Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Indicator stalk on Morgan 4

I am in the process of fabricating a new dash panel on my Morgan4 of 1980 with the cortina indicator switch, but at present I have a problem in that the present design does not allow to operate the indicator if the stalk is on high beam. I believe this must be a common defect and wonder how any of you have rectified this situation with the same system. Another way would be to put another switch to operate the high beam. I was also thinking of replacing the rocker switches with bearmak toggle switches used on old land rovers. Do I require to put a relay on every switch. Thanks in advance for your input

The standard indicator/dip (and also the wiper) switches both need to be bent into an 'S' profile in order to clear the dash.

Some years ago, the contacts in my dipswitch burnt out because I replaced the old sealed-beam headlamp units with Halogens but didn't fit relays to carry the higher current - expensive mistake!

Here's a picture of the old (left) and new (right) switches. Bending the shaft isn't hard, but it's best done smoothly and in a single action, you don't want to be bending them back and forth or the tube will fatigue and break



When it comes to replacing the rocker switches, you shouldn't need to fit relays if the new switches are capable of carrying the same or higher current than the old. When I did mine I used the posh Professional Toggle Switches from Holden

On the subject of that area of the mog I had the plastic box behind the steering wheel boss removed and a polished s/ steel one fitted .
But it squeaks like hell unless I press my finger on it ( anyone got any ideas ) Also the wiper and indicator are only plastic and the indicator shorts when touching the metal as its rubbed itself a tiny hole in the plastic to touch the bare wire . I had a look around the garage and came up with some thin rubber that slipped over the metal , then cut it into shape 45 degree angles on all the ends , its done the job . I did think of the s/steel indicator and wiper , but Ben Duncan told me he had a lot of trouble with them so have stayed clear even though it would set the dash off a lot better. I did think of trying to bend the arms but gave it a second thought.

JTL try applying some candle wax on contact points

Don't know about the later types but the earlier Ford Corsair/Ford Transit Mk1 types (circa 1971-1972) can be 'adjusted' using a 3/16" brake pipe forming tool. Results in much nearer bends

Arwyn

Works on '76 too Arwyn.
However, when I replaced mine, I found there was a little leeway in positioning on the column and managed to mount the switch to give clearance for all operations of indicator/headlamp.
Looking at my '93, I'd have the same problems as Tim (Hamwich)

Thanks I will give it a try I have been trying bits of rubber . Not much fun when I want to give it a bit of welly on a N/umberland wild twisty road and I have to keep pressing my left hand thumb hard against the metal.

I have just reinstalled my original dashboard and whilst installing the wiper stalk and indicators I found that everything is very crammed, in fact my steering hub was brushing against the plastic cover. I was considering to file the top edge of the dashboard of the steering hub cover but before I started peeling the vinyl cover I realized I coukd tackle the problem by lowering the steering column by the thickness of two penny washers . I believe that this would solve the problem which seems to be common for many. I intend to carry on with the job tomorrow and will keep you posted. In the meantime I would like the advise of experienced
Readers whether this hinders in any way the steering mechanism.

Lowering the steering column by the thickness of a washer or two shouldn't have any affect. The universal joints in the link section between column and box will allow for the column to be lowered.

Arwyn

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions