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JPSmit

JPSmit

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Don't know who gets/ reads Classic Motorsports? but this months article on the Midget restoration has to do with wiring extra things - specifically Air Horns and Fog Lights.

I don't have the article here but they are advocating relays especially for the horn. - this part I understand

My question is this. In the article, it says the wiper? stalk is the same part as the MGB. In the MGB that stalk is also used for the overdrive. Thus, Classic Motorsports used the unused portion of the switch for the fog lights. I am loving this idea and as I just inherited a fog light, it is relevant. I think it is a potentially very elegant solution

Has anyone had experience with this? The article does not speak of wiring it at the steering wheel end - any insight on that?

Help?
 
I haven't read the article yet, but that's a clever idea on how to use the MG OD switch on a midget. If it's the same switch, it would just bolt into place on the steering column. In addition to having the up/down switch needed for wipers, the OD switch also goes back and forth to engage the OD. The OD wire is yellow and is part of the switch wiring bundle.
 
I'll check today but my understanding is that the stalk is already the stalk being used - no need for a transplant.
 
JPSmit said:
I'll check today but my understanding is that the stalk is already the stalk being used - no need for a transplant.
Click to expand...

I'll read the article but makes sense, that it's the same stalk. I'm sure they used an off the shelf part.

Actually, in the early 70's MGB, they all had the same stalk regardless of if they had overdrive or not. JP, just as a test, go see if you can move your stalk back and forth, it might be a little stiff from never being used. But if so, the switch is there and you just need to find the yellow wire in the bundle to use it.
 
I just read the article. I'm not sure how long they used that same switch in production. Like I said, I know they used it in early 70's MGB's. I'm just not sure if they kept it around by '76 when your midget was made. Only way to check is like I said, see if you can move it fore and aft.
 
healeyboz said:
Anyone seen fog lights on a BE that look good?
Click to expand...
Yes
 
They massaged the fenders a bit and reduced the lip. I still suspect they might have some rubbing on corners.
 
Ok, I've checked and yes the stalk moves backwards and forwards - Hurray!! but, I'm still not at all clear on how to actually wire it at the stalk.
 
Look at the plug at the end of the wire coming from the stalk. You probably have one or two that do not connect to your existing harness.
 
Did the same on my '65 swa, except the bodyshop just removed the lip entirely. Are the wheels the same as those for the morris minor? I keep seeing a set of minilites for a morris. Think they were 14x5 with a 20mm backspacing.
 
Yep, look for a yellow wire at where the switch harness attaches to the main harness, it shouldn't go anywhere. In my MBG it's hot. You could use that current to turn on/off a relay.
 
Here's one with a bumper.
I don't seem to have one without a bumper like the factory ones where the back mounted lights were mounted through the bonnet between the grille and the marker lights.
 

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Thanks Jack. I would like to see how they mounted them through the grill. I need to learn more about relays and such for the possibilities.
 
Relays are simple, a switch like your starter solenoid that uses a small amount of current (the amount that won't melt, arc, and destroy old switches) to close or open a switch that can handle a lot of current without any trouble. That way, your precious 50-year-old dash switches last longer and the cheepo Pep Boys relays (living under the dirty old bonnet)are changed out like underwear.

Glen
 
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