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AndyNZ

Member Since: 07 Oct 2022
Location: Blenheim
Posts: 8

Series IIA dash panel early vs later style

Hi team,

I am restoring from the ground up a 1964 Series IIA that came in pieces but mostly complete. I would like to know practical thoughts, and I guess general opinions on the difference between the early and later Series IIA dash panel.

Considerations

- It would originally have been a positive earth set up, but I will switch to negative earth for ease of use and that it has a 2.25L SIII petrol with alternator.

- I much prefer the later style dash panel with the switches, plus it has the water temp gauge vs ammeter gauge as this (as far as I know) won't work with negative earth.

- I am restoring this vehicle to a good quality level with parts that cannot be restored replaced with genuine or OEM parts - if that's a factor in your opinion of which direction to take!

I realise that a true restoration would be to honour the original positive earth setup, and therefore the dash with larger key and ammeter etc, but I do much prefer the look of the switched dash and negative earth arrangement - am I being naive - what else should I be considering?

Keen to hear guidance from those who have walked this path before me. Thank you!

Early:

Click image to enlarge

Later:

Click image to enlarge

[/img] 2002 Defender TD5 110 Epsom Green @giuseppethedefender

4th Sep 2025 8:55pm

rustandoil

Member Since: 08 Sep 2012
Location: Cotswolds
Posts: 874

2005 Defender 110 Td5 XS DCPU Bonatti Grey

Not exactly sure what you're asking... But my 2A is negative earth and with the later dash you prefer... I will help if I can 👍🏼

5th Sep 2025 6:28am

TexasRover

Member Since: 24 Nov 2022
Location: Paris
Posts: 1317

2002 Defender 110 Td5 DCPU Chawton White

I believe what the OP is asking is should he convert to neg earth or keep to originality and retain the positive earth setup which will require work also.

So I would change. When people think originality they mean don't swap everything out with defender parts, the whole electrical system is for most people not all that relevant.

Neg earth will be much easier to deal with including sourcing (S3) parts. The systems are so simple though that Pos earth would also be manageable. For many parts like an A-meter it just means swapping over the leads unless they rely on their chassis for connection (like an alternator).

My advice for doing a ground up restoration is to be weary of your motivation and keep things piece meal and manageable. Get the car to drive asap so you pause a bit and start enjoying to then keep the momentum going. A lot of projects remain unfinished and are eventually sold off in worse state. So: Engine/gearbox, frame/wheels/axles/brakes/suspension/steering, lights, MOT items and some sort of seating.

Forget about the cosmetics/interior you can deal with that in bursts. There is still a rich market for original parts and its fun hunting them down and you want to enjoy that for years to come.

Good luck!

5th Sep 2025 7:07am

rustandoil

Member Since: 08 Sep 2012
Location: Cotswolds
Posts: 874

When I V8 swapped my first S2 I swapped to Neg earth / alternator with no issues that I can remember...

5th Sep 2025 7:21am

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