T-Series Lever ignition light switch / pull starter switch

[TRMark]

You guy helped me several years ago identifying some of the T series parts that inhabit my very early 50's sports/racer. I put the project on the shelf for a few years and am now back at it. I want to keep/restore the car a bit quirky so I thought I would ask questions here. I noticed Moss is selling along with vintage motorcycle suppliers a keyed lever ignition/headlight switch, I also noticed Fordson tractors use a similar switch. How does the Moss unit mount, how big of a hole? I think T series use a pull cable for the starter, I would like to use a spring loaded pull switch, any ideas there? Ron Francis supplies a hotrod version but it is billet with color trim rings, not crazy about that.

 

[Jim B.]

The TD uses two switches for headlights. The key turns on the ignition and the lever which has parking/headlamp positions. there is a second, similar switch for dip and driving lights (and horn) . The holes are large. about 2", same as gauges.

Yes the starter is purely mechanical. A cable actually draws a V shaped bar into contacts to activate the starter.

I am guessing you want to use a relay. If you wish to keep originality, you could use the Moss cable and connect it to a momentary toggle behind the dash.

 

[TRMark]

Wow! That is a beautiful bit of work on the dash panel. My old sports/racer is a bit rude and crude, which fits my skill level, nothing like a close contemporary Lotus 9. Thank you for your help with the switches. I found one at Speedway that will work for starting. I will probably incorporate the TD key/lever switch into the dash. https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Spee...46894473&utm_content=All Products (Jan25_2019)

 

[Jim B.]

That looks close.
Good luck.

 

[TRMark]

Nother question Jim. I was doing some research the other day about my Cooper based special and noticed the engine turned dash in the famous Cooper-MG Joy500. I remembered the beautiful dash you had built for your TD. Did you make the engine turned material or did you buy it ready made and cut it to shape. The shape of the cowl and dash in my car is very similar to the Cooper-MG, I really like this look, note the TD like switches.

 

[Grantura_MKI]

You can buy it pre turned, but it’s not cheap.

 

[TRMark]

Found this, like you said, not cheap. https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Engine-Turned-Aluminum-Panels,5390.html?sku=91139520-48

 

[Grantura_MKI]

That’s it. I needed two sheet to do my project.
I saved every scrap of it for future projects!

 

[Jim B.]

Mine are Stainless Steel
Moss used to sell them in the Mid 1960's. I have a catalog from 1966 wit the dash and other covers listed.
I found mine on eBay about 6 years ago. There were two at the time. I have not seen another sense.
I was also lucky enough to fine matching door sills.
There were also covers for the gas tank sides but I never wanted them.

I felt that the original steering wheel hub needed more bling, so I made one out of an Aluminum block. The MG logo is the center of a wheel cover.
I then felt that the gearshift needed work.
Moss used to sell similar knobs.

Yes there may be too much bling.
My Wife has Macular, she has to have very dark glasses when we go for a drive.