3 gauge binnacle

[minitravellerman]

I remember seeing a replacement central binnacle that took 3 80mm gauges but I can’t remember who produced it (or if it even is still available).
I have speedo and auxiliary gauge unit from a Vanden Plas Allegro, as well as a rev counter in the same size. Just to do something different.
Any light shone on this would be appreciated.
Plan B is to do the Vortz binnacle with the Rev counter included.

I’ll see if I can find a photo as I’ve probably not explained it right

[mk1]

I know what you mean, but I have never seen one like that.

[andy1071]

Would it be worth talking to "Nippycars" about making a binnacle..?

I don't know if they can help...
I have no connection to them..

[Peter Laidler]

You would get 3 80mm gauges in a line but I've never seen one produced like that. What you could do is to remove the chrome stainless surround from your binnacle and place it onto a sheet of black formica (remember that stuff.....) and carefully draw round it. Cut it out and then stick it to your binnacle. Drill through the clip holes ready to replace the chrome surround......... With me so far?

Then carefully mark out the 3x equidistant holes for the new instruments. Fit them, clamp up, fit chrome surround and hey-presto. A good looking (?) similar but different mini 3 instrument binnacle.

Easier on a Mk2 type as I did it in my misspent youth, but not insurmountable on a Mk1

[surfblue63]

...place it onto a sheet of black formica (remember that stuff.....)

On a still day I can smell the Formica being made, I live about a mile from the factory. One of those things that people have forgotten that will still make.


A variation on Peters idea would be get a bit of thick plastic card or alloy and cover that in vinyl.

[Peter Laidler]

Or an alloy sheet anodised black or painted in that crackle paint stuff.
Is the stuff still called Formica SurfBlue? It was pretty versatile. In my second house the previous owner virtually encased the kitchen worktops and cabinets in it!

Back to reality. My binnacle on my 69 Cooper was covered in wood-grain as per the Riley Elf (or is it the Wolsley). Temp gauge mover UP and slightly RIGHT and a smaller ammeter set below it. Looked good (for 1970-71) but the alternator fitted soon afterwards made the ammeter redundant.

[surfblue63]

Or an alloy sheet anodised black or painted in that crackle paint stuff.
Is the stuff still called Formica SurfBlue?

Yes it is, and they still have the same red F logo

https://www.formica.com/en-gb/

[minitravellerman]

Happy to report I now have an extra 3 clock binnacle that I'm going to hack up and see what I come up with. Still thinking the 3 80mm gauges will look good in a row (aux, speedo, rev counter) and will be something different.
If this crashes and burns I'll just buy a Vortz type and go with that.

[Peter Laidler]

Don't forget that you'll have to get the speedo and odometer recalibrated to suit

[olddave]

Not original, but a couple done by a mate of mine.

The Hornet was bought off a forum member a couple of years ago. Needed a bit of work doing!

[minitravellerman]

Don't forget that you'll have to get the speedo and odometer recalibrated to suit

Already done - was fitted in a Mini I had previously and recalibrated to suit it at the time. Pretty much same spec as the Traveller is.

[minitravellerman]

Not original, but a couple done by a mate of mine.

The Hornet was bought off a forum member a couple of years ago. Needed a bit of work doing!

I like these - food for thought