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MG MGB Technical - Works Gearknob with OD Switch

Does anybody know where I can get one of these? It's the aluminium type with a toggle in the front. I've seen them on the works cars and on a works-style GT today. A supplier would be best, but I'd be happy with a drawing!
Thanks,
Neil
Neil22

Neil,

as this item is a Triumph spare, it should be the easiest way to try this sources and some of the link pages shown there. This layout was dictated to Abingdon for the 1977 on modells and i own one GT that is fitted with this type af OD switch. Although looking extremely professional, in practise it is a joke compared with the switch at the colume used on later OD MG's just before this 'modification' was done.

Hope this helps

Ralph
Ralph

Thanks Ralph, but I was thinking of the machined aluminium know rather than the Dolomite part. I've found one (thanks to the archives) on a big Healey website. Seem quite cheap, just need to find out the thread size to see if I can adapt it for the MG.

http://www.bighealey.co.uk/largepic.php?src=0438136ca5e6f24bff75eb4ad486a67c_large.jpg

Neil
Neil22

Neil. The gear shift lever on the Mark II gear shift is 3/8"-16 tpi, while the later model gear shift is 7/16"-20 tpi.

The type of gear shift knob you refer to was only one of the methods used. Another method was to clamp a switch to the gear shift lever just below the knob. There are several photos on that style in some of my books on the Austin-Healey race/rally cars.

The knob you reference is simply turned out of a round piece of aluminum, drilled to either fit onto the gear shift knob by threading on or by being held in place by an internal nut, and has a cavity to hold the toggle switch. The top will be fitted over the cavity and held in place by either a screw thread or a set screw. The switch needs to be fairly small to fit into the cavity. Hence, using the switch to power a relay rather than using it to power the overdrive unit directly would be an excellent idea.

It would be very easy to have a custom knob made--I have made up a number of them as gifts. But, unless made on a CNC (computer controlled machine), they take a fair amount of time to make, raising the cost for a one-off.

I agree with Ralph that a switch on the gearshift knob/gearshift lever is not as desirable as one mounted on the steering column or the dash. (I mount mine on the dash because my cars are used for touring.) For rally use, the larger gearshift know with an internal switch or a switch mounted just below the knob might work very well. The switch below the knob is easier to design.

Les
Les Bengtson

Neil,

I've got the one you you refer to on my car.

You can simply ask for the right thread (just mention the type of MGB gearbox you have, it should be sufficient).

It's also very easy to use and a lot more pleasing to the eye then the standard items (imho), the earlier cars even didn't have that option.

Brgds,

Alex
Alexander M

Seems like a rocker switch would be far easier to use than the bat toggle shown.
Steve Simmons

Thanks for the info Les, but it turns out that Alex is absolutely right, just need to specify 3 synchro or 4 synchro. About £35 + VAT.

Stalk on the column might work (although where would I put it...?). Switch on dash is rubbish for quick OD 3rd to 4th shifts (and vice versa), requiring both hands off the wheel momentarily.

The reason for the toggle, rather than a rocker, is that it would be easier to use when wearing thick (motorsport) gloves.

Thanks all,

Neil
Neil22

I have the curved factory OD switch mounted on the console in front of my shift lever on my '67 Roadster. My finger falls right on it and
I'm able to engage/disengage OD with very little effort. Ray
RAY

I've a column mounted switch on a TR6 and the standard gearnob switch on the MGB, IMO the column switch is far superior.
Ron
R. Algie

I agree. With people paying a fortune for the kudos of a paddle change on some cars, it makes me smile when some MGB owners talk about the 5-speed box being an improvement over the six-speed standard system. I very rarely need to go from OD 3rd to 4th or vice-versa i.e. change gear and switch the OD at the same time, which makes the column switch the 'paddle' change of the 70s. Off-topic but another one that makes me smile are those cars with a starter button, where you have to insert an ignition key and turn it first!
Paul Hunt 2

This thread was discussed between 18/10/2007 and 22/10/2007

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