
    0
    From what I remember th classic will have a cable driven speedo that scres in the back of the binnacle and the later model an electronic speedo. You will need to find out if there is a way of tapping in the electonic variant.
    2011 Discovery 4 TDV6
    2009 DRZ400E Suzuki
    1956 & 1961 P4 Rover (project)
    1976 SS Torana (project - all cash donations or parts accepted)
    2003 WK Holden Statesman
    Departed
    2000 Defender Extreme: Shrek (but only to son)
    84 RR (Gone) 97 Tdi Disco (Gone)
    98 Ducati 900SS Gone & Missed

    Facta Non Verba
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  5. 13th March 2011, 08:54 AM #5
    Pierre
    Pierre is offline Wizard Silver Subscriber
    Join Date
    Jan 1970
    Location
    Blairgowrie, Vic
    Posts
    1,106
    Total Downloaded
    0
    The mechanical speedo is driven by a single piece cable attached at the speedo head through a right angle drive. This right angle drive has probably failed. Check the patency of the speedo cable by attempting to turn it from the speedo end and if you drive the car with the binnacle off you'll be able to see the cable turning smoothly.

    The right angle adaptor can be removed and checked easily, and if it's faulty, replace it.

    Two piece cables were used with mechanical speedos with cruise control, but I think yours (88) will not have cruise as standard.

    Access to the rear of the speedo and instruments is achieved by removal of the binnacle cover - pops off.

    Getting at the binnacle fixings involves the removal of the underdash trim.

    My best guess is the opening paragraph as the solution.

    Good luck.

    Pete
    Dizzie, 08 D3 TDV6 SE
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  6. 13th March 2011, 06:20 PM #6
    Chivalry
    Chivalry is offline Master
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Western Australia
    Posts
    260
    Total Downloaded
    0
    Problem solved. The pressured plate that holds the worm gear screw into the back of the speedometer had simply fallen off. Thankfully the cable works fine, as does the gear in the speedometer itself. Now all there is to do for rego is the usual door frame and upper tailgate rust and 3 spots in the floor, easy enough right?

    Cheers for the advice Pete.

    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
« 3.5 crank vs 3.9 crank | maxidrive rear locker not disengaging »

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

Forum Rules

Search AULRO.com ONLY!
 Search All the Web!