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MG TD TF 1500 - Ignition Switch

Mounting the ignition switch to the dash doesn't look right on the back where the two studs go through the switch mounting holes at the base. Even though they match and enter the switch holes, they aren't long enough to go through far enough to put nuts on them. The studs do not appear to have been shortened and I'm wondering if my switch is from another car where the switch body is a little longer than it's supposed to be for a TF? It works very well and doesn't move with that being the only issue. I can use it, but would like to know if this is a replacement switch from another car? Is there a number on the switch, if so where would it be located? PJ
Paul S Jennings

Modern replacement seems to have a shorter body. Spade lugs instead of grub screws though.



Paul S Jennings

Mine looks like this, but with grub screws. This one is for a Triumph. Notice it's longer. I believe I have a Triumph switch. PJ



Paul S Jennings

Paul, that switch you show in your pictures is not the correct one for a TF. It may be correct for a modern TF but the one for your car should look like the one in my picture. It is actually from a MK 7 Jaguar so the studs for the wires face forward instead of backward.
Cheers, Hugh

H.D. Pite

The original doesn't have the the lock ring.

MG LaVerne

Not a great shot but here is the back side. Your switch may be useable for the application, but it will be different. The lock ring would not require the mounting studs used on the TF. Also a spade connector verses the grub set screw method.

MG LaVerne

Thanks Hugh and LaVerne. So your saying that the original doesn't have the screw on bezel on the face? No trim ring? Do we have a part number or anything to identify an original, in case I run across one? PJ
Paul S Jennings

There is a much lighter ring that is fitted to the dash but not the threaded large ring as used on later cars.
MG LaVerne

Only number I get off of this one I have is, it takes a 746 key. PJ
Paul S Jennings

Paul, the chrome ring (bezel) LaVerne refered to is as scarce as hens teeth. I thought I lost mine and went on a world wide search. Last week I started my search over at AS and was told to contact Craig Seabrook at the Withworth Shop. Sure enough he had me talk to Fred who will make one. In another search of boxes in the garage I found mine. You can bet there was a big sigh of relief because when Moss still listed them the price was around $70 for that little bezel.
F. Driver

Paul,

The TF Ignition Switch numbers/lettters are as follows-

Firstly,on the rear most,round part of the bakelite housing you should see Lucas S55.

Secondly,on the rest of the housing look for 31484 A 9 54

The last three digits of course simply indicates the month and year of a Lucas part manufacture.In this particular switch example,the month is September with the year build of 1954.

I trust this answers your question.

Cheers for now.
Rob Grantham
TF3719("Aramis"),TF9177("Athos").
R GRANTHAM

Paul, this is what we use for TF

ROD BRAYSHAW

You can make up the bezel in minutes with a very simple punch and die and a heavy hammer. I drilled out the centre of a large nut to act the die and found a piece of bar for the punch. I used a piece of thin stainless salvaged from ducting for a domestic oven hood. I cut a large "washer" from the stainless and thumped it into the die with the punch. I do have a small lathe and left the pressing on the punch and was able to hold this in the chuck to tidy up the external diameter. It could be done easily with a file though or even by rotating the punch/pressing against a grinding wheel.


Jan T
J Targosz

Rod, Rob and Jan, Thank you for this information, very much appreciated. As the Triumph switch looks good and works very well, I'm going to use it for now. My instruments all work well also, even though I intend to send them out to be re furbished, but not now, probably next Winter. I want to get this car on the road, so in the mean time I'll keep a sharp eye out for the proper switch which might turn up and hopefully by next Summer I can get the dash like I want it. Now I just found out the Moss seat kit back panel doesn't have a tacking strip on it! How these people can have this stuff made up and not adhere to the originals is beyond me. Makes me wonder where some of these peoples heads are when buying this stuff. Thanks again for the info! PJ
Paul S Jennings

One NOS popped up on ebay. Over 250 bucks! I don't think so. PJ
Paul S Jennings

This thread was discussed between 21/04/2015 and 22/04/2015

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