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MG MGB Technical - removal of head light switch 71 mgb

Hi everyone, i need to replace the head lamp switch and i wondering if anyone has a way to get that spring off without destroying the dash. thanks, don baker
dab donald a baker

You need one of two U-pieces, one to compress the locking tabs on the bezel if you want to remove bezel and switch complete, a smaller one if you want to remove the switch and leave the bezel in place. Alternatively you may be able to press them down with a small screwdriver whilst levering gently outwards, it depends on how much space there is and the size of your hands.
Paul Hunt

Thanks Paul, you mention a u pieces are you talking about a two piece spring? i have a old switch and springs. its been a while since i changed it-1988. i had the dash out then and it was alot easier. the books i have really dont show you a pic.my hands are large also so there isn't a lot of room. Thanks Don Baker
dab donald a baker

They are literally solid 'U'-shaped pieces of material, I'm enclosing an image taken from the Workshop Manual 'special tools' section. This pair are for one type of switch where there is a separate bezel and switch, there is another for what is described as the 'slim' type of rocker switch where presumably the switch fits directly into the dash. If you have an old one i.e. out of the dash and it is the same type you should be able to use that to measure and make one.


Paul Hunt

Thanks again paul for getting back to me. the image you sent to me i can't print so i will try to copy it off the image you sent. can you tell me where i can get a copy of the Manuel you found the diagram in? Thanks again, Don Baker
dab donald a baker

WARNING DANGER HAZARD

I pulled my headlight switch, forgetting that it was hot key-off. It touched something and burned the more expensive headlight dimmer stalk switch. Disconnect the battery or you are doomed.
Dan Robinson

Don - That is from the Leyland Workshop Manual available from the likes of Amazon, essential reading! Haynes is a cut-down version of that. There are also Bentley manuals which are reprints of the Leyland manuals but I don't know if they contain the section on special tools as well, others can probably confirm. Some editions of the manuals cover certain years only, make sure the one you get includes your year.

I'm going to take the liberty of including some links below that will give me a bit of commission which helps defray web site costs a bit should you choose to purchase, you can purchase direct if you wish:

Leyland manual (up to about 76 I think) - http://tinyurl.com/43oyzz
Bentley 63-80 - http://tinyurl.com/4jaaaf
Paul Hunt

This thread was discussed between 25/05/2008 and 03/06/2008

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