Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing switching/ switches

Has anybody replaced the switches from the mini/allegro type fitted on a 1983 Morgan to the Lucas type toggle switches, if so I would be grateful for any advice

Yes, I did this last winter on my 1986 car. I used a piece of engine-turned aluminium sheet and cut out holes for the gauges and the new switches. I first bought lucas toggle switches from Holden Classic and Vintage, but I was so disgusted with the poor build quality I bought a set of their professional switches, eye-wateringly expensive at about 50 quid a switch, but beautifully made.

The only problem I had was that don't do a double pole double throw switch which makes life a bit awkward for the hazard lights switch, I ended up using a standard double throw switch and bringing th two circuits in in sequence, so the first position turns on the LH indicators and then the second position brings in the RH indicators. The effect is exactly the same, the MOT man pronounced himself happy.

The switches left to right are:

1. Off-On-On : headlights
2. Off-On : Instrument lights
3. Off-On-On : Fog Lights (second on unused, but it's there in case I want front fogs as well some time)
4. Off-On-On : Hazard lights
5. Off-On : Unused, it's there in case I want something in the future and to make a symmetrical layout
6. Off-On-On : Heater fan (2-speed)

Between switches 3 and 4 is a dinky little amber LED warning light for the rear fogs, as required by law.

I cut the old switch connectors off the wiring harness and made up new ones for the new switches, but to give myself a bit of flexibility I went old harness -> bullet connector - bullet sleeve - bullet connector - 5mm Lucar, it gives a bit of exrta wiggle room and makes it easy to do later changes. All electrical bits apart from the switches were from Vehicle Wiring Products, who are excellent.

I have 3 of the pricy Holden switches but prefer the look of the traditional lucas ones fitted to jags in the 60's.. Open to offers..

As above mines an 86 car
The toggle switches look better IMHO
My car came with the job already done
BUT
Has a off/Pull/ Pull switch for the heater
I must find a better place for the fog dash warning light



Oh and the engine turned alloy ( door liners) have now been replaced with plain black vinyl as it looks less "Bling"

Very nice. No ones going to be confused they are in a Morgan that's for sure. I like the neat little badges.

Does any one have a source for the blanks on a late 80's switches?

Folks. Don't forget there is a sticky topic specifically for dashboard photos. Any one who has a photo of their dash that they would like to post is most welcome to post it there too.

I don't think my scabby old dash is worthy of being such august company as those on the dash thread. Most of the dashboards on there are pristine works of art!