MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - TF wiper switch R&R

As with everything else of the TF, the wiper switch is pretty gunked up (photo)and requires further disassembly. Is it possible to easily remove the shaft from the housing? thanks, Tyler


C.T. Irwin

Been a while ...but I was thinking there was a set screw here and a "flat" on the shaft?:

As an OBTW:
Mine had been swapped at some point so the "engage" knob was on the passenger side, instead of drivers.
Getting them "sync'd" was just silly.
Made even more difficult in that I added a set of locking glove box covers.

The easy solution was to leave them engaged and add a toggle switch under the dash. Used it again yesterday when I got caught in the rain coming home. Much easier than unlocking/removing the covers as the keys are on same ring as ignition key requiring me to shut the car down to get to them!


David Sheward

Well, I got the pin out. It's tapered and I was lucky enough to bang it out from the correct direction. The switch is in pretty poor condition though. It won't quite fully disconnect in the off position, trickling a low charge, probably due to a lot of rust. Does anyone rebuild these? I'd try it, but the rivets are tiny and I'll bet they're tough to locate. thanks, Tyler
C.T. Irwin

Which way did you take out the pin?

Just curious since this will be something I will need to address.

Thanks,

Frank
Frank Cronin

Frank,
Take a close look at both ends of the pin. The end that's been previously hammered to drive the pin will appear a bit flattened out. I used the small tool in a nail finishing kit to start the pin out, then finished driving it with a thinner nail. Don't forget, when you clean the wiper box shaft that it's spring loaded. Depress the entire shaft, and it will compress, reveiling the internal spring. There's a lot of gunk in there that needs cleaning out.
I might have to find an electronics technician to see if the wiper switch can be rebuilt. Tyler
C.T. Irwin

I don't think you need a tech Tyler. It's a pretty simple mechanisim. Basically a set of points that are held open with the ring on the shaft when pushed it and they make contact when pulled back. I'd suggest some work with a points file and perhaps a little bending if needed to get what you need.

Like David I opted to by pass the switch and put in a toggle switch. I made up some glove box doors so access on the road to the stock switch isn't so good.
L E D LaVerne

Tyler,
It has been a number of years since I was in there!

Just how tiny are the rivets?
I may have what you need ...and can send them at N/C.

I will have to check size but have a bunch of very small stainless ones. Was easy "finding them" ...but they only would order in 10k quantities.
Believe I have more than I will use in this life time!
LOL

I'll check the size, as I don't recall it off hand, and let you know a bit later ...after I cut the grass.
David Sheward

IMHO:
I wouldn't bother with the switch.
At best it was a joke, (at least mine was) hard to get engaged on "primary" and even crazier to get them "in-sync". Toggle is much easier.

LaVerne's set up with 2 speed is even better!
David Sheward

Yep, It's taking up way too much time. I'll put in a toggle switch for right now. thanks, Tyler


C.T. Irwin

That is not the spindle with the switch, is it on the other spindle?
Don Harmer

Sorry, Here it is, Don. Ready to go back under the dash. The rivets that hold the switch together must be 2 mm.


C.T. Irwin

The switch works great on my TF 1500.

When needed I usually only engage the drivers wiper in heavy rains
otherwise RainEx, But it does work!!!!
Don Harmer
Don Harmer

Tyler, I'd go ahead and put the wiring on the switch and route it in...even though you won't be using it. You can't get it in after the dash is in place. Mine's there..and it is functional even if I don't use it. Might make a difference to a future owner.
L E D LaVerne

Anyone know why the disconnect feature was put in the system? Why would you want to shut one wiper off if it's raining? Sometimes I wonder about some of their ideas! I'm in favor of installing a separate switch and leaving them engaged. PJ
Paul sr

headlights AND TWO wipers, you know Lucas dynamos can't
handle that load.
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

This thread was discussed between 12/08/2013 and 18/08/2013

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.