Intstruments return

When I bought my Firefly it had been standing in a field with the body off since the early 1970's.  From a cursory examinantion I thought the dashboard instruments would have been scrap. needles rotted off cases corroded and mechanisms full of rusty water. However I sent the Speedo and Tacho to [b:332mmga7]Richfield Speedograph[/b:332mmga7] just to see what they thought. What I got in return was completely amazing..... I cannot thank them enough!  They are just like new, what a fabulous surprise as I had resigned myself to having to fit modern ones.  I have temporarily fitted a modern oil and water gauge to keep an eye on the engine...... amazingly although designed for an MGB the water sender screwed straight into the alvis rear water passage, good old British Threads!  The original water / petrol gauge is in pretty poor condition, but might clean up to sit as a dummy in the dash for looks only.  The ammeter works so I will clean it up a little.  Unfortunately the two turn switches and the key switch are frozen solid, new ones are available at huge cost! sorry it is a poor photo of them renewed it is a reflection on the glass! Posted by FLYJCW 13/10/2017 09:02:46

Looks good! However, there should probably not be a key fitted originally. The switch on the right is the ignition switch, and where the key is installed, it should be a push button for the starter. The switch on the left is for the dash panel lights. I found that the switches and button were available from various of the online vintage car suppliers for a very reasonable price. Try this for a starter button... <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.completeautomobilist.com/products/413-container-push-switch-3">https://www.completeautomobilist.com/pr ... h-switch-3</a><!-- m --> This for the ignition switch... <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.completeautomobilist.com/products/768c-turn-switch-31356">https://www.completeautomobilist.com/pr ... itch-31356</a><!-- m --> This for the ignition/charge warning light... <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.completeautomobilist.com/products/842-container-ignition-indicator-lamp">https://www.completeautomobilist.com/pr ... cator-lamp</a><!-- m --> This for the two pin power socket that goes in the 2 holes above the starter button. Posted by IanHardaker 15/10/2017 02:43:48

This is the power socket... I forgot the link!  <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://www.completeautomobilist.com/products/960-dashboard-socket-and-plugs-equal-pins">https://www.completeautomobilist.com/pr ... equal-pins</a><!-- m --> Posted by IanHardaker 15/10/2017 02:44:56

Hi Ian.... Thank you for that!  I was surprised too when I saw that some later Fireflys did not have ignition switches.... This is number 14 of the first Fireflys ever made.  However the hole is bigger than the turn switches and has lugs that fit in slots in the key switch so I don't know.... I was going to convert it back to push button but the hole is the wrong size for the ones I can find.  The other switch was connected to the panel lights!  I will try the suppliers you suggest and post pictures later when the panel is properly installed..... I still have to find the choke knob and linkage..... or set to and turn one from scratch! Posted by FLYJCW 16/10/2017 18:09:03