Hi all,

My 1971 500L is currently undergoing some upgrades and I'm thinking of adding a new instrument cluster/binnacle to the mix.

I notice that there's a lot of choice if you're looking to pick up an aftermarket 'Abarth' binnacle, ranging from c.£300-800. Does anyone have any experience with this upgrade and can recommend one that is of good quality (without necessarily breaking the bank)?

There's a couple interesting options on eBay at the moment:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/370295944578?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251442808308?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Obviously not the Jaeger originals, but they seem reasonable priced, assuming they work!

Any thoughts very welcome.

Steve HG on here has fitted one - I have built my own 5 gauge pod
There are mods to wiring obviously required and a pressure sensor needed
Straight forward enough

Thanks Andrew,

Are the actual units much of a muchness? I guess you get what you pay for.

Also, are the sensors generally universal? I read an interesting thread on this forum about a member's woes with a retrofit oil pressure gauge!

Nearly all the "new" pods have Chinese made instruments whereas the original pods available are Italian or French
The rewiring is extensive but if you are competent - doable
I bought pod and then bought original instruments

Sensors are not too much of a problem - but where you place them is important
I have revs, fuel level, oil temp, oil press, volts and current

AndrewHarvey said:

Sensors are not too much of a problem - but where you place them is important
I have revs, fuel level, oil temp, oil press, volts and current

Click to expand...

Thanks again, Andrew.

Any tips on where to source the original gear?

The only problem with buying a complete instrument cluster from abroad is that practically all of them have the speedo in kilometres, NOT mph. Andrew's approach might be the best if you wish to retain MPH, but the prices on the clusters that you highlighted is a very fair.

I used eBay as I wanted Veglia gauges as these are correct for Italian cars and there are plenty available
If you buy a rev counter be aware they will require calibration for two cylinder engines- I have all this info if you need it

Hello Peter,

The instrument cluster is always going to be a personal choice no matter what brand or type and size of individual instrument you require. I was lucky in that my car came with Jaeger 100mm instruments with oil pressure and oil temperature as supplements. (see pic) Although more pricey, Axel Gerstl has the same unit complete, and they will supply sensors to suit. I will say that I personally prefer the larger style of gauge as the larger type was used on the original racing cars. The fact that mine reads in kph makes no difference. If you time it right with the pound v euro you could get a better deal.

Ian.

Pete145 said:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/370295944578?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Click to expand...

I bought the one in your first link, directly though along with a bunch of other parts. It looks a lot better in the flesh than the photo. Here is mine fitted...



I wired it all up so that it's easy to remove.



You'll also need some extra lights, either fitted to the new binnacle or to the dash itself to replicate the lights on the 500L dash. I made up a small loom for these...



It's all pretty straight forward, just takes a bit of time to work everything out.

cheers, Steve

I managed to obtain an instrument cluster that originally came via MBG--it has 'Smiths' instruments in it made by 'Caerbont Automotive Instruments Ltd' a company based in Cardiff. The speedo (MPH and KPH) and the Tacho (0--7,000rpm) are both 100mm instruments, along with a oil-pressure gauge and an oil temperature gauge. The speedo is a 'Stepper Speedo', part number:- SNT5372-09CB, and the Tacho is a 'Stepper Tacho' which has been set for 2cyl.

the hobbler said:

I managed to obtain an instrument cluster that originally came via MBG--it has 'Smiths' instruments in it made by 'Caerbont Automotive Instruments Ltd' a company based in Cardiff. The speedo (MPH and KPH) and the Tacho (0--7,000rpm) are both 100mm instruments, along with a oil-pressure gauge and an oil temperature gauge. The speedo is a 'Stepper Speedo', part number:- SNT5372-09CB, and the Tacho is a 'Stepper Tacho' which has been set for 2cyl.

Click to expand...

Great to hear, I'll talk to Tony this week.

Glad to be of assistance Peter. Would you like me to send a picture of the cluster to you? Small geographical faux pas, Caerbont are based in Swansea, not Cardiff (I was only 41 miles out!).

the hobbler said:

Glad to be of assistance Peter. Would you like me to send a picture of the cluster to you? Small geographical faux pas, Caerbont are based in Swansea, not Cardiff (I was only 41 miles out!).

Click to expand...

If you could send a picture or two that would be great.

Either via forum or directly via email.

Many thanks.

You could get the KMH gauge, and it is relatively easy to print off a sticker with the MPH conversion and stick over the top, another suggestion is to mark 30, 40 and 50mph on the gauge (indiscreet red line). I do like them, but £380 is a little steep at this stage of my resto, need to get my engine sorted first!