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MG MGB Technical - Ignition switch/lock install, '77B

Hello all. I have an ignition switch and key lock that just crapped out after being very sticky for a month or so. I'm waiting on delivery of the new part but would like to get things ready. I have a few questions that I'm sure you guys can answer for me. First of all, does the steering column have to be completely removed or can it just be slackened abit(collect/mark packing washers)from the top support? If assembly does indeed have to be removed, how difficult is it to seperate the column from u-joint below toe-board? Does ANYBODY have a quicker procedure, does Twist or anybody else do a video on the subject? Thanks in advance for the help. I don't want to waste the season sitting in the garage.
Anthony Carbone

Anthony. You only need to remove the cowl around the steering column to replace the lock assembly. It helps is you remove the steering wheel so you do no have to work around it. There are two shear bolts used to hold the assembly to the steering column. The heads break off as the assembly is tightened to the column. I remove the old bolts, use a Dremel tool with a cut off wheel to cut a line across the tops of the bolts, then use a screwdriver to remove them. Rather than using the new bolts to install the new assembly, use socket head cap screws which can be easily removed in the future. All of the ones I have removed, except one on a 1980 model, used a standard Unified National thread, but I do not remember the size off the top of my head.

The one Moss ignition switch I installed lasted almost a year before it became too difficult to turn the key, even with good teflon lubrication applied. Now, I try to find a good used switch when I need to replace an existing switch.

Les
Les Bengtson

This thread was discussed on 29/07/2010

MG MGB Technical index

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