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MGB MGB brake light switches lately

wkilleffer

Jedi Knight
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Hey everyone,

I posted this initially in another section of the forum, but it doesn't seem to be getting much attention there. Thought maybe it would work better here.

After about 12 years of faithful service, the brake light switch I installed on my 1974 MGB started getting a bit flaky and smelling hot if I sat too long at a traffic light. I attempted to disassemble and re-solder the leads to the terminals, but my efforts didn't help all that much. It was time for a new switch, which I ordered from Moss.

Now, I don't want this to turn into a bash-Moss session, cause they do some things quite well. But my attempts at fitting the new switch all but caused it to fall apart. I don't handle everything with kid gloves, but nor am I some ham-fisted klutz whot can't be trusted with a screwdriver. The part looked a bit questionable even while still in the package.

Initially, it was difficult to screw the end of the switch into the pedal box. Once in, all was fine except for two things: the wires had all but broken off at the switch terminals, and the female end of the wiring was too small for the bullets on my wiring harness. My attempts to open them up a bit caused one of the female terminals to break off.

The reason I don't want to bash Moss is because they sent a new one out free of charge after I called them about it. Managed to control my temper on the phone and all that. The new one came today, though I haven't yet opened the package.

Now, I guess my questions are, is this sort of thing normal for this particular switch, and what can I do to open the female connectors up larger to fit my harness?
 
William - The brake light switches sold today leave a lot to be desired as far as longevity, but the wire ends should at least fit the existing wiring. Can you post a picture of the ends of the wire on the switch. Normally the wires on the switch just have the male portion of a bullet connector, the same as the ones on the wires on the car and two double ended, insulated female sleeve for the wires to slide into. You may also find that a relay/arc suppression circuit needs to be added to the circuit to make the new switch last more than a few months.
Cheers,
 
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