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Attachment of OD Switch to to gearshift cover

Posted by Colin-78MGB

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Attachment of OD Switch to to gearshift cover #1
Colin-78MGB Colin C Nova Scotia, Canada 1978 MG MGB	Posted: June 30, 2012 08:26PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 46

I have replaced the four speed transmission in my '78B with one having an OD. I tried having a dash switch for the OD, but did not like the set up. Now I am trying to switch (no pun intended) to the one mounted on top of the gear lever. I have new switch and cap, but do not have the screws (I am assuming) to attach the switch. Any suggestions as to what I am supposed to use here?
Thanks,
Colin

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Re: Attachment of OD Switch to to gearshift cover #2
kwinzee Ron Weber Hamilton, Ontario, Canada 1972 MG MGB GT "Struggles" 1976 MG MGB "Knute" 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer "Gray Whale"	Posted: June 30, 2012 11:05PM Registered: 3 years ago Posts: 5,540

Does your wiper switch lever flip forward and back? If so, connect the O/D wire to the yellow wire found amonst the bundle of connectors on the passenger side under the hood. Then just use that lever to engage and disengage the O/D.

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Re: Attachment of OD Switch to to gearshift cover #3
forda2 Brian Martin San Antonio, Texas, USA 1931 Ford Model A 1980 MG MGB	Posted: July 01, 2012 06:23AM Registered: 5 years ago Posts: 442

THere should have been two small screws with the switch itself. If not, take it to Radio Shack and see if they have some small ones that will fit. Failing that, let me know and I may have a few extras.

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Re: Attachment of OD Switch to to gearshift cover #4
Colin-78MGB Colin C Nova Scotia, Canada 1978 MG MGB	Posted: July 01, 2012 06:38AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 46

Thanks, but I am attaching the switch to the gearshift lever as was done on the '77-'80 cars.

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Re: Attachment of OD Switch to to gearshift cover #5
Colin-78MGB Colin C Nova Scotia, Canada 1978 MG MGB	Posted: July 01, 2012 06:41AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 46

Thanks Brian. No screws with the switch and lots of filing to get the holes to match with the gearshift cover.
Will try 'The Source' as Radio Shack is called here. Happy Canada Day!

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Re: Attachment of OD Switch to to gearshift cover #6
MGman112 Ken Glass Jacksonville, IL, USA 1979 MG MGB ""Angelina""	Posted: July 01, 2012 08:11AM Registered: 3 years ago Posts: 613

Colin,
Here is what I did for the switch. I turned a knob from an Exotic wood and drilled it for the wiring and used an insert with the original jam nut. Its lighted as well, when in OD.

Regards,
Ken

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Re: Attachment of OD Switch to to gearshift cover #7
kwinzee Ron Weber Hamilton, Ontario, Canada 1972 MG MGB GT "Struggles" 1976 MG MGB "Knute" 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer "Gray Whale"	Posted: July 01, 2012 08:13AM Registered: 3 years ago Posts: 5,540

That looks real spiffy, Ken, nice job. The drink holder looks good too!!

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Re: Attachment of OD Switch to to gearshift cover #8
ClayJ Clay Johnston Mt. Olive, MS, USA 1972 MG MGB	Posted: July 01, 2012 08:58AM Registered: 7 years ago Posts: 7,353

Did you also get the slotted shift-lever? In the original setup, the wires run down that slot.

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Re: Attachment of OD Switch to to gearshift cover #9
Colin-78MGB Colin C Nova Scotia, Canada 1978 MG MGB	Posted: July 01, 2012 09:59AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 46

Clay, Have all the correct bits to set up the shift lever, just not the screws. I think all of the '77-'80 shift levers are slotted as mine was original with the regular 4 speed. I really like the home turned knob.

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Re: Attachment of OD Switch to to gearshift cover #10
pmaland2000 Paul Maland Leduc, Alberta, Canada 1973 MG MGB "Bea"	Posted: July 01, 2012 11:03AM Registered: 6 years ago Posts: 567

Colin,
Sometimes a good source for small screws are the hobby shops. The model railroaders and R/C guys use a variety.

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Re: Attachment of OD Switch to to gearshift cover #11
MGman112 Ken Glass Jacksonville, IL, USA 1979 MG MGB ""Angelina""	Posted: July 01, 2012 11:07AM Registered: 3 years ago Posts: 613

Colin & Ron,
Thanks.

Colin,
Yes, the 77-80 B's had the slotted shift rod to be able to accommodate the OD switch mounted on the knob. I know of others who have had trouble with the switch mounting holes lining up with an original shift knob too.

