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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Type 9 Reversing Light connection

For those that have completed the Type 9 conversion, can you please give me some tips as to how you connected to the reversing light switch please?

I have very little space between the transmission tunnel and the male connections on the switch and there definitely isn't room for a pair of female bullet connectors to be used.

Do you use the original Ford plug or is there another way? The only solution I can see at the moment is to cut an opening in the side of the tunnel :(

Cheers

Glynn
Glynn (1275RWA) Williams

Splice into the original Ford plug seems the only sensible way to go, I did

Quick trip to the scrappy maybe if you didnt get one with the box, it's unlikely for Ford to use different plugs too often across the range I'd have thought
Bill sdgpM

The switch I got for my box had two male bullet style connections. I soldered short lengths of wire on directly and insulated with heatshrink. I made off the other end to a two pole connector and plumbed in from there. Not loads of room in the tunnel, but enough.

M Crossley

As M Crossley said.

I soldered a couple of wires on, -- side on to give space in the tunnel -- and wrapped some tape around it.

Lawrence Slater

Well, soldering now is not really an option as the 'box is in the tunnel and my soldering skills would only just permit me to do the job if it was sat on a bench!

I think I'm going to have to either get an original Ford connection from somewhere (?) OR just manually switch from the dashboard???

Another of those jobs that when I do it next time....
Glynn (1275RWA) Williams

In theory, you could cut a hole in the side of the tunnel, and get access to the switch.

Assuming you haven't shortened the remote, the reverse switch will be in the same position as mine.

I could get you an a measurement of where to drill/cut for access if you like. At least how far back it is.

How big is the hole you cut for the gear lever? Can you see the switch through it?
Lawrence Slater

Yes Lawrence, I can very much see through my (large) cut-out for the gearlever, exactly where I would need to cut, but thanks very much for the offer.

I think I will look out for a Ford plug such as this I think?? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221762103523?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

If that doesn't work, then its either make a hole large enough to accommodate the crimped connections/allow a soldered connection as you describe or simply use a manual switch on the dash.

Glynn
Glynn (1275RWA) Williams

As a temp fix, until you have the g/box out again for some reason, maybe you could fabricate a bracket to support a push switch, mounted *inside the gaitor*. Any momentary switch would do, as long as it's small enough to sit inside the gaitor, and be activated by the throw of the g/lever.

On the other hand, I used to use a switch on the dash for several of my my cars. It can be very useful being able to light up behind you without being in reverse.
Lawrence Slater

The dashboard switch with a nice big spotlight is good for reversing and also good when you get some prat tailgating you.
Bernie Higginson

That's just what I used to use mine for Bernie. :)
Lawrence Slater

This thread was discussed between 08/05/2015 and 10/05/2015

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