19 replies to this topic

[Indy Orange]

Hi all could you option a GTR XU1 instrument cluster for LC /LJ other than GTR or XU1?

Edited by Indy Orange, 06 November 2024 - 10:03 PM.

[4dabush]

Hi all could you option a GTR XU1 instrument cluster for LC /LJ other than GTR or XU1?

Yes, I think even HBs.could have them…I’m sure there is a post around here somewhere. My mid 1973 dash came out of a 4 Door SL that was wrecked in the ‘80’s because of rust. 

[S pack]

Hi all could you option a GTR XU1 instrument cluster for LC /LJ other than GTR or XU1?

Yes, most definitely, the U21 combined (oil, water, ammeter and tacho) instrument cluster was optional on all models.
 

[S pack]

Yes, I think even HBs.could have them…I’m sure there is a post around here somewhere. My mid 1973 dash came out of a 4 Door SL that was wrecked in the ‘80’s because of rust. 

Yes, HB Series II introduced the round instruments panel. The combined instrument cluster was std in the Brabham and an option in other models.

In HB Torana the 2" instruments had chrome bezels, LC, LJ & TA had black bezels.
 

[Indy Orange]

Thanks guys,I remember years ago a mate whom i worked with had a LJ Torana with that option,amongst others ,the paint was a gold metallic as well .he actually saw it come along the assembly line at Mosman Park as he worked there.

[yel327]

The sports dash was optional in HK right from the start, over half a year before GTS was on sale. The difference in a Holden was the sports dash had a 120mph speedo, later 200kmh. The GTS was 140mph, later 225kmh, and for some reason Sandman did too but SS didn't, yeah right a 173 Sandman with 3.55 rear axle couldn't crack 90mph let alone 120!. Not sure if Torana was the same, as in a U21 optioned dash had a lower mph speedo than the standard GTR dash?

[S pack]

The sports dash was optional in HK right from the start, over half a year before GTS was on sale. The difference in a Holden was the sports dash had a 120mph speedo, later 200kmh. The GTS was 140mph, later 225kmh, and for some reason Sandman did too but SS didn't, yeah right a 173 Sandman with 3.55 rear axle couldn't crack 90mph let alone 120!. Not sure if Torana was the same, as in a U21 optioned dash had a lower mph speedo than the standard GTR dash?

As far as I know all U21 optioned in 6 cyl models had the 120mph, then dual scale 120mph/200kph from 1/07/1973.
 

[rodomo]

My 173 S has one.

[4dabush]

Yes, HB Series II introduced the round instruments panel. The combined instrument cluster was std in the Brabham and an option in other models.

In HB Torana the 2" instruments had chrome bezels, LC, LJ & TA had black bezels.
 

My Perth Mid 1973 dash has silver on all bezels. The wreck it came from was a one owner wife’s car in City Beach, about 1985. it was rusty and the owners could clearly afford to not worry about wrecking it, I was about 19 and thought it was too good to wreck. This bezel hasn’t been touched to my knowledge as I took it out the wreck and all gauges match date wise, from April to June 1973. Maybe different states got different bits? Or optioned cars got the leftovers from earlier production runs? 

Attached Files

•  IMG_1231.jpeg   171.45K   3 downloads

[S pack]

My Perth Mid 1973 dash has silver on all bezels. The wreck it came from was a one owner wife’s car in City Beach, about 1985. it was rusty and the owners could clearly afford to not worry about wrecking it, I was about 19 and thought it was too good to wreck. This bezel hasn’t been touched to my knowledge as I took it out the wreck and all gauges match date wise, from April to June 1973. Maybe different states got different bits? Or optioned cars got the leftovers from earlier production runs? 

Definitely a 1972 type fascia. These were used in Adelaide production up until about the end of February 1973. March 1973 onwards had the high level brake light to comply with ADR 18 Visibility of Instruments.
 

[jpxu1]

The sports dash was optional in HK right from the start, over half a year before GTS was on sale. The difference in a Holden was the sports dash had a 120mph speedo, later 200kmh. The GTS was 140mph, later 225kmh, and for some reason Sandman did too but SS didn't, yeah right a 173 Sandman with 3.55 rear axle couldn't crack 90mph let alone 120!. Not sure if Torana was the same, as in a U21 optioned dash had a lower mph speedo than the standard GTR dash?

Torana was the same. Non GTR/XU1 got a 100mph/160kph speedo.

