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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - MK 1 lighting switch

Can someone explain how the original style lighting/ignition switch for a MK 1 Sprite is retained in the dashboard? I suspect mine has some bend over tags broken off, or maybe some sort of clip missing.
GuyW

A springy thing at the rear of item 24 on this page.
https://www.moss-europe.co.uk/shop-by-model/austin-healey/sprite/electrical/switches-controls/switches-controls-sprite-i-1958-61.html
MG Moneypit

Beat me to it. This is the US version of the Moss catalog. Right behind item 1.

https://mossmotors.com/mg-midget-austin-healey-sprite/electrical-ignition/dashboard-bugeye
Martin

Ah thanks. Why didn't I think of looking there! On inspection there are two slots on the body of the switch that a wire would fit into, but they are a bit further back, not close behind the dashboard panel. The wire thing must be more shaped than appears in the Moss pictures to provide some clamping pressure against the dash.

I am now thinking that a jubilee clip might have to do the trick as it doesn't look like the wire is listed as a separate item.
GuyW

Guy, do these pictures also help?





Bill Bretherton

Thanks Bill. If I can source the right type of wire I could make something like that. Bendy, but not too bendy. There's probably a name for it!

Now I see mine is also missing what looks like a rubber insulating skirt. Unless it is supposed to fit on before the wire thing to provide some anti rattle clamping tension against the back of the dash?
GuyW

Also need to find a key. The number is on the lock barrel. I have a collection of quite a few so may be lucky and find one that fits, or can be made to.
Or a screwdriver !
GuyW

Guy, I think the rubber washer goes against back of dash, as you say. I too don't have the specific key but have found one that fits.
Bill Bretherton

Guy,

Piano wire would be my choice, readily available in a range of sizes and fairly easy to form. For the key try East Sussex Minors as they have stock of all the keys on the shelf IRRC and only a few £. My local MM parts centre used to keep them but sold up to ESM some years back and the guy that used to work for them Andy Eggleton doesn't seem to keep them.
David Billington

Thanks David.
Useful contact!
GuyW

I suspect rubber washer is not original. The wire clip holds it securely in the dash without it(at least it does on mine). Nothing is shown in the parts book. The clip is circular and has two flats that engage in the slots in the switch. The clip then has two curved portions that press up on the rear of the dash. The ends clip are formed into a small circle and a 2ba nut and bolt brings them together. Tip fit the switch to the dash before installing as its a real pain getting to the nut and bolt
Bob Beaumont

Guy, I've hoarded old keys, have >100. Give me the number and I'll see if I have one for you.
David Smith

That's good of you to offer, David.
It's FP740.
Most of my collection are FS series keys, though I may find it yet. Ever optimistic!
GuyW

I have replaced the spring / clamp on both of my cars with a homemade clamp but unfortunately I didn't think to picture either of them. Basically two
blocks of ally clamped together with a hole at centre for the switch. Two bolts drilled facing the dashboard ensure that there is absolutely no movement.
Alan Anstead

It appears that I did take a photo!
Clamp for Frogeye switch.


Alan Anstead

Here's a setup that you could copy or modify

https://bugeyeguyparts.com/products/bugeyeguy-ignition-switch-guillotine
Martin

Sorry Guy, no luck. I've a gap from FP664 to FR755
:-(
David Smith

Thanks for looking, David. There's no urgency yet as there is plenty more to do on this car yet!
Alan, thanks for the photos of your switch fixing device. Nice idea. Very similar to the one Martian links to. Thanks to you too, Martin!. Parallel evolution and clearly no such thing as a new idea! I am now trying to recall if I have any alloy stock of sufficient thickness to make one.

Keep well and cheerful everyone 😊
GuyW

I was going to say piano wire too.
It comes in similar gauges to sheet steel, Standard Wire Gauge. I think 18 SWG would be about right for what you want.

Available from a traditional model shop next to the balsa and wooden aircraft kist :)
Chris Madge

Decided on a different approach. I have made a two - pronged "c" plate, similar to the thing that retains the door lock barrels on later cars. The prongs slide into the two wire grooves in the sides of the switch. I just need to drill and tap the plate to take a set screw that will tighten against the back of the dashboard.

No traditional model shops in this neck of the woods, I would need to travel to Carlisle (50 miles) or Preston (42miles). Would piano wire bend to shape but still be stiff enough to retain its shape and keep tension on the back of the dash?
GuyW

"Would piano wire bend to shape but still be stiff enough to retain its shape and keep tension on the back of the dash?"


Yes it would. I used to use it to make parts of (flying) model aircraft such as under-carriage. it has sufficient spring for the sort of application you need.


Its cheaply and freely available from eBay too.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/piano-wire-music-wire-steel-round-0-7mm-1-2mm-1-6mm-1mm-2mm-2-5mm-3mm-NOT-COILED/133156382257?hash=item1f00bd2631:m:m0mI67raJKU5LRpH1L3hC-g
Chris Madge

Thanks Chris. If my plate device doesn't locate firmly then I will revert to making a wire clip. Useful suggestion!

At least with internet sources one can get parts and materials delivered for the impending isolation of us oldies. Once we, and those medically at risk are got out of the way all the younger folk will be encouraged to exchange bodily fluids to contract Covid and build up herd immunity as quickly as possible so we can all be let out again.
GuyW

No problem Guy, normally the flow of useful information is the other way around :)

I have ordered my cellulose and thinners for the Midget, now I just need an excuse to self isolate from work for a week and some warmer/dryer weather....
Chris Madge

Guy
I have a bit of 5mm Ali plate that should be thick enough if your bracket is not a success. Let me know sizes and I can cut up a couple of bits as per Alan’s design.

Something to do in lockdown (not over 70 just !)

R.
richard b

Thanks Richard. My C plate thing seems to work very well, holding the switch very securely and easy to fit working 'blind' by feel behind the dash.
Photos attached. A bit rough and ready, certainly compared to some of the quality stuff you proper engineers produce, but it works and cannot be seen anyway, so I am happy!






GuyW

Looks good.
Dave O'Neill 2

As Dave said, looks good. Add a bit of paint and it will look like you bought it.
Martin

Yep, needs a blast from the rattle can.
Those arms are actually straight and parallel. It's camera distortion honestly! 😂
GuyW

Looks good to me Guy.
Bill Bretherton

This thread was discussed between 14/03/2020 and 17/03/2020

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.