MK2 clocks in a MK1 my simple 'HOW TO'

Why ?

Mk1 clocks are becoming a rare item to find in good working order and are not currently repairable [parts being obsolete from VW]. MK2 items are easy to obtain and cheap and can be used on all Mk1 models as a replacement items . You can still retain your MFA facility [if fitted] using MK2 items but loose [as it was never fitted] the gear change up light and guage . They also look nice and give you correct blue high beam light .
 You will need to solder some wiring and adapt a steel bracket to fit the MK2 items in your MK1 . Dash and clock removal is covered in detail in the Haynes manual .    

MK1 clocks [white dial conversion with MFA ] Multi plug fitted on the right of the clocks MFA plug fitted on the left at the rear .



MK2 16V clocks ?10.00 from local breakers [1989 model].  




You will also need the 2 wiring plugs from the MK2 clocks , cut off as much spare wire as you can so you are left with 2 plugs like these , one white and one black . You will see when you remove the clocks , black plug on the left , white plug on the right .





Mounting the clocks is quite easy and at first glance they look similar both in shape and size . The main difference is on the side of the clocks , the mounting bracket are different , [clocks sit on a peg and are held in with a self tapper on each side] . In side the dash are 2 steel brackets that hold the clocks in place first picture shows MK1 item



Simple modification is needed for MK2 item , behind the original Mk1 'peg' mounting hole you should as per the picture make a new hole for the Mk2 clocks mounting peg this should sit as shown [mine was trial and file and is larger] , a large self tapper with washer can then be used to hold them in position .  Although not shown on the pictures the rest of the original dash items [once wiring has been sorted] fit nicely round the Mk2 items .



Shows mounts inside the dash .



Speedo cable [not series 1 Mk1] is the same fitting and readings are not affected .

crazyquiff wrote

I'd also think that the MK2 clocks would use the same gear in the 020 box - yes in fact they do, either:

171957821A Natural colour 16Teeth
171957821B Red colour 15Teeth

Based on that there should be no problems using the speedo from a mk2 in a mk1 using the MK1 cable (push on type)

 So no problems there .

Part 2

Wiring  [please disconnect the battery before starting]

Mk1 Plug on clocks

Mk2 plug on clocks


Different , but quite easy to change . Firstly we need to no what the wires are for in both looms [i take no credit for this wiring picture , it was kindly sent to me by 'Harry the Cake' on Club GTI] . This will cover all Mk2 models until about 1990 [more on this later ] The only thing i have noticed is that you will need to earth the MK2 clocks , use the brown wire 2nd down marked 'tape up do not use' . Earth this any where behind the clocks using a large self tapper   


So confident to carry on ? Next task is to cut off the Mk1 clock wiring connector and replace it with the mk2 item , i used solder and heatshrink for a neat job , you could use wiring connectors [crimped] . Solder is best .  I then used the correct loom tape to keep the wiring neat and tidy .  



Double check that you have connected the correct wires using the above diagram to the MK2 plugs . Now do a bench test , connect the battery and turn the ignition on to check your handy work .




All working ? Time to refit the dash correctly and enjoy .



This is a worth while conversion but you should only take this route if all other options have failed , it's not a simple swap  . But it does look nice .

Later MK2 after about 1990 used a different wiring set up , like this using one plug only . Can be fitted .  



Missed the coolant/temp guage wire in the above , its a red/yellow wire [no23] to same colour on MK1 loom .  

Wiring diagram is above , you may have a few spare wires left over ! Cap them correctly . I have not found any information on late MFA wiring [the connector and cables came from a late MK2 driver] , if you have any info on this  please Pm and i will add it to the post .