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MG TD TF 1500 - MG TD Ignition Switch

Good Day to all
Does anyone have any experience with renovating the ignition/headlamp switch for an MGTD, ie how is it disassembled
Thanks
Mark Harris

Mark

The best place to have the switch rebuilt/restored is to send it to Craig Seabrook at the Whitworth shop. His service is first class and the switch will come back looking and working like new. I have had an igniton switch rebuilt by Craig and the service was prompt, courteous and not too expensive. I was also very impressed that Craig took the time to give me a call to discuss the service as well. His business is in Ohio and he does much more than just ignition switches.

To contact him he has email at "seabrook@en.com"

Brian
brian

I hope the following helps - it is easier to do than describe - but is a messy job. I would not attempt this unless you have first played with some old ones and have several spares. I managed to acquire about ten different styles (all basically the same with common parts) at swap meets from $2-$5 each -. You can get an almost brand new switch with just a little care and patience for a fraction of the cost of a new one.

The switch consists of two parts. One is held together by the front dial and the other by the key assembly and a nut at the rear.

To dismantle first twist the front corm surround of the dial to align tabs on crome section with slots in bakelite rear section. This will release the dial and a large spring that sits behind it - you may have to fiddle with your key to ensure that it comes out cleanly.

This will leave the key tumbler attached to the rear of the switch. You should now be able to release the key tumbler from the back section by turning the key and moving pins to align with inside rear section, rather than sticking out of slot. Unless you have spare components readily available do not proceed to dismantle the rear section. To dismantle it you must first remove the solder securing a small nut in the centre of the rear of the switch and then undo the nut. Next you will see two small metal tabs sticking out the back of the switch and these have to be bent slightly to release the centre piece - these hold in place the cylinder that holds the tumbler. Great care is needed here as these tabs are very fragile and break easily - the reason for the spares. As soon as you release the tabs the centre components should separate - take great care they don't fly apart and have a pen and paper ready to note the details of how they separate. Inside this section are two cam type pieces with two distinct profiles on each half - you need to note how this are located and how they go together.

The brown switch lever has a series of four pattern slots around its inner edge that matches a brass bevel at the back (and also the white plastic dial at the front) they must go together so that these patterns match.

Re assembly is the reverse of the above - first assemble the rear section, then insert big spring, align notches and press front dial on. In some dials the slots that hold the front on only fit one way ie they are also off set to the back bakelite section - so take care.

Another hint for new dished glass lenses If you want a new dish shaped glass, take your chrome surround to optical/glasses shop and have a clear glass blank ground to the correct diameter - no one will ever know the difference and again the cost is very cheap.

Darcy Geale
Darcy Geale

This thread was discussed between 21/04/2000 and 26/04/2000

MG TD TF 1500 index

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