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MG MGB Technical - Ignition switch

Does anyone know if the keyed part of the ignition switch can be removed without removing the entire switch from the dash? If so, how? Thanks.
Kenneth von Wolf Lewis

What is the model year of your car?
Kimberly

Car is a 1967 B/GT with metal dash, switch is in dash and not in steering column.
Kenneth von Wolf Lewis

I'm going to say "NO",... but then I'm going to go out to the garage and look.
I've had them fall out from wear/breakage, but I don't believe them to be removeable by the old "paperclip whilst in such and such position."
What is your project? (Why do you need to remove/replace?)
Rick

Want to install a new unit. The original unit is so worn that the key can be removed in the on position. Also you can inadvertently leave the switch in the on positon after shutting off the engine. This can happen if, as you are leaving the cockpit and removing the key at he same time you turn the key clockwise a bit as you pull to remove. If you have a pertronix ingnition, as I do, leaving the power on will fry both the pertronix and the coil. I know as this happened to me earlier this week. Was rushed to take wife to airport using airport transfers tunbridge wells on business and daughter to emergency room for badly sprained ankle (just one of those days), also our old victorian house was crawling with painters, just to add to the confusion.
Kenneth von Wolf Lewis

Common problem, even back when our old B's weren't so old. I don't know if anyone has come up with a better switch/higher security key system like they have for mid 60's Mustangs but that would be my first direction.
I do have a mid 60's E Type Jaguar ignition switch sitting here that I'll probably put on my 65, same as our B's but with an accessory position.
Remember to disconnect your battery before reaching behind the dash.
Rick

Kenneth,

Short answer is yes it can be done. I just went out and did it to make sure.

You need to not have a radio installed to reach it.

I have mine installed so that the keyed (cut) portion of the key faces down. When it is like that, the hole for the paper clip ( I use a long probe dental pick bend at 90 degrees) is facing up into the hole where the radio fits. You have to blindly insert it and feel the pin move down. While doing this, I use the key in the lock to give slight pressure on the tumbler and it will begin to slide out. Once it moves out about 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch, remove the pick and the rest of the tumbler should slide out.

As mentioned above, remember to disconnect the battery first.

The new tumbler can simply be slid in. It will lock in place.

Cris
Cris DeYoung

Kenneth,

If the lock is worn, most of the wear is in the fixed part of the switch, not the barrel, and also in the key.

With the barrel out, there are two slots, one at 12:00 and the other at 6:00.
The barrel has little spring loaded brass plates, called pins. With the key out, the pins spring up, and lock in the slot. With the key in, the pins are flush, and the barrel will turn. You can't pull the key out when it is turned because the pins have to move up and down as the key comes out.

As the key wears, the pins stick out, and cut grooves in the body of the lock.

Basically, you need the complete ignition switch assembly.
M Layton

Thanks to all, sounds like a full switch unit is the best approach. Will go that route.
Kenneth von Wolf Lewis

This thread was discussed between 12/08/2006 and 13/08/2006

MG MGB Technical index

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