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MG TD TF 1500 - TF octagonal switch alternative???

Hi all.
I would like to fit the on/off for the wipers onto the dash,and was wondering if anyone has made a switch knob to look like an original?
I remember seeing somewhere a post about a guy who used a knob off something that looked near identical,fitted it to a std pull on off switch to make it look the part?
I cannot remember the forum or find the thread about it!!
Any ideas as to who,where???
I was thinking of getting a Morris minor round Wiper pull switch and grinding flats on it to make it octagonal!!!

Cheers Dave
Pilkie

Why fit an on/off wiper for the wipers when you already have one? The TF system relies on the switch in the wiper handle and the system was borrowed from the Y-type f.i.

On my Y-type I cleaned and lubricated the whole system and now it works fine again. Before that it was a nightmare as it only worked when dry. As soon as the rain started in earnest the system went dead...
Not that the wipers are very effective when they do operate, but it's better than nothing.
Willem vd Veer

I know it does!
Because I want to!!
Its the daftest place ive come across for a wiper switch!!!!
Pilkie

I left all the original bits in place and mounted a sub panel with toggle switches for mine. Has switch for the heater blower and cable pull for the heat temp as well. But I also mounted a hidden two speed wiper motor from a midget for some real wiper action. Then I made up some locking glove box covers for some secure storage. Did I mention I like walnut.


L E D LaVerne

Nothing all that fancy.


L E D LaVerne

I just hid a flat rocker type switch in the glove box out of sight. I also added a fuse.

AJ
A R Jones

I had an unused auxiliary two position switch on my TF dash that I think was there in case anyone wanted to fit fog lights...

That is what I used. I put the wipers into the on position and then just cut the black wire under the dash and connected it up

Cheers
Dave
Dave Moore

Dave.
The Aux position on my original dash was taken up by a knackered chrome cigar lighter!

AJ.
Hiding a switch in the glovebox I would imagine is still a bit fiddly to activate if it starts raining when you are driving??
But then I suppose you would have to stop to put the hood up anyway!

Am still thinking of just fitting Brooklands Aeroscreens and not fitting the main screen and wipers,as I dont intend driving it in the wet!

Pilkie

Like LaVerne I have locking glovebox lids.
Put a wiper switch on "aux" panel under my dash.


David Sheward

Back to my original Q??
Does anyone know anything about the TF octagonal switch alternative used by a creative owner???
Pilkie

I guess I don't understand your query Dave.

Are you looking to replace the round knob on the original switch or are you looking to mount a new switch to the dash?

If going the dash panel then I would think the auxillary switch would work if you aren't mounting fog lights. If you are and want an additional switch then I would think an additional "A" auxillary switch would work just as well.
L E D LaVerne

I'm confused as well.
The switches are easy to find and last time I looked Moss still sold the octagonal knobs also.
(Although being in the UK Abingdon Spares might be a better source for you.)

If you are fitting fog lamps, one way out might be to install a 2 post switch for the "Aux" allready on the dash. i.e. 1st click Fog lamps / 2nd click wipers.
IMHO: That would be a workable option ...your fog lamps would be on when wipers are...not a bad idea.
(Actually were I live it is a state law that lights must be on when raining and/or wipers are on.)

The "AUX" switch on my TF is fitted with a dual post switch. I just don't have anything hooked up to the "2nd click" right now. In all honesty ...had I remembered at the time that is where I would have put my wipers instead of drilling another hole in my panel. LOL

I just did not want to drill any new holes into the dash to add switches so went with an aux panel for mine so if the next owner wanted to return to orginial it would not be an issue that would make me the "DPO"!
David Sheward

I just looked at newest Moss Catalog on line.
And it does show these are both still sold.
Items 41 & 42 on Page 46 & 47
Does that help?


David Sheward

I'm kinda enamoured of the "don't waste the money on a new hood or wipers" philosophy, put broklands screens on it and don't sweat the rain.
jud
J K Chapin

Jud, you may change your mind if you lived where Dave lives. England has just had a very very wet summer.

Matthew.
M Magilton

To clarify the obvious confusion.
Must be a USA/UK language thing!!!

My main question was/is!!

Somebody out there in MG-T world made a knob to fit onto a std switch from something that looked like an original octagonal knob.
Could even of been the black knob off the top of a tea or coffeepot for all I know!!

I want to fit a switch on the dash for the wipers.
I want the switch to look like an original octagonal switch but with a W on it.
I do not have an Aux switch,just a hole where a cigar lighter was.
I want the symbol on it to be W, not A,L,P,S or C,so buying one from Moss is not an option.
If I could buy a blank one then problem solved!
I am going to wire up the instrument dial lights to the light L switch,and have the map/panel lights on the Panel switch,but dont want to wire up the wipers to the Panel switch 2nd pull.
I have plenty of std toggle type on/off switches to choose from,and will use one for now,but thats not what I want.

I hope this clarifies any confusion!!

Jud.
I will have a tonneau,leather jacket,biggles flying hat and goggles if I get caught in a little shower!!
Pilkie

The Y-type has unmarked octagonal switchknobs and they should turn up at autojumbles from time to time? I guess NTG should also have a supply of them, complete with chrome bezel?

In another thread somebody indeed showed a coffeepot (or something like it) with an octagonal knob. Maybe a trip to the local charityshop is in order?
Willem vd Veer

Ok....now I has understanding. Find an original bakelight auxillary switch. Sand the face lightly with some fine paper and then polish it out on a buffing wheel. Just using the buffing wheel alone may be enough to do the job of removing the "A". Then engrave a "W" into the face and fill the "groove" with some white paint and your'e good to go. I don't know how well it would work with the newer plastic replacement knobs.
L E D LaVerne

Willem.

Great info,that was what I hoped for!
Will look out for one!

LED.

I had considered the possibility of getting a s/h knob and rubbing it down,and if I find one cheap enough to throw away if I mess it up will have a go.

Ive got a few shows,autojumbles to attend in the next month or 2,so will look out for one.
Pilkie

Ah Ha ...this dumb Yank will look in his spares today and see if I may have one you could sand down!
David Sheward

Not at all dumb David.
Maybe linguistically challenged when it comes to UK and USA word meanings!! "hehe"
Thanks for looking though,just hope shipping doesnt make it uneconomic!
Going to an autojumble this sunday,so may get lucky.
Pilkie

I think Gordon Lawson was the one that "made" a dash knob out of an old tea kettle top.
(Or would that be a "tea kettle bonnet" in the UK? LOL)
Not sure what the thread was.
Will let you know what I find later today.
David Sheward

Soon as I opened my little box of Lucas spares ...it dawned on me that I gave them away a couple years ago.
Used to be right there with the spare turn signal lever! Sorry.


David Sheward

David, the (2012) thread was titled "Mystery" and is in the Archives now. The mystery was surrounding the octagonal knob like the one Pilkie needs.

That knob is now in my possesion so I can create a "period" cigar lighter in my Y-type.
Willem vd Veer

This thread was discussed between 15/01/2013 and 18/01/2013

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