[yel327]

My Perth Mid 1973 dash has silver on all bezels. The wreck it came from was a one owner wife’s car in City Beach, about 1985. it was rusty and the owners could clearly afford to not worry about wrecking it, I was about 19 and thought it was too good to wreck. This bezel hasn’t been touched to my knowledge as I took it out the wreck and all gauges match date wise, from April to June 1973. Maybe different states got different bits? Or optioned cars got the leftovers from earlier production runs? 

 

It could be timing too. States shouldn't differ as all parts came through the one contract, and all sent to the VAP's from the one location, except for bulk consumables like paint, bolts etc. What I mean by timing is HJ U17 dash are all silver dash fascia as per standard or GTS, until a time where they made black ones for Sandman or U17 optioned Belmont/Holden and Kingswood. and woodgrain for Premier and LS. Then only GTS were silver.

[Dr Terry]

 Then only GTS were silver.

Didn't the GTS instrument facia change from a bright shiny finish to a more dull grey at this time (for ADR18) also ?

 

Dr Terry

[yel327]

Didn't the GTS instrument facia change from a bright shiny finish to a more dull grey at this time (for ADR18) also ?

 

Dr Terry

 

ADR18 became mandatory from January 1973 so the LJ fascia may have changed at that time? ADR18 seems to be more about location and visibility of instruments:

 

18.pdf

 

Maybe ADR12:

 

12.pdf

Edited by yel327, 08 November 2024 - 08:54 AM.

[Dr Terry]

States shouldn't differ as all parts came through the one contract, and all sent to the VAP's from the one location, except for bulk consumables like paint, bolts etc. 

This happened with things like seatbelts & jacks etc. also, I believe.

 

Dr Terry

[Dr Terry]

ADR18 became mandatory from January 1973 so the LJ fascia may have changed at that time? ADR18 seems to be more about location and visibility of instruments:

 

18.pdf

 

Maybe ADR12:

 

12.pdf

Good pick, that's probably correct.

 

Dr Terry

[Dr Terry]

On the same topic. In the LC/LJ dash, when did the handbrake light move from its lower position to the higher position ?

 

Dr Terry

[4dabush]

On the same topic. In the LC/LJ dash, when did the handbrake light move from its lower position to the higher position ?

 

Dr Terry

Hi Dr Terry, 

my Perth 7/73 id tagged coupe has silver bezels and low brake light. The stamping on the back of the gauges is 6/73. Delivered 18/11/73.  2 owner car, I  bought it in 1984. So I’m thinking different in different states.  My GTR dash above was out of a 73 car and was a one owner stocker SL 4 door. All gauges  match 4-6/73 also.  If it was a hoons car being wrecked I’d agree it could have been swapped but it was bog stock wife’s run around. 

Attached Files

•  IMG_1232.jpeg   130.12K   5 downloads

[S pack]

Hi Dr Terry, 

my Perth 7/73 id tagged coupe has silver bezels and low brake light. The stamping on the back of the gauges is 6/73. Delivered 18/11/73.  2 owner car, I  bought it in 1984. So I’m thinking different in different states.  My GTR dash above was out of a 73 car and was a one owner stocker SL 4 door. All gauges  match 4-6/73 also.  If it was a hoons car being wrecked I’d agree it could have been swapped but it was bog stock wife’s run around. 

Only the Sports Instrument panel had the chrome bezel highlights deleted.

My 4/73 Brissy LJ had the high level brake light from factory.

If your 7/73 has the dual scale KPH/MPH speedometer then it should also have the high level brake light.

From 1st March 1973 Imperial and Metric instrument panels were to all incorporate the relocated brake warning lamp.
 

Edited by S pack, 08 November 2024 - 09:17 PM.

[4dabush]

Only the Sports Instrument panel had the chrome bezel highlights deleted.

My 4/73 Brissy LJ had the high level brake light from factory.

If your 7/73 has the dual scale KPH/MPH speedometer then it should also have the high level brake light.

From 1st March 1973 Imperial and Metric instrument panels were to all incorporate the relocated brake warning lamp.
 

Dunno what to say Dave, yes, dual 160kmh speedo, 7/73 build, tags never been tampered with. Low level brake light. I never touched the dash until 3 years ago when the car was stripped for the rebuild.  Neither dash has had the bezels painted/ touched up…both in amazing condition. The silver you see is how they are.  Both have gauges matching the age. Both have low level brake lights. My other dash has black bezels and high level brake light and August 73 date stamped gauges.