If I were you, I’d continue to use the Sedona Red because IMHO the other colors clash and look “wrong.”  What you COULD do to set off the instrument panel, however, is to wrap it in plastic chrome molding like this:

http://www.brandsport.com/trmg-0301-05.html

That is the exact stuff that I put on the entire perimeter of my dashboard.

You could…[Read more]

There is no doubt that edsnova suggests the “best” solution.  However, according to my local mechanic here in Las Vegas, it’s not totally necessary.  I have a FiberFab and do not have my engine compartment sealed like edsnova suggests.  I have not experienced temps over 210 (since I fixed an exhaust leak).  This, despite 100% stop and go dri…[Read more]

There is no doubt that edsnova suggests the “best” solution.  However, IMHO and that of my local mechanic, it’s not totally necessary.  I have a FiberFab and live in Las Vegas.  I do not have my engine compartment sealed like edsnova suggests, but thus far I have not experienced temps over 210 (since I fixed an exhaust leak).  This, despite 100…[Read more]

I just posted pictures of my car, which is a FiberFab (molded into the cowl under the hood).  Under the seat I also found the original receipt for a cashier’s check issued to FiberFab on August 3, 1983, in the amount of $4985.  In my case, there was a 16 year gap between the purchase price and the first titling of the car in 1999.  Hard to ima…[Read more]

FYI – I didn’t move the brake on my car, the original builder did that.  What I did do with the brake was remove the heater and defroster handles from the unit.  This narrowed down the assembly and took out those pointy little parts, and I also removed the tops of the adjustment screws, something I’ll probably regret later.  My changes, ho…[Read more]

Tombstones?  LOL, I never thought of that!  They were just intended to mimic the shape of the dashboard while acting as head restraints but now that you mention it … yeah, tombstones!  Maybe I should also get little skull decorations for the car, too!   😀

The “engine turned” part to the instrument panel is just an applique to an original TD…[Read more]

I second what the other guys said but based on my experience, I also recommend you make sure the top of the sending unit is level if you can possibly do so.

My gas gauge works but it’s about as dependable as a broken clock; it’s right twice a day.  It sometimes won’t show full for quite a while after a fillup; then it sometimes continues to s…[Read more]

I have an extra rear bumper in my garage.  This was part of the original kit but it’s imperfect enough that I didn’t reuse it on my car.   I originally was going to sell it but decided to keep it based on difficulty in packing and expense in mailing — then I started thinking that I might someday back into something and need it.  Sorry ’bout that.

“Which kit has the most correct body, and uses most td trim. lights, etc?”

It doesn’t matter.  All the kits look pretty much like the real thing.  Just get hold of the Moss Motors and MG Magic web sites and there are plenty of original parts you can either bolt on directly or adapt to fit.  With enough money to burn, you can make any TDR look eno…[Read more]

Toller, I drilled the holes for my instruments into 7/16″ walnut veneer plywood with my hand drill using hole saws I bought for that purpose at Home Depot.  These were 4-1/4″ diameter and 2-1/2″ diameter respectively (as I recall, I had to order the larger one from Home Depot online rather than in-store).  Essentially these are just regular sa…[Read more]

Toller, I drilled the holes for my instruments into 7/16″ walnut veneer plywood with my hand drill using hole saws I bought for that purpose at Home Depot.  These were 4-1/4″ diameter and 2-1/2″ diameter respectively (as I recall, I had to order the larger one from Home Depot online rather than in-store).  Essentially these are just regular sa…[Read more]

I made my dash out of walnut-veneer plywood from Home Depot, and sanded and stained it.  Two things I didn’t like.  The veneer chips easily, and the polyurethane varnish I used caught every dust particle in Las Vegas despite my best efforts.  I wish I could have found solid wood and used Cetol like Toller suggests, that would have been better bu…[Read more]

I made my dash out of walnut-veneer plywood from Home Depot, and sanded and stained it.  Two things I didn’t like.  The veneer made tiny chips along the edge while I was cutting it (but repairable), and the polyurethane varnish I used caught every dust particle in Las Vegas despite my best efforts.  I wish I could have found solid wood and used Ce…[Read more]

I made my dash out of walnut-veneer plywood from Home Depot, and sanded and stained it.  Two things I didn’t like.  The veneer made tiny chips along the edge while I was cutting it (but repairable), and the polyurethane varnish I used caught every dust particle in Las Vegas despite my best efforts.  I wish I could have found solid wood and used Ce…[Read more]

Sounds interesting!  Keep us posted!

Steve, I got a good chuckle out of your belief that we wouldn’t use a top here in Las Vegas.  To the contrary, rare would be the day that we would NOT use the top.  It’s not a matter of comfort (it’s in the 70s today) or rain (rain?  I don’t even have side curtains), it’s a matter of the strength of the sun here.  We still get plenty of sun…[Read more]

Awfully sorry to hear about your problems.  It IS heart-breaking.  It can be very hard to balance all the priorities in one’s life and sad when things get out of kilter.  I’m sure everyone on the forum wishes you the best for the future.

May I inquire further about your car?  Do I understand that you already sold it, or that you intend to?  If…[Read more]

Winter preparations?  Heck, gas up the tank and check the oil and the tires.  It’s DRIVING season here in Las Vegas!  Blue skies and 70s by mid-afternoon all winter long.