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MG MGA - Brake Lights Switch

Does anyone have a foolproof method of holding the junction steady (without snapping brake pipes) while applying torque (the undoing sort) to the switch? It's such a long way down, and I've been racking my brains to think of an everyday household implement that will do the job - but without success.
Nick

Nick, I think almost all of us have been there!

Some ideas here!

I think it's John Cole's tip near the bottom I favour most.

http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgbbs&access=&mode=archiveth&subject=6&subjectar=6&thread=2009071014583115009

Neil
Neil McGurk

Oh and if you are using a new repro. replacement switch, you might want to install a relay:

http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgbbs&access=&mode=archiveth&subject=6&subjectar=6&thread=2009071622324322372
Neil McGurk

Many years ago when I had that problem in one of my MGAs, I installed a switch (push type)in a bracket closed to the pedal brakes, when I pushed the pedal it operated the switch connected to the break lights, 100% proof no failure any more!!
R Garcia

Nick - "Oh and if you are using a new repro. replacement switch, you might want to install a relay"

See the article, Brake Light Relay in the Other Tech Articles section of my web site at: http://homepages.donobi.net/sufuelpumps/ for information on making and installing a relay/arc suppression circuit. Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

Thanks all. Of course, I should have looked in the archive: there's a lot on this topic, isn't there?

Nick

Oh yes, like I say, we've all been there!
Neil McGurk

I did it by having someone hold a pry bar against the junction to hold against the torque - the switch came unscrewed without breaking the junction.
J.A. Rapson

I use an adjustable spanner on one of the legs,
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

OK - got it off.

The crowbar wedged between the union and the seam on top of the chassis rail did it, plus waiting till I could find an assistant and the right 7/8" long socket.

Thanks for your help.
Nick

This thread was discussed between 31/08/2009 and 04/09/2009

MG MGA index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.