Missing knob on dashboard??

[Karl TVR]

Hi Guys,

Ive just got my hands on a 1978 MGB GT and there seems to be a knob missing on the dashboard.



Sorry for the crude circle. Can anyone tell me what its for and where i can find a replacement Knob please.

Many thanks

Karl

[wildoliver]

That aint a 78 dash. Or centre console.

I'm assuming it's a rubber bumper car?

That hole is for the washer pump from memory, but in your case looks a lot like the rheostat for the dash lights.

[alfa pint]

Seconded. That's a much earlier dash ~ 75. Think that's where the rheostat sits from memory, but it's different from my Bs.

[Karl TVR]

Yes it is a rubber bumber car and as far as im aware its on an S reg plate. Will check the log book.

[SB - Nigel]

I always recommend potential and new owners buy a owners Handbook as it gives so much information (and I find them more useful than Haynes)

If your car is a 1978 then you'll need - http://www9.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgo...

but

in your case you may need to borrow and photocopy the pages about the dash from the earlier owners Handbook because as others have pointed out that is an earlier dash than the r/b model of 1978, easy to tell by the earlier non-lit (mystery to use) heater knobs

if it's a '78 car you should also have a main light switch on the r/h/s of the steering column (Mini Metro style)

[Karl TVR]

SB - Nigel said:

if it's a '78 car you should also have a main light switch on the r/h/s of the steering column (Mini Metro style)

Thanks for the info Nigel i'll get hold of a copy. The main headlight button is also visable on that picture to the left of the steering wheel next to the air vents! Im guessing I have some frankensteins monster of an MGB!!

[SB - Nigel]

If I remember correctly there are two buttons for the lights on a '78 but I might be wrong

On the earlier cars I think the light button was on the dash

Yes it sound like you have "a special" so I'd also recommend you buy the earlier handbook too, they're only £8 each so a very good investment that will potentially save you loads - http://www9.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgo...

Also I'd recommend you join http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgb...

[SB - Nigel]

You may also find useful the parts book £15 http://www9.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgo...

NOTE: other parts lists are free on web but a paper book is useful for when you're working on the car and want to know the order the parts should go (n.b. there are possibley some errors)

I have spare copies of MGOC Parts Catalogue CDs that you put on your computer send me your address I'll post you one - they're free

Good thing about MGBs is that parts and upgrades are readily available

Just in case you've not already seen it I'll put below my usual bit for new owners

Use the car regularly - to get used to it and sort out any wrinkles

Do a full and proper 36,000 miles service only miss out items that you have 100% proof have already been done very recently, including;
g/box and back axle oils
brake and clutch fluids
coolant
dissy cap, rotor arm and leads (buy good quality ones)
http://www.distributordoctor.com/rotor_arms.html
fan belt

Check the age of your tyres if they are 5 years old or more replace ASAP regardless of tread depth

Every few weeks check your horn and wipers work (no problem if you use the car regularly)

Follow regular checks, servicing and maintenance as per owners Handbook

[Karl TVR]

Hi Nigel,

Ive sent you an Email.

Thanks for all the information so far its greatly appreciated from everyone.

Karl

[SB - Nigel]

Karl TVR said:

Hi Nigel,

Ive sent you an Email.

yeap I've replied

There's no more to say on this thread' question

but

Karl post up your individual questions or experiences as seperate threads to get as many different views and opinions as possible (photos are always most helpfull)

[Karl TVR]

SB - Nigel said:

,

There's no more to say on this thread' question

Sorry Nigel just one more thing, after people suggested its a rheostat ive looked on eBay and found what one actually looks like and my rheostat is located behind the steering wheel underneath and between the speedo and rev counter!! I'll post a picture of this tomorrow.

Edited by Karl TVR on Monday 4th October 23:38

[SB - Nigel]

wildoliver said:

That hole is for the washer pump from memory

with a "special" car like yours it's difficult to be sure about much from a photo

but, if my memory is correct, I go along with WO

the recess suggests it might be where the manual push windscreen washer pump was and it has possibly been converted to an electric version on your car, but that is a guess, a look behind the dash may be required

You could try pushing or turning it with the ignition and lights on to see what it does but that could be inconclusive if it or what it's connect to are fault

If it's an electric windscreen washer pump and working you should at least hear the motor whirling even if no water makes it to the screen (reservoir bottle empty / pipes or jets clogged up or disconnected / all gunked up with age)

Things should become clearer with the help of the owners Handbook(s)

Edited by SB - Nigel on Tuesday 5th October 12:58