Morris Minor Owners Club

the side lights on my car are not working,when i replaced the fuse it just blew and was very hot

Welcome to the forum. All I can suggest is that you disconnect the bullets on the red wires to all the lights, that is both front, both rear, number plate and instrument illumination (red/white) and renew the fuse. Then re-connect one light at a time until the fuse blows, then dismantle that lamp to see what the problem is.

The 'short' is unlikely to be in the bulb.......the idea is right enough - but you will need to disconnect red wires until you find the short - then fix it!

The fault could also be in the instrument panel light wiring behind the dash. Look for any loose red, red/white wires. Check the panel light switch above the ignition switch.
Are the headlights working?

Thanks Mike, yes the headlights are working

Most likely a disconnected live wire shorting out

How do I get to the light switches on the dash board ?

Pop the speedo out.... Disconnect the battery first.

Remove the driver's glove box, you should then be able to feel the switch and trace the wires. If you take the speedo out be carefull not to pull the lights out of the back