Hi everyone,
I’m in the final stages of finishing the interior of my Minor, and I’m starting to get stuck on the details of the dashboard. While looking at photos of high-end watches recently, I was struck by the precision of the finishes and the design of the vintage dials. It made me want to pay special attention to the aesthetic appeal of my own gauges. Have any of you taken your restoration project a step further by installing a vintage dashboard clock that’s both highly accurate and aesthetically pleasing (a bit in the spirit of Swiss mechanical watches)? Or perhaps you have some tips for restoring the patina of Smiths dials so they regain that precision instrument look?
Details of the dashboard and vintage watch?
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- geoberni
- Minor Maniac
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Re: Details of the dashboard and vintage watch?
Hello Lucindda,Lucindda wrote: ↑Fri Apr 10, 2026 11:21 am Hi everyone,
I’m in the final stages of finishing the interior of my Minor, and I’m starting to get stuck on the details of the dashboard. While looking at photos of high-end watches recently, I was struck by the precision of the finishes and the design of the vintage dials. It made me want to pay special attention to the aesthetic appeal of my own gauges. Have any of you taken your restoration project a step further by installing a vintage dashboard clock that’s both highly accurate and aesthetically pleasing (a bit in the spirit of Swiss mechanical watches)? Or perhaps you have some tips for restoring the patina of Smiths dials so they regain that precision instrument look?
What an interesting and curious first post.
Can you explain which model of Minor you have so that we may better appreciate your situation?
Are you referring to standard instruments or aftermarket additions?
There would seem to be some contradiction in your use of 'patina', as often applied to classic vehicles, and a 'precision instrument' look.
Basil the 1955 series II


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myoldjalopy
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Re: Details of the dashboard and vintage watch?
Looks like AI-speak to me......
- svenedin
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Re: Details of the dashboard and vintage watch?
I did wonder.......
Stephen
1969 1098cc Convertible “Xavier” which I have owned since 1989.
Stephen
Stephen
- geoberni
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Re: Details of the dashboard and vintage watch?
Spoilsport....
Was I too subtle.
Basil the 1955 series II


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myoldjalopy
- Minor Legend
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Re: Details of the dashboard and vintage watch?
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mike1864
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Re: Details of the dashboard and vintage watch?
On the other hand, "Lucinda" didn't open with "I hope this finds you well". Maybe a dashboard photo from her would help dispel suspicions.
- Bill_qaz
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Re: Details of the dashboard and vintage watch?
The spelling raise suspicion, not as you have spelt it, the common way
Regards Bill