The MGA dashboard (or facia) is one of the most variant-differentiated parts of the car, the instrument layout was common across all models, but the panel material, finish and surrounding trim changed significantly between the 1500, Twin Cam, 1600 and 1600 Mk II, and between roadster and coupé body styles. Correct specification of replacement dashboards and their associated fixings depends on identifying which variant and body style the car is. This category covers complete dashboard panels, support brackets, blanking plates, bezels, trim pieces and the small fixings used throughout.
Facia Panel Material and Finish, Roadsters
The 1500 and 1600 roadsters were supplied with a painted facia panel, normally matched to the exterior body colour, except on black cars where the panel was painted to match the interior trim colour. The Twin Cam and 1600 Mk II roadsters took a different approach: both had the facia panel covered in Vynide leathercloth matching the interior trim colour, with a stainless steel finishing strip along the lower edge of the panel. The 1600 Mk II roadster is further distinguished by having the scuttle top above the facia covered in Novon plastic material in either red or black, a feature unique to this final roadster variant.
Facia Panel Material and Finish, Coupés
All coupés were fitted with a Vynide leathercloth-covered facia from the start of production, with a stainless steel finisher along the lower edge on all variants. On 1500 and early Twin Cam coupés, the facia panel and the scuttle top above it could be in two different colours of leathercloth, one matching the seat colour, one matching either the facia or scuttle top. From the 1600 onwards, the coupé facia, scuttle top and facia trim roll were all the same colour, matching the seat colour. On the 1600 Mk II coupé, the scuttle top leathercloth was replaced by Novon in red or black, the coupé equivalent of the Mk II roadster change.
Facia Piping Details
Two separate piping details finish the facia panel: the main facia piping runs along the top edge of the panel below the trim roll, and the facia trim roll piping runs behind the trim roll where it meets the scuttle. The facia piping uses a fatter section than the trim roll piping. These details are easy to overlook during a restoration but are important to the finished appearance of the dashboard area.
Dashboard Supports and Structural Fixings
The dashboard is supported by left- and right-hand brackets that fix the panel to the bulkhead and the scuttle. Reproduction support brackets are supplied in left-hand and right-hand fitment and are most easily renewed with the dashboard out of the car. Associated screws (No. 10 32TPI UNF in plain and recessed pan-head patterns), plain and locking washers in No. 10 size, and plain nuts in UNF complete the fixing set.
Blanking Plates, Bezels and Radio Apertures
Cars not originally fitted with a radio carried a blanking panel in the radio aperture, held in a chrome-plated bezel and carrying a chrome MG badge, painted or covered in leathercloth to match the rest of the facia where no radio was fitted. Reproduction radio aperture bezels, blanking plates, speaker bezels and blanking kits (with aluminium dome-head pop rivets for neat, invisible fixing) allow original-style aperture finishing to be restored. The radio loudspeaker grille was bright anodised aluminium, fitted from the back of the facia.
Lower Dashboard Rim Savers and Trim
Rim savers at the lower edges of the coupé dashboard (left- and right-hand fitment) protect the paintwork and trim at points where the driver's legs or passenger's knees contact the dashboard when entering the car. Dashboard bottom trim pieces (left- and right-hand fitment) finish the lower edge of the panel and are supplied separately where only these sections have suffered wear. The horn button bracket, spire clips and other small retaining fittings are available individually.
Ordering Considerations
Four points should be confirmed before ordering. First, the variant, 1500, Twin Cam, 1600 or 1600 Mk II, since material and finish differ substantially. Second, the body style, roadster or coupé, which determines whether the panel pressing has round-the-corner end pieces (coupé) or not (roadster). Third, for painted 1500/1600 roadster panels, the correct body or trim colour to match.
Fourth, for leathercloth-covered Twin Cam, Mk II and coupé panels, the Vynide colour matching the seat and interior trim. Confirming these points before ordering prevents mismatched dashboards being fitted to a restored interior.