Parts Advice-$500 Midget

[mightymidget]

After trying to search out some wiring issues with my car I "cut" all the wiring out from under my dash and plan to rewire car. (Years of rewiring under there)

At the same time I am hoping to take out the padded dash that I dislike.

I have a early Midget flat dash that will replace it (I hope). As you can tell I am not worried about correctness here.

I going with all new gauges and switches

"Hella" has all the switches (mostly Toggle)and I have used them before. I looked at Moss and they have the switches also. Not much money difference.

I just know these cars have electrical issues and that is why I have cut all the wires out and plan on rewiring. For this reason I am afraid of the stock replacement switches.

What do you all think?

 

[Pythias]

Mine are over 45 + years old and still working fine. If you can locate Old Stock they would be fine too. I'm not sure about the quality of NEW ones.

 

[JPSmit]

I don't think there is a big problem with switches. there are really five issues.

1. Previous Owners - a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
2. Time - 30-50 year old wires and connections do corrode and oxidize over time.
3. Exposure to the elements. - these were originally daily drivers and especially in the north - salt - dang.
4. Thinness of wires. - don't want to start the debate again but the Lucas wires while they work, could have been thicker.
5. Switches - the resistance grows if they deteriorate increasing heat which increases the likelihood of releasing the smoke.

Rewiring takes care of 1 and 4
Loving care addresses 2 and 3
Cleaning or replacing switches takes care of 5

Generally I think the quality of Old Stock seems to be better than brand new but I have both and all is good.

In other words, do it - buy the switches - put a fuse on the dash lights, I disconnected the dash lights from the brightness switch (couldn't figure out when I would WANT dim dash lights) put some relays in - headlights, horn, and eventually brake lights. upgraded the alternator and

don't worry, git 'er done and git out and drive!

 

[mightymidget]

git 'er done and git out and drive!

_________________________

I am kicking myself in the rear cause I keep putting more work on me. this was suppose to be my driver while I redo Bugeyes. Tangled jumped wires cause me to go ballastic, So..

I have demented thoughts of making a sunday parking lot racer out of it since car will never be close to a nice car. Then just buy a RB midget in good condition. They are so cheap

But I have a problem with giving up on something once I start. It is a mental deficinty I know. looks like it will be ok to use MG stuff.

Anyone every put a old dash in place of a 68 later dash. doable?
bigeest problem I see is steering wheel column

 

[JPSmit]

bigeest problem I see is steering wheel column

why, did you source it in Mexico?

 

[mightymidget]

I caught that padro