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MG MGA - Turn indicator switch

After many years of fiddling with repairing and/or re-setting the turn switch, leather bits, oil, etc., it’s time to do something better me thinks. Anyone got any good ideas for some modern but unobtrusive mod to get something more reliable and consistent but retaining the dashboard look? Preferably internal to the switch, though that may be asking too much given it’s small volume even if stripped out? Trying to avoid another electronic module tucked up behind the dashboard. Maybe just convert it to manual latched on/off with a gentle alarm sound reminder?
Any ideas welcome.
Bruce.
Bruce Mayo

I ended up using a simple on-off-on switch. works well but, of course, isn't "stock" looking. Hadn't thought about burying a rotating on-off-on switch inside the barrel of the old switch. If such a switch were available perhaps one could even use the original lever for a fully "stock" look.

I have a bright green LED indicator light on the dash but it's right behind my hand in the normal driving position so I still occasionally (all too often) forget to turn it off.

Jud
J K Chapin

I could never get on with the standard indicator switch, and so fitted a simply two way toggle switch that works well for me.
I also purchased a “bleeper” unit for just a few pounds, which I wired in parallel to the green dashboard light.
Graham V

Thanks Jud and Graham. I already have a tiny bleeper unit stuck onto the rear surface of the turn switch, only about 1cm diameter, and it gives a nice, not too loud warning sound when indicating, wired to the indicator lamp. So, the next logical step for me will be to investigate burying a latched on-off-on switch inside the main switch barrel, as you said Jud. That would be a nice solution if feasible. Bruce.
Bruce Mayo

I've fitted a clockwork replacement - you cannot see the difference and it works well.
David Brenchley

David, do you recall where you obtained the mechanism? I'd love to have a timed automatic return like the original but not dependent on a piston pulling a partial vacuum.

Thanks.

Jud
J K Chapin

I removed the diagram assembly and juts kept the contacts in place. Original switch, but no more automatic shut off. Simple solution and it works.....
Nick Kopernik

Me too David - any source details, technical details, diagrams/photos ideally please. It would be great to have something reliable, consistent and still looking original. Bruce.
Bruce Mayo

Do you mean one of these?

https://www.vintagecarparts.co.uk/products/414-mechanical-flasher-unit

I don't like the price though.

Malcolm
Malcolm Asquith

Yup, for ninety bucks I can turn the signal off by myself. Jud
J K Chapin

David
Could you give details of your clockwork mechanism modification please.
Bruce.
Bruce Mayo

I have had good luck disassembling, cleaning and greasing the original switch as long as the leather is reusable.
Bill Spohn

I would agree with Bill. The switch could not be much simpler. Easy to take apart, clean, and replace. My problems with turn signals have always been elsewhere and are generally electrical.
Bill Haglan

Just to update on this thread. First, thanks for all the comments and suggestions. After considering the various options I decided to go for the simplest solution which was to open up the switch and remove the big spring which then leaves it as a non-return left/right switch. With a little bleeper unit connected behind it’s a great result. Just switch off when done!
Bruce.
Bruce Mayo

This thread was discussed between 26/08/2022 and 30/09/2022

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