Ignition Mechanism for sale?

[young MG enthusiast]

I was wondering if anyone has a used ignition lock and switch for a '76 MGB that I could buy. Moss Motors is charging $170 for the part, and Victoria British isn't much less.

Thanks for all your help!

 

[Bret]

Give these guys a call.

British Masters Used Parts

I don’t normally buy “used” electrical components. as it tends to be a bit of a gamble. Buy these guys have always had what I was looking for and from their web page they offer some “switches” but they’d like you to call for a price.

Good luck!
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

 

[bert]

I was wondering why you need both? Is the lock not operating? Is the switch intermitant? The lock will not operate correctly if the switch is bad. I have a used lock and keys

 

[young MG enthusiast]

Bert -

I definitely need a new locking mechanism, and possibly a switch. What has happened over the past 28 years is that the metal piece that fits into the switch is worn out. One side of it is about 1/2 the size of the other. As the result, the cheap plastic on the switch has been slowly eaten away by this metal that no longer makes a good fit. So what happens when I turn the key to the starting position is that the tumbler is not turning the switch enough to make the electrical contact. I can start the car if I take the switch out of the tumbler and use a screwdriver instead of the tumbler to turn the switch.

I hope that makes sense. Are you willing to sell the lock and keys? If so, how much? I do think a new lock and key set will solve my problem. I'm just hoping that the switch hasn't been damaged too much, otherwise I might have to buy that as well.

Thanks a lot for the reply.

-Matt

 

[bert]

Matt, check your suppliers. I'll sell it to you for half the price (includes a few bucks for shipping). If the plastic is worn away on the switch, the lock wont work very well and if it doesnt fit tight in the socket w/set screw--poor results also. we'll work out the details later. Hope you're not in too much of a hurry. I CAN GET IT IN THE MAIL MONDAY.
SAFETY FAST

 

[young MG enthusiast]

Bert -

I'd like to buy the lock and keys from you. I don't think the switch is terribly damaged, so it should work with a newer tumbler. Let me know how you want to work shipping and payment. My email address is mpmalicki@wisc.edu

Thanks.

-Matt

 

[young MG enthusiast]

Thanks to Bert, I now have no need to use my screwdriver as a way to start my car! The switch wasn't damaged too badly by the previous lock, and is working well with the new one. Thanks again for everyone's help.

-Matt