Regards,
Ken

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Re: Attachment of OD Switch to to gearshift cover #12
lewisrn Bob Lewis Danville, IN, USA 1980 MG MGB "The "B""	Posted: July 01, 2012 11:13AM Registered: 2 years ago Posts: 3,574

I'm confused. The switch on my 80B doesn't attach with screws, it just snaps on the knob. What screws are you looking for?

EDIT - If you're talking about how to attach the knob to the shaft, there should be a chrome tapered nut underneath the knob and a thin hexagonal nut that goes inside the knob and screws down on the shaft. Once you have the inside nut as tight as possible, then tighten (counterclockwise) the chrome tapered nut against the bottom of the knob.

Life is a state of mind.

80B - Engine overhauled 1/11, SU HS4's, O/D, all Speedhut gauges, cruise control, front & rear suspensions rebuilt, tube shocks on rear, Moss lowering kit, Bell SS Exhaust, Ed's 110 amp alternator, Schlemmerized distributor with Pertronix, LED tail lights, halogen headlights, Limey's fuse box & relays, etc., etc.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/01/2012 12:03PM by lewisrn.

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Re: Attachment of OD Switch to to gearshift cover #13
Colin-78MGB Colin C Nova Scotia, Canada 1978 MG MGB	Posted: July 01, 2012 12:40PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 46

Bob, you must have an 'evolved' arrangement for your OD switch.
I am surprised at the very non-robust nature of the cap and attachment points for the switch (on the underside of the cap). I can certainly see where these would break and may seat my screws with epoxy to make the whole arrangement a bit stronger. I know that this will not be able to come apart once done, but maybe if it is built strong from the start...

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Re: Attachment of OD Switch to to gearshift cover #14
ErnieY Ernie Y Nr Cahors, France 1970 MG MGB 1976 MG MGB GT 1978 MG MGB	Posted: July 01, 2012 02:58PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 2,832

For the avoidance of doubt !

The screws are 0.075" or 5/64" dia.

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Re: Attachment of OD Switch to to gearshift cover #15
Colin-78MGB Colin C Nova Scotia, Canada 1978 MG MGB	Posted: July 01, 2012 07:08PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 46

Merci bien, Ernie!

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Re: Attachment of OD Switch to to gearshift cover #16
RAY 67 TOURER Ray Marloff Fort Bragg, CA, USA 1967 MG MGB "My Girl"	Posted: July 02, 2012 01:03AM Registered: 3 years ago Posts: 5,936

Also, make certain that you get the wiring harness for the shift knob mounted switch. It has miniature spade connectors that are unique to this application and are extremely difficult to copy. It can be purchased from Moss or VB for under $14. RAY

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Re: Attachment of OD Switch to to gearshift cover #17
ErnieY Ernie Y Nr Cahors, France 1970 MG MGB 1976 MG MGB GT 1978 MG MGB	Posted: July 02, 2012 01:23AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 2,832

I similarly converted my 76 from it's stalk operated OD to the gear stick and soldered the wires to the switch then to facilitate possible future stick removal used a small inline connector under the leather boot.

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Re: Attachment of OD Switch to to gearshift cover #18
RAY 67 TOURER Ray Marloff Fort Bragg, CA, USA 1967 MG MGB "My Girl"	Posted: July 02, 2012 02:32PM Registered: 3 years ago Posts: 5,936

Ernie, soldering those tiny connections at the switch isn't easy. Too much heat and you can melt the internal contacts of the switch. They were only designed to handle 800 ma. The OD harness is once again available, after being NLA for quite some time. It costs very little and plugs right into the special male connectors on the OD switch. It even has an external sheath to prevent chafing. Those experienced with soldering small items will find your approach easy to do, but novices can ruin the switch in only a few seconds. RAY

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Re: Attachment of OD Switch to to gearshift cover #19
ErnieY Ernie Y Nr Cahors, France 1970 MG MGB 1976 MG MGB GT 1978 MG MGB	Posted: July 02, 2012 03:20PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 2,832

You can solder to the exposed vertical strips so do not have to fiddle where the connectors fit.

I make the assumption that anybody considering it is competent to do the job but also recognise that some do not know their limitations grinning smiley

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Re: Attachment of OD Switch to to gearshift cover #20
Colin-78MGB Colin C Nova Scotia, Canada 1978 MG MGB	Posted: July 03, 2012 12:22PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 46

Who would have thought a couple of small screws would be so difficult to find. I ended up using a long screw that was small enough, cut two small bits off, then used JB Weld to hold it all together.
For the spade connectors I cut two female spade connectors in half, then filed them to fit.
Not to get at the wires and reroute them from the dash.
The weather is too nice to have the car up on stands!
Thanks for all the help!
Happy driving.

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