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MG MGB Technical - Replacing Ignition Barrel.

Hi Folks,

I have recently purchased a 1976 MGBGT.....extremely pleased with it except had a bit of a disaster with the ignition switch/barrel where the key has snapped and there is no spare.

I opened up the cowling today as as far as I can see to replace the barrel I think I need to drill out two bolts at the top of the column so that I can split it in two to get access. Am I correct?

Any help on this appreciated and advice on which part I need off eBay would also be useful, again I think I know but want to run it by the experts out there.

Many thanks all.
M Robertson

Been there done that. After you disconnect the battery, you need to remove the electrical switch from the key assembly. On the very bottom of the key assembly, is a very tiny Phillips screw. That screw needs to be backed out to release the switch from the key assembly. Then you can remove the key assembly from the steering column.

Once you obtain a replacement key assembly, reverse the procedure and you should be good to go.

Let us know how this turns out

Cheers

Gary
79 MGB
gary hansen

Drop the column (you should have to do this to get the cowl off properly anyway) and cut the sheared bolts front-back with a hacksaw. Then use a slot screwdriver to remove them. They're massively hard to drill.

The column drops by removing the 3 large 3/8 bolts (9/16 AF head). Don't lose or mix up the shims (if any) or you risk ruining the column to rack alignment. Also don't just let the column flop about or you could bend something. Support it with your knees + pillow or something suitable. Just lower it enough to get the cowl off and the hacksaw in. There may or may not be some form of cable tie on the column holding the stalk wiring, that may need to be removed too or you risk hanging the column off the wiring loom. Not good obviously.

Most new barrels come with the switch bit already attached; however it may have the wrong plug on (or no plug at all!), so you might want to swap it anyway.
Roadwarrior

An easy job on my 73, which does have the lock in a different place to a 76 of course, with the bolts going in from above and towards the centre of the car, so you are drilling up into a guide hole from the door side. The bolts were very easy to drill out, one going straight up the middle, and the other only slightly off to one side.

Definitely remove the switch before tackling it, and don't drop the column unless you have to. I assisted on one on a 78 and that didn't need dropping as I recall.

More info on the 73 here http://www.mgb-stuff.org.uk/suspensiontext.htm#slock
Paul Hunt

If the shroud has all 4 screws in it, you have to drop it to get to the rear 2 screws. If not, a bit of wiggling might do it.
I think it's just way easier to drop the column so you're not struggling. It's only 3 bolts. Just don't lose those shims! (If any).
Roadwarrior

That's true, I was forgetting those pesky rear screws, fortunately mine and another didn't have them.
Paul Hunt

This thread was discussed between 14/03/2015 and 17/03/2015

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