Dash options

[mikealdren]

I'm building a Zetec car based on +2S parts and trying to decide on the dash options.

My +2S 130 has the bonnet pull where the ignition switch was sited on the +2S, can someone tell me where the bonnet pull is positioned on the earlier cars please?

thanks
Mike

[gus]

Under the dash

[mikealdren]

Thanks Gus,
is there a bracket for it? On my S130, it's obviously very solidly mounted. I may consider putting it where the choke was.

[gus]

yes a little right angle bracket

probably in the parts manual

[mikealdren]

I'll have a look
many thanks,
Mike

[wotsisname]

I think the early cars have the mount to the right of the steering wheel (RHD). My previous owner had moved it to left of column for extra switches on the rhs. Simple bracket screwed to back of dash.
This is a 68 +2

Bonnet pull bracket

[TeeJay]

Hi Mike.
My Jan 1968 +2 (RHD) has the Bonnet Release connected under the dash right of the Hand brake.

It works OK, but could do with being a bit more rigid, but I am keeping mine original.

It would be very ridged mounted in the choke position, but you would need to check the Bonnet release thread length to ensure that the nut would fit on the back of the dash.

[mikealdren]

Thanks all,
TJ, my 130S has the release fitted through the dash (where the ignition switch is) so it will fit. I'll probably make some changes to the dash layout (and maybe even make a new dash?) so the choke position suits.

[Bigbaldybloke]

Picture of my old dash from my 1967 plus 2. It?s upside down on the bench prior to being stripped and a new dash installed, but it shows the bonnet release position. For info, the hole was missing in my replacement dash and I have had to carefully drill it (if you look closely you can see the pilot hole ready to be enlarged). The cable fitted fine, plenty of thread length for going through the dash.

[mikealdren]

Interesting BBB, my 130S dash (1972) had the same position and a column mounted ignition switch, my +2S dash (1969) had the ignition switch there.

Did you keep the old dash, I restored mine from that condition and it looks fine now. I'm thinking about making a new dash for the Zetec with some minor mods to the layout such as putting the bonnet pull in the choke position. I still have to decide on what to put in the middle, fuses, ashtray or something else, perhaps a charging point with 12V and USB connections.

[Bigbaldybloke]

I?ve kept the old dash but am fitting a new one that I?ve had for years stashed away in my spare bedroom! I?ve fitted a usb socket behind the ashtray with an access hole in the rear of the ashtray housing. I have a second ashtray that i am in the process of modifying so I can attach a sat nav to the front of it and plug it in or just put the original ashtray in and return it to original.
Years ago I ditched the choke and fitted a windscreen washer switch in its place as it was a good location being easy to reach while still having my hand on the steering wheel, but this time I?ve fitted a combined wiper / washer switch from an MGB in place of the original wiper switch, so am refitting the choke in its original place. Other mod I have done is fit an electric motor to raise the headlights which happens as soon as I switch the headlights on, hence the original pull switch is redundant. I?ve used the space for a pull switch that turns on the spot lights . It has the original knob with light symbol on it so looks original.