MGF instrument cowl replacement (1998 Abingdon 1.8 VVC)

I hope this helps others who own an old MGF! Sorry about the filming and commentary quality - but it's difficult to do these things one-handed while holding a camera. However, I think it gives a good idea of how to do the job - and it didn't take very long at all! (It was quick because I used a different type of cowl that doesn't require the dash to be removed - watch the video to see what I mean.)

[@Daveyboyz1978]

I did this recently without the aid of a magnet but I am sure the screws will appear eventually.

[@riggers7480]

Thanks for this useful video, but at one point you were confronting the clips into which the three screws were attached, from behind, within the air ducting. Suddenly, they disappeared - how did you do that? I've just got to that point, and I'm scratching my head! Thanks for any advice.

[@peachesdiesel]

The broken clips are only held in place by the screws, well, on my car they were. I just twisted them (anti-clockwise) off the screws. Easy as that.

[@riggers7480]

@@peachesdiesel Thanks for the prompt reply. Mine are still quite determined to hold on! However, I've just managed to get one off, by using mole grips to hold the screw, whil unscrewing the clip. Of course as this progresses, the margin of screw to hold reduces, but to compensate, I managed to get the tips of some long-nosed pliers behind the clip, to hld the screw. I'm hoping this will work with the others. Now a couple of hours since I started this response, & I've succeeded getting all 3 clips off, but I've yet to retrieve the screws!
- Follow-up: I popped the vent into centre dash out, (it pulls out), shoved a telescopic magnetic retrieval tool down the duct, and pulled out the three screws quite easily!

[@nehalem723]

I should do the same operation on my mg tf 135 with left hand drive, but i can't find Jakabi website where they sell this part, can I ask you where did you buy it? Thank you

[@peachesdiesel]

I don't think Jakabi have a website - but they do operate via Facebook. Good luck.

[@nehalem723]

@@peachesdieselOk, thank you for the info

[@Carajismos]

Same problem here! LHD are almost impossible to find! Did you get lucky? And also, do you know which is the most common reason for the cowl to simply fall apart like this? I read somewhere that it is due to heat, but not sure.

[@Carajismos]

@@nehalem723 Hey I contacted Jakabi and the direct me with COWA PARTS in the Netherlands. Actually the cowl is in stock as of today!

[@peachesdiesel]

@@Carajismos Good luck with the repair - it should only take about an hour as it is an easy job and you don't need any special tools.