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Custom Dashboard Project  Rating:  Rating
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 Posted: 03-19-2013 04:25 am
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Robert Janca
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 I have been lurking on this site for some time as I tinker with a 1972 Jensen Healey I brought home about six months ago. I purchased it to drive while completing my MGB V8 project.
JH purists may want to avert their eyes from the following. I really disliked the cracked up dashboard on my 1972. It already has a Ford V6 in it that purrs like a kitten so take it or leave it. I also appreciate the Lotus engine. This car just happened to have the V6 in it already.
Anyway, the dashboard was a cracked up mess, so I pulled it out and fabricated what you see below. It is not complete quite yet, but I will post more pictures when the gauges go in.
I am replacing all of the stock gauges with a set of two multi-gauges that are somewhat similar to the ones pictured here:
http://www.speedhut.com/customizer.i?clid=638648

The primary benefit of doing this is that the speedometer on these gauges is a hot start GPS unit, so I will not havee to calibrate it to work with the transmission that is now in the car. Plus these look amazing.
Here are some pictures of the partially welded dash which is awaiting gauges, switches and leather trim;

Attachment: jh dashsmall a.JPG (Downloaded 276 times)

Last edited on 03-19-2013 04:32 am by Robert Janca
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 Posted: 03-19-2013 04:34 am
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Robert Janca
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 Here is another photo of the dash uninstalled

Attachment: jh dashsmall b.JPG (Downloaded 277 times)
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 Posted: 03-19-2013 04:35 am
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Robert Janca
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 In the car

Attachment: jh dash in car1.JPG (Downloaded 281 times)
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 Posted: 03-19-2013 04:36 am
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Robert Janca
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 ...and one more shot of the dash in the car

Attachment: jh dashin car2.JPG (Downloaded 277 times)
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 Posted: 03-20-2013 04:16 am
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Art DeKneef
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 Another enterprising JH dash creator. I like the gauges you linked to.

Looking forward to what you finish with.

I'm also building an updated/upgraded Jensen GT dash for use in the JH. I waiting for the new upholsterer to get back to me with prices. The last guy didn't do a very good job and didn't give me a confident feeling. I kind of went crazy and built molds for a new dash, center console and covers for the rear wheels that will hold speakers.
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 Posted: 03-20-2013 04:16 pm
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Robert Janca
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 I look forward to seeing how your project turns out Art. I'll post pictures when I have everything installed.
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 Posted: 03-26-2013 06:11 am
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Robert Janca
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 I am further along than this, but I thought I'd post these today. More to follow soon. I have the Speedhut gauges now and I must say they are works of art.

Attachment: jh dashin.JPG (Downloaded 205 times)

Last edited on 03-26-2013 09:36 pm by Robert Janca
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 Posted: 03-26-2013 06:17 am
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Robert Janca
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 Pictures of the dash installed with the gauges and switches will post next week. Cheers.

Attachment: jh dashoutb.JPG (Downloaded 203 times)

Last edited on 03-26-2013 09:39 pm by Robert Janca
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 Posted: 03-28-2013 03:29 am
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Robert Janca
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 Painted. Not to everyone's tastes OK. Certainly to mine though.

Attachment: JH DASH A.JPG (Downloaded 198 times)
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 Posted: 03-28-2013 03:31 am
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Robert Janca
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 Too bad we can only post tiny pictures, the details are worthwhile. I do understand that bandwidth costs though. Thanks moderator for what you make happen.

Attachment: aaa.JPG (Downloaded 198 times)
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 Posted: 04-02-2013 08:52 pm
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subwoofer
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 There is a way around the upload size problem... Upload the pictures to (say) Photobucket and link to them with IMG tags, This is what I do.

--
Joachim
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 Posted: 04-06-2013 04:50 am
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Robert Janca
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Here is a PhotoBucket post (thanks Subwoofer!) of the dashboard in situ. I am going to fabricate a center console next. A lot of message boards applaud custom fabrication.... Porsche's, MGB's and many other fine automobiles. There seem to be a lot of "purists" in JH territory. The reason why escapes me as these are certainly MUCH better cars once some of the Lucas Demons (and Lotus demons) have been exorcised. Just my two cents worth...
This car went for a spin on the freeway today for the first time in 20 years by the way.

http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/Robert_Janca/library/Jensen%20Healey%20Dashboard%20Project

Last edited on 04-06-2013 04:55 am by Robert Janca
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 Posted: 04-06-2013 02:59 pm
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Jensen Healey
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 Hi Robert, nice work getting the car back on the road!

The Lucas gremlins are mostly related to the brass bullet connectors that need to be cleaned every 5 to 10 years depending on climate. A couple of relays for the headlights to keep the switches from frying and you have a fine electrical system.

Have fun with your car! Where are you located?

Kurt
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 Posted: 04-06-2013 04:53 pm
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Robert Janca
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 Hi Kurt;

Thanks for the tip about the bullet connectors. I am still cleaning up under the dash, so I will be sure to check all of those that remain today.

I live in El Cerrito. We are practically neighbors. Is there any talk of a Jensen Healey meet-up in California any time soon? A fellow Jensen Healey owner in Scott's Valley suggested that there might be.
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 Posted: 04-06-2013 07:50 pm
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Jensen Healey
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 http://www.jensenwest.com/
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 Posted: 04-07-2013 07:41 pm
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subwoofer
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 Here is how you link the photos to show in the post (hit "Quote" to see the markup:

While viewing the picture you want to post at the PhotoBucket web site, click in the "IMG code" box on the right and paste into the post like so:
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 Posted: 04-07-2013 08:11 pm
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Robert Janca
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 Nice. Thanks again. I'll keep this in mind and post more pictures once I fabricate the center console.
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