Chrome Dial Rings and Year Plans

First update of the year, chrome dial rings.

The first mod of the year is a simple, yet very effective one. The standard Rover 25 instrument cluster is pretty lack lustre and doesn't exactly scream premium.



So, to give it a bit of an uplift (and to tie it in with the heater dial rings), I picked up a set of chrome dial rings from a forum member on theMGZR for £15 posted.

To fit them, the instrument cluster lens has to be removed. Before you can do that the binnacle trim needs to be removed. Easier said than done though, I had quite a lot of trouble with some particularly resistant metal clips that put up a rather good fight.

Unfortunately, the rings were a little out of shape when they arrived. This meant some of the return flange had to be trimmed to allow the rings to sit flush to the dials.

Once they had been trimmed I applied some silicone sealant to the rear, using a small syringe, then pressed them into place.

With all four rings now secured in place I could remove any excess silicone and give the cluster a thorough dusting before replacing the lens and binnacle trim.

Replacing the rubber steering column upper gap hider was easier said than done. It has rubber prongs that locate into the holes in the dash, however, being rubber they flex all over the place. They also have an enlarged tip to secure the gap hider to the dash.

I started off by trying to press the prongs in, but this lead to them splaying off in all directions. I changed tact and tried to pull the rubber prongs through the holes with string. Good idea on paper, rubbish in reality.

Some expletives later I went back to the original plan and just pushed harder, surprisingly this actually worked.

The final reveal then, for £15 and a bit of faff the chrome rings have really lifted the dull dials. It's impressive how much difference they have made, something I'd definitely recommend doing and great value for money.

Plans for the year

The car has had one problem after the very harsh winter, a dodgy boot seal. So that has been taken off, cleaned up and siliconed back on, so far so good, no leak.

Due to the harsh winter the car has not been maintained to its usual level of shine which, now the spring is here, will all change. A full (very detailed) detail is on the cards for as soon as time permits.

The drums and callipers are in desperate need of a rub down and painting, as well as some replacement pads and discs.

A full service is also overdue, which this time will include a gearbox oil swap.

Radio controls still need to be fitted to the new leather steering wheel too.

A big change this year will be in the form of the wheels. The wheels will be going black, at some point, when the acquired ‘summer’ set of hairpins get sprayed, nudging the car ever so slightly out of the standard look.