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MG MGB Technical - The Horn

Hello All,

I have picked up a really lovely moto lita steering wheel for nothing and want to fit it to the CB column. It fits fine, but the horn push is in the centre boss on the original wheel, and there is none on the new one.

Swapping the innards isn't really an option, the boss on the new wheel is fixed and won't push down.

What are my options - can I mount the switch gear from a RB to the CB column perhaps? Is that possible?

Your thought appraciated, Liam.
Liam H

Might be easier to get a horn push from Moto Lita.

Andy
a borris

I got around this problem by using the later type indicator switch with horn push on the end of the stalk. The same switch is used on post '72 Minis which might be a cheaper source than MG. HTHs Barrie E
Barrie Egerton

Can you adapt/swap over the centre?
The MG centre horn bits came in a variety of shapes over the years with a variety of adapter surrounds.
That black and silver MGA centre might work
Failing that buy a push button switch, attach it to the back of the motolita centre, drill a largish hole in the motolita centre first and then buy the MG badge of your choice (I'm using the rubber (front) bumper badge and attach it though to the cheap horn switch with a spacer.
Good find by the way, these things cost more than 100 pounds
Peter

If it doesn't have the horn push, are you sure it has the right boss for your steering rack? At least the NA spec ones changed over the years. You might have the boss for a 70 or a RB B. Not to worry though as you can get a differnt boss from Motolita.
Greg Bowman

I second Barrie's comment - get one of the wiper stalks with the end horn push on it. One for a '68 North American car will do the job.
John Hubbard

My Moto-Lita has a central push. However it exhibits some internal resistance, which together with additional resistance from the column to ground (very common with collapsible columns which have an even worse path to the body with many mechanical fixings) means it won't sound the correct horns, which explains why it came to me with what looked like a horn off a moped! I could have put a ground-strap from body to column but that still would leave the wheel resistance, and I didn't fancy attempting to dismantle that with its Spire clips on plastic pins. So I opted for a relay, which works fine.

According to Clausager North American cars changed to a column horn push in 68 for the MkII, other models in 1970, then all reverted to a wheel push for 71 as it wasn't popular. Then all markets changed back to a stalk push with the plastic wheel and dash for 77. So for a Liam a 1970 indicator/dip switch would be needed.
Paul Hunt 2

Thanks everyone, lots of different options.

The reason I want to use the moto wheel is that it has a smaller diameter - I'm 6'2" and its a squeeze getting in and out as it is!

Plus it is a nice chunky thing in good condition and was free!

The centre/boss is a completely different diameter and design to the CB wheel, so I can't swap that over without major machining.

I will try the newer stalk option first. I have a 78 RB donor I will canibalise, plus a 73 and 74 CB column assembly to practice on, the answer will be in there somewhere! Then the other options.

Paul - can you describe the wiring for your horn relay ?
Liam H

Liam - you can find it here: http://www.mgb-stuff.org.uk/wn_electricsframe.htm, click on 'Horns' and scroll down a bit until you see 'Adding a relay'.
Paul Hunt 2

You need this link for Pauls site:

http://www.mgb-stuff.org.uk/wn_electricsframe.htm

The comma messes it up otherwise :)

Simon Jansen

Thanks, that link is so useful.
Liam

This thread was discussed between 12/02/2006 and 15/02/2006

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