Broken Overdrive Switch in Gear Knob

[pcpilot53]

Hi, the overdrive switch has broken; i.e., it is floppy and disconnected from the body inside the gear knob. There is a small screw in the knob which I've removed, but it doesn't seem to do anything. How can I get the switch out to replace it? The top of the knob (it's a cylinder actually, metal, with "O" stamped on top) seems to have a line all around it near the top, but it doesn't screw off I don't think. Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions!

 

[tahoe healey]

Re: broken overdrive switch in gearknob

Sounds like non standard knob. Pictures?

 

[Michael Oritt]

Re: broken overdrive switch in gearknob

All overdrive-equipped AH's came with a dash-mounted SPST switch.
What you was someone's aftermarket hot-lick, though I am sure that someone on this forum will likely point you to a source for a replacement.

 

[pcpilot53]

Similar to this - will post photos tomorrow.

 

[Editor_Reid]

Is this what you have?:

If so, it was likely sold by Steve Norton's "Cape International" in Redditch, Worcestershire. Steve may be able to advise, or simply sell you a new one.

 

[pcpilot53]

https://www.sportsandclassics.com/p...ealey-mgc-mgcgt-works-competition-shift-knob/


Original Works part - similar to the above I think

 

[pcpilot53]

Thanks Reid, - similar , but not the same. it has 'hard ' edges at the top, not rounded. I believe it is original, works part. Pics in the morning

 

[roscoe]

There is no magic. The switch has to be removed to repair or replace the switch/wire. If the screw that seems to do nothing is threaded into the top, I'd venture a guess that if you backed it out a few turns and grabbed it with a pliers, or better yet found another screw that fits and is longer, that it might just pop the top off assuming a light press fit. If the top were to be threaded on, a soft jawed pliers would be the ticket but then why put a useless screw in it.

 

[John Turney]

I have one from Denis Welch Motorsports. The supply a replacement switch: https://www.bighealey.co.uk/austin-healey/healey-overdrive/overdrive-switch-with-red-wire-cels123s. They could probably tell you how to access it.

 

[pcpilot53]

Thanks roscoe and JohnT. Yep, will order one from DWM and get some advice on fitting. Thanks all! Pics attached

 

[pcpilot53]

Finally got some time today to return to this. Took courage and got into the wired connections and removed the gearknob. Then, with the help of a vice, soft pliers and some WD40, I managed to remove the solid lid! The switch then came out, and I'm ordering another one from Denis Welch.

 

[Bob_Spidell]

I have the DWR switch knob, it's a little different (top is rounded). That switch appears to be of pretty good quality, how long did it last? It's a very common SPST type, you can get one at any good electronics supply store and save the shipping and customs costs.

I've never seen pliers like that; now I gotta get a pair!

 

[pcpilot53]

lol! Bob, I'm in UK (actually about 3 miles from the location of the factory where my car was built in 1967!) so shipping and duty are tiny. the pliers are cool, not many jobs require them, but when needed, they are great! https://www.amazon.co.uk/81-11-250-...ywords=soft+jaw+pliers&qid=1597767105&sr=8-14 I bought the car about 1 yr ago, so not sure how long the switch has been in there. Joe

 

[Bob_Spidell]

lol! Bob, I'm in UK ...

Oops.

 

[Rob Glasgow]

Joe, those pliers are cool. Much better than the 10 wraps of electrical of masking tape around my vice grips. Rob