Alternate Indicator Switch?

Post by **Packedup** » Fri Oct 28, 2005 12:56 am

Having seen the prices of horn pushes, and not being too worried about originality I was wondering if http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 4584803749 might be worth getting?

The indicator switch on the pickup works, but the horn doesn't work due to a fault somewhere between the switch and the wire off the main loom, and a missing push (there's no power getting to the wire that goes up the column, so porbably the slip ring thingy).

I'd have to fit an indicator warning light and adapt a bit of the wiring, but I think from a cost effective point of view it's the way to go (cheaper than a push alone, means a socket to get the steering wheel off isn't needed, etc). Sound like a good idea, or a complete travesty?

Post by **rayofleamington** » Sat Oct 29, 2005 5:25 pm

If you're not worried about originality then any switch can be fitted with a bit of fettling and bracketry...
I fitted a combined wiper / washer switch from a 90's car to a 70's Fiesta once (they originally had a screenwash pump on the floor!) - I just welded up a bracket and screwed it on.

The one thing to watch for is that you want something which fits a big steering wheel, so if you have a breakers yard nearby, look for anything with a big wheel (or even look at vans and trucks).
If you use a short switch on a big wheel you'll have to take your hand off the wheel to reach it.

Post by **Packedup** » Sat Oct 29, 2005 5:44 pm

I got close to using a Metro switch, but that has a strange way of mounting. The easiest way to fit it would have meant using a chopped down outer column off the Metro, with the Minor inner. That was great, until it came to sorting out a suitable bush. So I gave up on that idea!

This is mainly to sort the horn out in the most cost effective way - 12 quid for an indicator/ horn switch that'll go straight on (physically, and just a bit of wire fiddlidge) is better than 15 (plus VAT) for just the push, plus whatever it'll cost to sort out the other faults on the horn assembly on the column. So long as nobosy is going to get all concourse on me about it, I think it's worth going for, but a second opinion is always handy

Oh, as for steering wheel size, got a couple of smaller ones that fit, so that wouldn't be too much of a problem

Getting the old wheel off without the right socket however, might be tricky...

Post by **bigginger** » Sat Oct 29, 2005 5:50 pm

It'll keep you fit, all that parking with a smaller wheel...

Post by **Packedup** » Sat Oct 29, 2005 6:12 pm

Well, it's not me that'll be driving it, so that's not so much of a concern... ;)

Post by **bigginger** » Sat Oct 29, 2005 6:19 pm

Post by **rayofleamington** » Sat Oct 29, 2005 11:24 pm

Well, it's not me that'll be driving it, so that's not so much of a concern...

My first Minor had a smaller wheel - it was a pleasure to drive once I'd upgraded it back to the original size ;-)
Then I could drive down country roads at a reasonable speed without trimming the bushes on both sides

Post by **Cam** » Sat Oct 29, 2005 11:26 pm

I too fitted a smaller wheel from a Mini and it was awful. Great when I put the original wheel back on!

Post by **Packedup** » Sat Oct 29, 2005 11:47 pm

My current classic has a smaller wheel, and wider rubber (both fitted long before I got it). Add that to there being something amiss somewhere, and it's handy I've put on some weight, as otherwise I think I'd rotate and the wheel would stay still!

I think I'd be sticking with the Minor wheel on the pickup anyway - Landies have pretty large wheels from what I remember so if a Landy switch goes on it shouldn't be too bad. Besides, if I can juggle the housing around and fit switches without having to try and find a socket, smack myself in the none as the wheel flies off, etc, I'll be much happier