TR6 '74 TR6 ignition switch fun

[mrv8q]

Today, I dived into my "new" TR6, and boy, am I sore. I knew the ignition switch was bad, as I could feel the back "guts" of the switch move, front to back. https://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p52/mrv8q/IMG_0498.jpg

Holy cow, is this thing different from my '59 TR3! I don't know which I dread more, replacing the switch, or the 2 small nuts for the vinyl surround around the switch. https://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p52/mrv8q/IMG_0496.jpg

A couple questions: since I don't have my Volume II spare parts catalog yet, when I order a switch, is this what I'm going to get? (BTW, I think the Bentley manual was woefully taciturn in it's description for removal: Pg. #561 1) Carefully pull the plastic cover, and manoeuver along the harness.... 2) Withdraw the switch from the steering column lock assembly).
Yikes, how about those 2 buried nuts and bolts up there; at least someone had been in there before, and I didn't have to deal w/ the anti-theft bolts!

Is the quality of these ign switches from, say, TRF, good enough that I won't have to go in there again, anytime soon? Any other hint's I'll need? Thanks!

 

[pa297pass]

Hi Kevin:

I just looked in my Volume 2 catalog, and it shows 2 original ignition switch and lock assemblies (2 brands), both of which look like yours. There is a note that says there is only one available replacement at the time the catalog was writen (1993), and it replaces both the original types (still looks original). TRFs part number for that replacement is UKC2720/3

I replaced mine around 15 years ago with the TRF part. I don't remember the installation too well, but I do know I didnt use the anti-theft screws to put it back together. I seem to remember having to do something with the wiring pigtail that comes on the new part ... I think the new part might come with a different connector, and you might have to re-use your old one. Also the one I bought has ugly light blue plastic on the ignition keys (instead of black).

It has worked fine since I installed it, so I hope yours lasts as long.

Good luck.

Matt

 

[mrv8q]

Thanks, Matt, I did a little further investigation of my own, and realized I could keep the mechanical assembly, and replace just the back half of the electrical switch... (so that's what that tiny phillips screw holds together).

TRF was out; I got my switch from Moss today. What I'm wondering now is if anyone has a discarded wiring assembly around. If so, I need the female side of this plug: https://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p52/mrv8q/IMG_0505.jpg

The wiring on the car side is poor. If need be, I'll take the wiring from the old switch and rewire the interior side, but if some has just that plug and those wires they'd be willing to separate, please drop me a PM.

 

[Guest]

What I'm wondering now is if anyone has a discarded wiring assembly around. If so, I need the female side of this plug:

Kev, the folks at British Wiring are pretty nice about supplying things like extra plugs and stuff. If you need it badly, call them. Sounds like you are ready for a new harness. Really not that difficult a task, a long weekend maybe. Again, British Wiring.

When I bought my latest TR6, the DPO had installed the ignition switch in the center dash support. I thought that was unique as some TR's have them on the dash. Actually, he just drilled a hole in the aluminum support to install a JCWhitney switch because he was too lazy and cheap to fix the original under the column. Needless to say I had to rewire the whole car. Looked like a bird's nest under the dash. The hole in the center support is now a cigar lighter. (Oh, it is PC to call it a Laptop auxiliary outlet)

 

[mrv8q]

Thanks, Bill, I'll check them out!