Carlos Cruz wrote:
> Good afternoon fellow listers,
>
> I've got a question for those of you with rally-style cars. When I finally
>get my engine and tranny installed I will be replacing my OD stock switch on
>the dash with one integrated in the shifter knob. The new alluminum know has
>the OD switch mounted on the side. The wires for the switch extend out from
>the base of the knob.
>
> I have a side-shift transmission out fitted with an "L" shaped shifter which
>is slightly wider at the base and narrower at the threaded end, where the knob
>is fitted. The shifter is solid and has a bend (about 75 degrees) roughly 4"
>directly above the attachment to the tranny case.
>
> My question deals with how the wires from the switch/knob are routed to the
>OD solenoid on the original rally cars? I'd also be interested to know if
>anyone has come up with a cleaner look other than just zip-tying the wires
>down the length of the shifter. Any pictures detailing this type of
>installation is greatly appreciated.
>
> Cheers,
> Carlos Cruz
Carlos,
The works-style shifter is available from a number of people including AHSpares
http://www.ahspares.co.uk/
who actually illustrate one (Part number COM160). Both gearlever and shift knob
would have been fitted to suit the driver, including lenth of lever, position
of
switch on the knob etc.
If you want to adapt a car with an existing escutcheon-type dash mounted OD
switch, join the wires (properly) behind the existing switch (which you
disconnect!!) and run the leads from there to the lever under thecarpet or
whatever, insulating if you want to in order to protect from heat. You can plug
the dashboard hole with a rubber grommit. Remember to allow sufficient play in
the wire to allow for the lever movement. Philippe's idea is a good one, though
I expect that tank tape may well have been a more regular period solution :-)
For a picture of the installation in the last of the works big Healeys look at
the photo on p 161 of Browning's book "The Works Big Healeys".
Hope that this helps,
Peter Dzwig
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