The 'E' Type Forum

Hi gents and ladies,

Just for discussion, any comments regarding the idea of having chrome rings on the dashboard gauges on a Series 1, 4.2, OTS as an alternative to the standard black? I mean the entire set, speedo, rev counter and the four small gauges.

I haven't seen one done yet so no idea how it would look. Has anybody seen this alternative or have pictures to share?

Great to have your thoughts and comments.

Yours aye,

George

Hi George...its your car so you can do wat you want...bling it up isnt really my thing and it certainly would stand out..but so would furry seat covers and go faster stripes.. Just my opinion..Steve

Hi Steve,

LOL !! I'm with you really ..... keep it as it should be. I just wanted to hear what our E-Type brethren would have to say in general about the look.

Nothing like a good debate first thing in the morning

I have just been reading the debate regarding engine/gearbox removal without the need to remove the reaction tie plate - you were a contributor. Each to their own but I agree that when giving advice on jobs where injury could result if you do not follow the advice and guidance given by the manufacturer, one must be very, very careful indeed.

Many thanks for replying to my post.

Yours aye,

George

Fashions, styles and tastes change over time. I'm sure I've seen some pictures of it done. At the end of the day, it is YOUR car. The majority of cars tend to get personalised in one way or another, even something minor like swapping bulbs for LEDs, electric aerial instead of a static one etc etc.
All I would say is, do it tastefully (which is subjective), keep the original parts, and it should be easily reversible.

In the case of Chrome rings this is pretty simple to change back, when you or the next owner decide you don't want it any more. It is your car, and up to you to say what is changed from how it is now.

Goerge - if you want a rough idea of how it might look, have a look - perhaps in the saloon section of xkedata - at interior pics of S1 XJ6s, which had chrome bezels. On the XJ, they look ok against the woodwork , but against the black of the E they would stand out rather more and against the alloy dash if that's what you have, personally I feel they might look a bit strange

As others say....your car so do what ever suits you. Not sure chrome surrounds would be my choice but everyone has their own tastes. Most of us have modified our cars...I have....LED bulbs, better brakes, better radio..I could list a lot more. I have yet to see two truely identical e types It is a change that can be easily reversed so why not if you want to I say....

From E Type UK’s website....

I like the look of Chrome.. now that I see it, those rings seem large for stock tho, maybe they are add on chrome bezels that fit over the stock unit without having to take the gauges apart and having them chromed? that would be a nice option. surely somebody makes or sells something like that. then its a temporary modification and if you get tired of it you could just remove it.

George,
try it and post some pictures
2":
https://www.autoelectricalspares.co.uk/ ... 1298-p.asp
and 5"
https://www.autoelectricalspares.co.uk/ ... 1303-p.asp

a brushed aluminium look might suit the S2 better as the steering wheel and gear gator surround is a brushed effect.

Many thanks gents for all the replies and opinions - an interesting debate. It may be nice to fit chrome and see how it looks and how it feels after it has been done ...... by purchasing chrome rings (thanks Klaus) it gives the option to return it to original later if desired and without a whole lot of money having been spent on re-chroming the originals.

I put burl walnut on the centre panel then chrome rim minor instruments. Looked nice IMHO, but not 'sporting. Beware bling inside an OTS cabin if driving with the top down on a nice summer's day. Distracting glare is the reason they substituted brushed finishes for polished.

Pete, are you being Serious?! That looks absolutely terrible! Thanks for that, it will take me days to unsee that!

You saw it a few times but the flash makes the wood look lighter. In normal view it was pretty dark.

I think you may have driven it without comment, but without your fave MX5 high chairs, you were probably concentrating on seeing over the dash pad

I remember Karen calling it 'Retro', complete with white hard top, but she was in her Figaro Fhase at the time. Anyway, someone liked it enough to nick it..

I must have wanted something from you as I was being polite. Mrs M has had her eyes lasered since then.

Why???

I saw an example of a FHC at a car show last year with chrome surrounds and it looked fantastic.
It really lifted the interior and gave it an extra look of quality.
its the only one Ive seen but I will be doing the same to the car Im restoring