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MG MGB Technical - ignition switch and lock rebuild

Hello.

The tang that pops into the steering column shaft (when the ignition key is removed) to lock the steering wheel in place, no longer moves up. 1973 switch, must be time.

I would like to remove the brown wiring plug assembly, and the key cylinder assembly, from the switch housing. Then I will replace both into a functioning locking switch from my parts bin.

I've read the archives but am still concerned about the procedure to R/R the wiring portion and the cylinder lock portion.

If you have expertise in this area, could you please respond to this thread and give me the steps? I already have used the Dremel to score a groove and remove the 2 bolts that hold the assembly to the shaft.

Thank you.

Craig C. in Florida
cwcolby

Craig,

On the bottom of the steering column is a very small phillips head screw which holds the electrical part of the switch in place. It's the *only* thing holding it in. There's nothing that will spring loose when you remove this or the bolts on the yoke that holds the keylock assembly. Just remove them and you'll have the lock pieces in your hands.

It's been awhile, but I think the lock cylinder is an integral part of the tang which isn't working for you. If I recall, there are a set of grooves which move the tang up and down. I recall this because this was the one feature that didn't work in a used replacement that I bought. As you, I hoped I could make one working from two broken parts, but the internals were different.

(FYI - one had a screw in the end opposite the keyslot to hold the cylinder in. The other had the cylinder held in by a roll pin.)

If you really have a '73 switch, it'll be hard to replace the keylock. That one year is different from the '72-back and '74-forward. The '73 has a chrome finish on the keyslot face, and a little chrome button below the keyslot which you'd have to push to turn the key to the steering lock position (if it still works).

I have a '74, but the column turns out to be a '73 model. I had to settle for a '74-forward switch. Mechanically it replaces the original just fine. But it's poorly finished cast metal, not that lovely chrome, and it sticks out of the plastic cowling an inch or so. (I think it's actuallly supposed to have a rubber grommet on the cast metal.)

If by some turn of luck you find not one, but two correct and working switches for a '73 steering column, please let me know. I'll buy the second from you.

In fact, if the only problem with yours is that the steering no longer locks, and you decide to get rid of it, please contact me. I'll take it off your hands. Mine's not a show car, but I do miss my chrome lock.

Best wishes,

Matt Kulka
zkulka at hotmail dot com
Matt Kulka

This thread was discussed on 04/10/2005

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