I am about to undertake building a brand new dash for my 1950 Mark V. Since I am using the drive-train from an XJ6, the original gauges will not work without major modification, so I will opt to use the XJ6 gauges instead. Here is the current status of the dash (ugly, but wait until you see the new one!!!!!);



The cool thing is that the original gauges are quite valuable... so sale of them to a XK120/40/60 should provide me with some needed restoration $$!

Anyway, I'll be posting more pics as the work moves along!

 

Here's another shot of a close up of the gauges;

 

36873 miles showing. Does any known history suggest this could be total or second time around?

Graham

 

Unfortunately, there is no history with the car. My guess it is the second time around, if not the third. It is a Black Plate California car, so there is very little rust. But it is quite "worn"!

 

Since we are upgrading this Mark V to use all modern running gear, drive train and airconditioning, we will be unable to use a 6 Volt System. This means I will be using the 87 XJ6 "Donor" car for gauges and other electronics. With this in mind, it created a bit of a problem in that the Mk V used a "dual" gauge for oil pressure and water temp, and the XJ6 has a separate gauge for each. I think I have come up with a good looking way to not only incorporate the more modern gauges, but also A/C vents. It will be done in either Figured Sapele wood, or Burled Walnut (although in the back of my mind I am kicking around Cocobolo. I'd love to hear you feedback and or comments on this! I think so far it still retains the era "vibe", yet gives the comforts of a modern ride. Here is a PhotoShopped plan for the new dash;

 

BTW, if you want to compare the actual dash to this one, please look at the first post in this thread.

 

One other thing some might find interesting... I have never seen a radio integrated into the dash of a Mark V which didn't look awkward. Somehow, they always look like a big red zit on the Mono Lisa's face! So, the small drawer in the dash will have an iPad which will "pull out". The iPod will have Satellite Radio, MP3 player, GPS, and will stow away nicely simply by pushing in the drawer!

 

A minor masterpiece at the very least! One thing though, I would segregate the minor gauges such that those with top-half displays are in one row and those with bottom-half are in the other. It works either way so long as you are consistent. The effect otherwise would be jarring, particularly at night when they are lit. Then, I'd eschew the newer ones with the international symbols and use slightly older ones with printed legends such as "Water" "Oil" etc. Much more in keeping with the age of the car.

About wood... Cocobolo is new to me... looks a bit jazzy but that might work with the restomod angle. Obviously Burled Walnut is the traditional choice but FWIW my special-edition XK8 has Carpathian Burl Elm which is quite extraordinary. Another option anyway. Was also used on Corniches back in the day IIRC.



Your 'works-in-a-drawer' solution is excellent btw!