Smith Gauges

Post by **h20_mako** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 3:06 am

Where will i be able to source for Smith gauges i.e. water temp and clock?

Or for a smith style gauge which is a reliable and affordable.

Please advice? Thanks

Post by **mike.perry** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 3:10 am

Try ESM. esm@morrisminorspares.co.uk

Post by **h20_mako** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 3:22 am

will do so. Thanks.

Any other recommendations?

Post by **Declan_Burns** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 6:44 am

Try Ebay, Scrapyards, Mini specialists etc
New gauges are quite expensive eg
http://www.holden.co.uk/displayProducts ... andCode=Z3

Post by **h20_mako** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 7:42 am

yeah they are really expensive. sadly no scrapyards in my country has minors hanging around.

Do you have other brands to recommend? chrome bezel and 2" diameter.

Cheers

Post by **Declan_Burns** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 7:49 am

There's loads on Ebay-that's probably your best bet.

Post by **HUMBLEPIE** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 8:35 am

I bought a temp gauge and ammeter gauge both Smiths from the same supplier on ebay both were reconditioned, I am very happy with them.

Post by **mike.perry** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 10:34 am

If you really want to spend some money look out for a Smiths ex MGB / MG Midget oil pressure / water temp twin gauge.
Generally speaking, the older gauges you get, the better as the earlier temp gauges were calibrated in Fahrenheit, then Centigrade, whilst the later gauges just have coloured blobs.
If you fit an electric sensor temp gauge you will probably have to run it through the voltage stabiliser on the back of the speedo.

Post by **jimbo1** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 10:52 pm

I've just made a new dash panel to fit in front of the drivers glove box.
searched over a 3 or 4 week period on ebay and picked up a whole set of dials one at a time - oil pressure, water temp, clock (bought new) volt meter and ammeter (although i've just decided to fit an alternator). searched constantly for smiths instruments classic range (2" with chrome bezel). I picked up mine at a good price i think. While i was at it i fitted switches above the dials for reverse light, rear fog light and front fog light and put a hazard light switch to the right of the speedo and a fag lighter socket to the left for the mobile phone. Covered the panel with black leather look vinyl and at the same time covered the passenger glove box door as well - looks rather snazzy though i say so myself
Well worth taking the time to plan the layout on thick card first to make sure it looks right.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 11:00 pm

You can still use your ammeter with an alternator ! Second most useful gauge - after Oil Pressure!

Post by **badobsession** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 11:35 pm

i was doing some work for a guy on friday and the talk went to what i do when not
working etc etc when i told him i had a morris minor he told me he had been a keen
motor mechanic in his time and had lots of gear in his garage
i get this from time to time and it is usually rubbish but this might be a nice wee find.

he will be open to any offers

if you are interested in any of the gauges PM me and i will put you in touch
they are all in good to excellent condition
he told me most are off BL cars ,stag,midget, etc etc .

he has lots of period switches and mounting brackets etc.
one is a wiper switch rotary type
steering wheel is off an imp but might fit others .....

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 11:58 pm

Speedo has tpm = 1472. Not much use on a Minor! Although I suppose not too far from 1508 - the 4.55 diff speedo.
Other gauges look to be in fine condition!

Post by **h20_mako** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 2:35 am

great help guys! appreciate it.

for a electric water temp gauge, will i be able to use any electric temp sender and just bolt it on? for it to work?

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 10:00 am

You told us before you HAD a gauge !

Post by **h20_mako** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 10:32 am

yup i do have a smith water temp gauge last time but after it is damage, my mechanic fixed a filthy modern taiwan made black dial temp gauge.

now i am looking for a smith gauge to complete the full British look

currently the taiwan gauge is bolted to a sender, if i were to get a electric smith gauge, will i be able to use the same wire and sender for temp read out?

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Aug 19, 2009 12:14 pm

Really can't say - would be better obviously to get matched pair - gauge and sensor (and volts stabiliser) - although FAR FAR better is a mchanical gauge - with ether filled bulb and tube!

Post by **h20_mako** » Thu Aug 20, 2009 5:53 am

filled bulb and tube?

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Aug 20, 2009 10:25 am

Yes - sensor bulb and tube to gauge are filled with ether. As the bulb heats up from the engine - the ether pressure rises, sends pressure wave through the tube to gauge and the needle moves! Simples. Main snag is - the little tube is very fragile.