Instrument binnacle surround

Put my dash back together today and noticed that the instrument surround doesn't seem to fit properly. It was fine before I removed it but now it doesn't seem to sit flush and there is a slight gap between the top of the instruments and start of the surround. has anyone else had this or maybe it wasn't a great fit initially and I just didn't notice?

On a side note I have to say that the fit and finish on a P38 is pretty woeful. The plastics are really cheap and brittle with lugs, etc breaking very easily. Considering how much the cars cost when new it's a bit of a joke. Land Rover must have been laughing all the way to the bank when selling these!

Take it off and try again, you havent got it sitting right before you tighten the screws (4). Easy mistake, done it myself.

I took mine off to fit chrome dials on the instrument cluster & the 2 top brackets literally disintigrated - just re attached to what was left of the plastic bracket but not great.

Did you get the top two screws in the binnacle to screw in - the ones that are buried deep down and you've got to use the long driver for?

After much faffing i got the top screws on the binnacle in (after dropping then down the steering column numerous times) but they didn't seem as tight as when removing. It seems solid enough though.

martynv8 said:

After much faffing i got the top screws on the binnacle in (after dropping then down the steering column numerous times) but they didn't seem as tight as when removing. It seems solid enough though.

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That is possibly because they are not in the plastic nuts, they can be a bugger to get to line up and engage.

martynv8 said:

After much faffing i got the top screws on the binnacle in (after dropping then down the steering column numerous times) but they didn't seem as tight as when removing. It seems solid enough though.

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Those screws shouldn't fall out. They're held in the binnacle then screw into their locators. Try taking the binnacle back out, put the screws into the binnacle just protruding beyond it, then push the binnacle into place before doing the screws up.

Will have another try - just concerned the top brackets for the surround wont take another re-fit & the busted brackets are part of the dash moulding by the looks of it so not easy to replace. Next job - sort out the rubber strip that guides the drivers window in the door - keeps riding up & jamming the window! Oh joy!

My Binnacle has always had a gap there since I bought it. The L shaped brackets that are connected to the dash are broken off. The binnacle just sits on top of the steering wheel, not ideal, I've seen afew P38's like this. I should try and stick them into place with something.

Found this thread .. I have obtained some free chrome rings and walnut trim for the binnacle but not sure i want to fit them if its a right ball ache !!

Do I have to remove all of binnacle just to fit these items ?

Not got rave yet so not even sure where to start removing it.....

It's not a ball ache. Did mine in about 30 mins. Just need a long screwdriver to reach the screws. Just a bit fiddly but straightforward

Superb ......

It's almost like a full time job owning a P38 ... Been off all week and every day is swallowed up ...

Steve000 said:

Superb ......

It's almost like a full time job owning a P38 ... Been off all week and every day is swallowed up ...

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Yep that's an accurate description

Re dash binacleMy top brackets both snapped off put it together without not a good fit dam lose ... So drilled a hole in what was left used a cable tie to hold the main bracket in place and it works a treat ..... Some times gotta think out of the box lol

Every other bracket on the car is broken so I assuming these will be no different....

gazzab79 said:

It's not a ball ache. Did mine in about 30 mins. Just need a long screwdriver to reach the screws. Just a bit fiddly but straightforward

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Agreed. I fitted some chrome rings to mine. Sometimes it takes a couple of attempts to get the binnacle surround lined up. In fact you can line it up, tighten the screws and then find it's not on properly!

stjohnsmythe said:

Agreed. I fitted some chrome rings to mine. Sometimes it takes a couple of attempts to get the binnacle surround lined up. In fact you can line it up, tighten the screws and then find it's not on properly!

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Yep I did that

Steve000 said:

Superb ......

It's almost like a full time job owning a P38 ... Been off all week and every day is swallowed up ...

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A Range Rover is not a car, it's a hobby, a time consuming and expensive one at that.