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MG MGB Technical - Rocker Switch Removal

I just acquired a 1976 MGB. I had a 1974, 30 years ago, but it was new, so I didn't work on it much then.

The hazard switch is damaged, and I'm going to have to replace it (my turn signals aren't working). I have the Bently manual, and in the back they show a rocker switch removal tool.

Does anyone know if this tool is still available from someone? If not, do you have a clever way to remove the switch without removing the center console?

Thanks!
John English

John. To the best of my knowledge, the proper tool is not available. The advice I got from a couple professional mechanics was to disconnect the battery, break the switch out, trying not to damage the dash, install the new switch, reconnect the battery. Hate to say it, but that advice worked better than anything I could come up with and, working carefully, I did not damage the dash. Les
Les Bengtson

Thank you, Les!

Breaking the switch won't be a problem - it's not salvagable anyway. Did you do any damage to the housing that holds the switch? I have a switch coming, but I didn't order the housing.
John English

I don't know if the US 76 dash is the same as my 76/77 UK one but I got the switches out without too much trouble by accessing them from behind (using the hole where the air vents go). The back of the switches have small sprung tabs at top and bottom. From the back of the switch you can push the top ones down with a screwdriver and pivot the switch forward, you can then wiggle and push (from behind) and try and lever up bottom tabs as required to get it free. No damage to dash.
D Lewis

That's good advice on removal of switches. My wiper switch is dodgy at present, so I plan to remove it tonight.

On the subject of rocker switches - is it possible to do replace older style switches with newer backlit switches? I was driving late at night in the rain last week & wasn't too keen on having to fumble around to find the wiper switch & windscreen washer on the dash.

73 BGT
Mark Whelan

Mark
Look at the various web-sites as they usually state the switch dimensions for you to see whether these will fit your existing apertures on your dash.
Places like:
http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.co.uk/
or
http://www.s-v-c.co.uk/

However, on the 1977> dash, the switches do light up with the side/headlights, so you would need to look at the wiring diagram to see how this worked. Usually, though, they light up with side, but then also light up when in use on a different circuit. The switches used in the later UK cars were a different rectangular size to the earlier cars, and have a terminal block at the back as opposed to just spade terminals.

HTH
Martin ZT

John,There is a company in Michigan(tool and die shop) that is reproducing tool,and i think he has the rocker removal tool.I met him here in Toledo @ a MGB car show.I will see if i have his car still.Rich O
rich osterhout

Hi.

If you are lucky and patient the switches can be eased out from the front, or as suggested by D Lewis.

I didn't have much luck with a 'pattern' switch, and rescued an OE one from a mini at the breakers.

Cars in the breakers with this switch type are getting harder to find, so stock up now !.

Don
Don

They are all held in place
with a 4 prong plastic clip
Older cars had metal retainers.

Your car has the vent controls on the
lower console (as I recall) so it's
not as easy to pull but the bottom
section is movable when loostened
up. (all of 4 screws)

The clips break easy anyway but
they "hook" into slots in the four
corners of the switch housing. Pry
out of the slot and extract the
switch.

You really should try to save the clip
or order up replacements otherwise the
switch will not seat. No reason
to bust it up 'cuz you'll still need
rear access to fasten in a new one


Howy

John. There is no "housing which holds the switch". The hazzard switch, and the fan switch, are single piece units which fit into an open hole--I think.

The reason I say "I think" is because I do not have a 76 car and my Bentley Manual for my 77 and 79 cars seems to show the sames style of switch used on the 76 as the later models.

I have a Hazzard switch for the 77 model onwards and it has two spring clips, one on the top and one on the bottom. My experience is that these clips, after many years, tend to jamb in place and are almost impossible to bend sufficiently to remove easily.

Remove the center console, where the switches are located on your 76. Get in from behind them, as Howy notes, this is a less than fun experience, but many things on an MG are that way. The driving makes them worth it. If not, we all would have had ours crushed the first time we had to do something major to them. Anyway, get in from behind. See how your switch is held in place (a small flashlight and an Optivisor can help here). Remove the old switch, breaking it if you have to. (Three extra points, towards making the next job easier, are earned if you can get it out intact though.) Install the new switch, install the console. Do something nice for yourself.

Every "repair opportunity" with an MG is an adventure. Treat it as something between a serious learning experience and a joke the Brits played on us. When you become frustrated, and we all do, leave it for a while, then go back to it the next day or after sitting back and having a beer. You will enjoy it a lot more that way. Les
Les Bengtson

Thank you for all the information! Boy, am I glad I found this site! I did a front brake job tonight, so I'll try the switch tomorrow afternoon. I'll start with the least destructive tip, and move on from there.

We live in the Atlanta, Georgia area, and they are having British Car Day north of the city tomorrow. There are suppose to be over 500 cars there. Since somebody may be making the tool, maybe he'll be at that show.

Thanks again. I'm a novice, but hopefully I can help somebody else out someday.

John

John English

This thread was discussed between 06/05/2005 and 07/05/2005

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