MGB & GT Forum

How in the world do you get headlight switch out to replace it ,I have the one with the light in it ,watched John twist video but doesn't tell you about a 1974 switch he makes a U shape piece of medal ,I don't think that's for my year ,that's for older cars wow do I have questions,headlight chrome rings on 74 how do they come off, HELP !!!!

To get the headlight rims off use a paint can opener to grab the bottom of the rims and pull softly so as not to damage them. They should pull off fairly easily.

There's a plastic square shaped retainer that locks in place. You'll have to get this retainer off to replace the switch. I did this last year on my '76.............tight quarters under the dash but it can be removed with your hand.

http://www.mgexp.com/phorum/read.php?1,1285547


Joey

X2. Paint Tin opener works great. I also put some masking tape down at the bottom of the ring to avoid unintentional scrapes or scratches on the paint.

Before putting your rings back on search this site for an easy mod to the rings that will make it much easier for you to take them off in the future.

The 1974 headlight switch has a wire retainer fitted completely around the back of the switch. Have to lie on your back with your head in the footwell and reach up to unclip it from the sides of the switch. Also possible to reach under while seated, but that never works for me.

As for the headlight switch: If I recall doing this correctly, you reach behind the switch, as has been said, and pry the longer sides of the plastic retainer outward. They sort of pinch the switch in place. To do this, you might have to first pull the thin plastic sides of that clip slightly backward since I believe there are some little plastic "hooks" on the sides. Once you manage to pull them backward, then outward (you do have tiny little hands, don't you?), you can withdraw the retainer so the switch comes free. Ideally. But often you just end up breaking the retainer, so getting a new one is best.

I think the idea of attaching the wires to the back of the new switch before inserting it is a great idea. Then clip it back into the new (or old) retainer.

As for the chrome headlight rings, do NOT use a screwdriver. You'll chip the paint. Tape off the area around the rings. It's worth it, believe me, to spend a few minutes doing this. A paint can opener hook will pull the outside of the chrome ring slightly downward or outward (right next to the paint you've carefully covered in tape). You can then lift the ring forward and away from the car over the little spring metal hook that's back there holding it on. Once you remove one ring, you can see what holds it on the car. You pull the ring outward, then lift its edge forward and away from the car. Don't pry it against the paintwork. That's the way I did it. It was a mess.

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Drew Maddock, So. Calif. USofA

I've never needed anything but my fingers to remove the headlight rings, on either my 71 or 78...

Chris,
Your 74 should have the lighted (green lens) type switch with the plastic surround holding to the dash from the rear.
Try to pry the long sides of the surround out of the switch one side at a time. It will take a little time to perfect the touch and feel.
Take a look at these links to help:
Click on images to get original size
http://www.myimagehosting.com/2660bfxX1-142065.pic
http://www.myimagehosting.com/2660bfxX1-142066.pic
http://www.myimagehosting.com/2660bfxX1-142067.pic

The headlight switch is probably the esiest of them all to get to.
hope this helps,
ted

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1974 MGB "Ruby" and 1974 MGB GT "Orphan"
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