The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

Slightly weird questions, but bear with me...

1) I'm trying to tweak my flat-dash set-up to give as much info as possible, without actually spending any money or ruining the look of it too much. I recently picked up a 70s Smiths 3-way dial showing temp/fuel/oil pressure to replace the existing 2-way dial (assuming it works, that is) but the new dial doesn't have tell-tales for the indicators and demister. Now, I could probably find a way to relocate them but I'm wondering exactly what tell-tales I need to have for an MOT?
I assume indicators and main beam are essentials, along with an ignition light - but can I lose the demist light altogether? I also have another speedo, almost the same as the original but without any labelling on the tell-tales - could I lose the oil warning light (as I'd have an oil gauge) and replace it with the indicator flasher?

2) I've also got a 70s aftermarket rev-counter pod, which I'd really like to mount atop the steering column. The only thing it would be visually obscuring is the hazard switch, although I can still reach it perfectly easily to activate. Again, is it legally necessary for the switch to be visible? Or should I swap it with the demist switch?

I do appreciate that the obvious answer to both these questions is to JUST GET A CURVED DASH, but I'm on a (very thin) shoestring budget. Any advice would be gratefully received!

mrduke wrote:I'm wondering exactly what tell-tales I need to have for an MOT?
I assume indicators and main beam are essentials, along with an ignition light - but can I lose the demist light altogether?

Indicators, though that can be audible rather than a light. Main beam is only compulsory from 01/04/1986, rear fog light from 01/04/1980
Hazards are only required from 01/04/1986 too but if fitted need to work. If the switch is the telltale then I'd not want to have the discussion with the tester over whether something present and working but not actually visible from the driver's seat counts as "working correctly"

Thanks for the info! The audible indicator option is interesting, might be worth pursuing. I'd actually like to keep the main beam light anyhow, but if none of the others are essential then it makes things much easier

My local tester is actually quite reasonable, so I'm sure he'd be pragmatic about the hazard switch. Worst case is that I'd have to swap it with the demist switch, but I'll probably leave it for now.