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MG MGA - Indicator switch

Hi all, the right hand turn indicator on my A has stopped working. The wiring was all ok, so I took the unit to bits, and found the brass connector on one side has broken (see pic). New units are hard to come by (MGOC has had them on order since April) - two questions: 1. is this repairable, and 2. has anyone out there one I could buy?
Best wishes to all, Dave

D J Hill

I'd like to think it was repairable, but it looks to have broken right on a bend in the contact, making it difficult to repair.

If you had two broken switches, it may be possible to use the two unbroken halves to make a good one.

Brown and Gammons are showing one on their website, although it's £105

https://www.ukmgparts.com/product/td-midcat-3-subtd24-battery-regulator-fuse-box-indicators-dipswitches/indicator-switch-mga-td-tf-amk5607

Holden is £72 + VAT, although it says 'call for availability'.

https://www.holden.co.uk/displayproduct.asp?pCode=31250


and another one...

http://www.retroclassiccarparts.com/tps1-vacuum-indicator-switch-31250-54033231
Dave O'Neill 2

You can be sure a second broken one will have failed in exactly the same place. Called Sod's Law!
Graeme Williams

More than likely, but it would be possible to use the two good halves and re-rivet them to the bracket.
Dave O'Neill 2

It's just a strip of brass riveted to the base. Reckon I could drill out the rivet, bend up a new piece, use pop-rivets for the contact points and another to re-attach to the base.

I may have a go at reproducing them @ a discount to the 105 UK/Pound!

Barry
Barry Gannon

The brass strip is also a spring. It would have to be hardened after forming and there doesn't appear to be any practical way to do that with brass.
John DeWolf

John, Brass, in common with copper itself and other copper alloys, work hardens. i.e., deform it by bending, rolling, extruding or hammering makes it harder. Escapement springs in clocks are often made from work hardened Bronze.
Allan Reeling

Thanks for the comments - John is correct in that the brass connector is sprung, and it's broken at the joint, so can't be refixed. It's lasted 57 years, so I can't complain I suppose!! I've just ordered a new one from Brown and Gammons, who seems to be the only supplier with them in stock.
D J Hill

Dave

What are you doing with the old switch?

If you're planning on binning it, I'd be interested in trying a repair.

Dave
Dave O'Neill 2

Here is one from the parts bin that has been soldered. It seems that it might work OK, the knob turns freely and the contacts close.

John DeWolf

Hi Dave, I'll wait until I get the new one and it works ok. You can then have the old one - get in touch by email with your details. david.hill41@blueyonder.co.uk
D J Hill

Dave

You have mail (hopefully)

Dave
Dave O'Neill 2

This thread was discussed between 16/11/2017 and 21/11/2017

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