MGB & GT Forum

MGB steering wheel cowl removal: can't get the screws out!

Topic List Forum List Newer Older Start New Topic

MGB steering wheel cowl removal: can't get the screws out! #1
Tynker61 Christopher Tyn (New Member) Athol, NY, USA Sign in to contact	Topic Creator (OP) Apr 30, 2024 06:15 PM Joined 16 days ago 5 Posts

This happened to me. I removed 3 of the 4 screws holding the cowl. A screw fell out from the 4th. Could not get the Phillips screwdriver to bite. Jeez... I needed to replace the turn signal/ high beam dipswitch pod.
Flashlight into the hole shows no screw. Eh wot?
Cause: " mud daubers." It's a wasp that makes a nest on the nice cylinder hole. The wasp excreted a dark brown hard substance (nature's epoxy glue) which covers the Phillips head screw torque points.
Solution: get a long pointed stylus onto the hole and scape out the mud dancers epoxy glue to clear out the muck so your screwdriver can make purchase on the Phillips head!

Was this post helpful or interesting?

Yes No Thank

Sponsored Links. Become a

Supporting Member to hide this ad & support a small business

Re: MGB steering wheel cowl removal: can't get the screws out! #2
mgbanthony Anthony Henderson Eastern Thousand Islands, ON, Canada Sign in to contact 1962 MG MGB 1974 MG MGB	Apr 30, 2024 06:16 PM Top Contributor Joined 18 years ago 13,261 Posts

Do yourself a favour and use a posidrive screwdriver to put it back together and be gentle. Those cowls are very delicate and becoming extinct for replacements.
I’ve had the mud dauber nests in the same place as you found one.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024-04-30 06:18 PM by mgbanthony.

Was this post helpful or interesting?

Yes No Thank

Re: MGB steering wheel cowl removal: can't get the screws out! #3
mgbobcatbob Bob K (New Member) Tiny, ON, Canada Sign in to contact 1978 MG MGB	Apr 30, 2024 07:38 PM Joined 16 days ago 1 Posts

I just removed mine last night in order to replace the ignition switch. I dropped the steering column by removing the 3 bolts from the underside and resting the steering wheel on the seat. This gave me enough space to remove the front 2 short screws and the rear longer screws, after cleaning out the holes. I used a larger Phillips with no difficulty. When I got it off the headlight switch fell apart but I got it together, changed the ignition switch (from Moss) and reassembled. Make sure not to pinch any wires, that took me 2 or 3 tries to get it right. All is working now, ready for summer.

Was this post helpful or interesting?

Yes No Thank

Sponsored Links. Become a

Supporting Member to hide this ad & support a small business

Re: MGB steering wheel cowl removal: can't get the screws out! #4
Retireddes Des Lynott Cantley, QC, Canada Sign in to contact 1979 MG MGB "Betsy" 1979 MG MGB Limited Edition (LE) "Black Beauty" 2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster	Apr 30, 2024 07:47 PM Top Contributor Joined 3 years ago 667 Posts

Welcome to the forum Bob. Good job.

Des
Stay safe.

Was this post helpful or interesting?

Yes No Thank

Re: MGB steering wheel cowl removal: can't get the screws out! #5
smokey w Juri P Toronto, ON, Canada Sign in to contact 1971 MG MGB	May 1, 2024 05:43 AM Top Contributor Joined 4 years ago 1,846 Posts

All the original screws on the cowl are PoziDriv. Using a Phillips screwdriver on them will ruin the screws. There are no Phillips screws on a factory MGB, AFAIK.

Was this post helpful or interesting?

Yes No Thank

Re: MGB steering wheel cowl removal: can't get the screws out! #6
MG Baker Sonny Baker PHOENIXVILLE, PA, USA Sign in to contact 1968 Mercedes-Benz S-Class "SOLD In 1998" 1979 MG MGB	May 1, 2024 07:35 AM Top Contributor Joined 3 years ago 498 Posts

Just remove the bolts from the steering support bracket and lower the steering column. I did this when I replaced my ignition switch. If you fiddle around trying to remove that screw you chance damaging the cowl.
I left that hard to reach screw out when I reinstalled the cowl (just in case I need access in the future).

Motoring with the top down, laughing in the face of the wind!

Safety Fast (Just be sure your brakes are good!)

Was this post helpful or interesting?

Yes No Thank

Topic List Forum List Newer Older Start New Topic

To reply or ask your own question:

or

Registration is FREE and takes less than a minute

Forums

Having trouble posting or changing forum settings?
Read the Forum Help (FAQ) or contact the webmaster

MGB & GT Forum

MGB steering wheel cowl removal: can't get the screws out!

To reply or ask your own question:Members Sign InorCreate an AccountRegistration is FREE and takes less than a minute

To reply or ask your own question:

or

Registration is FREE and takes less than a minute