Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) To restore/replace dash switches...or not?

So the refreshment of my MOG continues. When I got her, it was clear that the metal dash panel needed repainting in new "black crackle". I also ordered a full set of new toggle switches and gems. But as I've lived with her for a few weeks, I'm coming to appreciate the patina on the old toggles, especially the. wear on the (bakelite?) toggle handles. In addition, the action on the toggles feels surprisingly firm, and much better than the "modern" replacements...the gems however are pretty far gone... I'm considering just repainting the dash panel , replacing the gems, and just cleaning the existing toggles and re-installing them. Would appreciate any opinions from the group as to whether I should replace everything or keep the toggles...

One question:

How does one remove and re-install the toggles - it appears that you need a speciate wrench of some sort to interface with the two slots of the outside of the ring...any references to where to obtain the proper tool would be appreciated!

Photos of the existing dash below:

Small pair of long nosed pliers should work to remove switch nut. Alternatively fabricate a tool from steel sheet.

I know what you mean about every time you look at them they bother you. If you decide to go down the remove/restore route, pliers would work but if they slip just as you have finished the job and you scratch the panel, you will wish you hadn't started.

There are special tools, you can buy one for classic car toggle switches / electric guitars / R/C models. This one is located in California https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/222809811801

Or if you are doing lots of them (as a professional restorer etc) then there is a box-type wrench but that's much more expensive
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/282321884272 If it was me I would fabricate something like that, from a piece of aluminium tubing, using simple tools (hacksaw, hand files).

There are videos on Youtube showing how to restore the internals of the toggle switches, here's one example

On balance though, I reckon that if your switches work properly and you like the look and action of them, carefully clean the panel using cotton buds and a mild solvent. They are part of the car's history. I wouldn't get into removing the switch panel and disturbing the old wiring. There's a potential for things to go badly wrong

Its taken years to achieve that look. Please don’t touch it, leave as is, its beautiful.

Sir P

Crowbar, I usually use circles pliers for the switches.

David Byrne

That should have been CIRCLIP (auto correct is shot )

DB

Yes, circlip pliers work well especially the ones with 90deg bent ends