Classic Mini Dashboards

This installation guide is a recommended guideline only and it is designed as a guide for fitting Optimise Automotive products.
 

Preparation

Your parcel should contain:
1 x dashboard
2 x air-vent extensions (if applicable)
2 x modern air-vents (if applicable)

Our full range of dashboards are supplied with the appropriate fixing kit already attached to the dashboard.

Tools needed (recommended):
Ph2 cross-head screwdriver (or Ph2 cross-head drill bit and drill)
You may also need a socket set to remove your standard clock binnacle
 

Removing the clock binnacle from the Classic Mini

Before you can fit your new dashboard you will need to remove the original clock binnacle from your Classic Mini and then remove the clocks from the binnacle, ready to fit the clocks to the new dashboard, before you fit the dashboard into your Classic Mini.

The offset binnacle (both offset 2 clock and 3 clock binnacle set-ups) are secured into place using nuts and bolts. To remove the binnacle locate the nuts on the metal binnacle bracket (which is attached to the plastic binnacle) and the bolts on the bulkhead (in the engine bay). Once the nuts and bolts are removed the binnacle will slide out and you can detach the wires.

With the binnacle removed from your Classic Mini you can remove the clocks from the binnacles. The clocks will be held into place by screws.

Recommendation We recommend that you label all the wires (or take a photograph) so, when you re-install the dashboard, you know where they should be connected to.
 

Fitting the standard clocks to the dashboard

Once you have removed the clock binnacle from your Classic Mini and removed the clocks from the binnacle you are ready to fit the clocks to the new dashboard.

Our offset dashboards are designed so the original clock set sits flush & flat (level with the dashboard face), directly against the backside of the dashboard. This does mean that depending on your height and/or seat setup and/or seat positioning, the top of the clock faces may be slightly compromised.

Before you can install the clocks to the dashboard you will need to cut down the plastic indicator light tubes on the clock binnacle, which will allow the binnacle to sit flush against the dashboard. We recommend removing the plastic or glass lenses and then using a hacksaw saw off the plastic tubes, so they sit flush with the mounting brackets of the binnacle (or in other words, so they do not extrude out of the binnacle).

Both 2 and 3 offset binnacle clocks fit in the shaped hole provided (on the back of the dashboard) and are then screwed into the dashboard (using the original mounting points on the clocks), using the screws provided.

Please Note It is vitally important that you use the screws provided to ensure you do not pierce the face of the dashboard with a screw that is of the incorrect length.
 

Installing the dashboard into the Mini

With your clock set fitted to the dashboard you are now ready to fit the dashboard into your Classic Mini.

1. Place the dashboard into the Classic Mini and rest it on the bottom padded dash rail.
    
2. Connect all the cables to the clocks, dials etc.
    
3. Install the dashboard into it's final location (it may be tight and need to be pushed).
    
4. Once lined up turn the fitting brackets 90° to lock the dashboard in place. You can access the back of the dashboard by putting your hand under the bottom dash rail and back up behind the dashboard - to do so, if you have a lower dash tray cover fitted you will have to remove it.
    
5. If needed, tighten the screws that hold the brackets in place using a Ph2 cross-head screwdriver (or Ph2 cross-head drill bit and drill).
    

Final checks

Now that your items are fitted test to ensure that they are secure before you drive your vehicle.