Concurrent with compliance with US Safety Specs, starting in the 1968
model year, the overdrive switch was moved from its old position on the
fascia and integrated with the Right Hand stalk off the steering column.
That stalk controlled wipers - two speeds - the windscreen washer and the
overdrive. Wipers were turned on by moving the stalk down one or two
"clicks" for the speed you wanted. You got windscreen juice by
depressing the end of the stalk, and overdrive was activated by pulling
the stalk towards you. To disengage, you pushed the stalk back. The
1969 B mentioned earlier had a modified switch of some sort, obviously,
unless we're talking about a non-US version in this thread! Don't know
how long this switch configuration lasted.
Bill Schooler
craig wiper wrote:
>
> It looks like the switch was on the steering column from about '72 to '74.
> I've got a '72 BGT that I stole an overdrive from for my early '74B. They
> both have the steering column overdrive switch. The '74 came without
> overdrive, but the switch was already installed anyway. So, if you wanted a
> wiper switch on a '72 thru '74, you also got an overdrive switch since
> these are all the same unit.
> Craig Wiper
>
> craigw@sonic.net
> http://www.sonic.net/~craigw
>
> ----------
> > From: MICHAEL J ROBSON <miker15@juno.com>
> > To: mgs@autox.team.net
> > Subject: Overdrive question
> > Date: Sunday, December 22, 1996 4:02 PM
> >
> > Since recommencing my MG involvement, I have only worked with non
> > overdrive cars. both my roadsters are" Without" as were the two before
> > that -
> > Going back to my careers first incarnation as a callow youth (all RHD
> > cars) I recall two types of O/D switches
> > My 69 BGT had a switch set in the gear knob basically on or off with O/D
> > engaging automatically when in the on position
> > My 71 and 74 BGTs had switches mounted on the LH side of the dash - same
> > procedure, O/D engaging automatically when in the on position.
> >
> > Today, I had occasion to look at (and the privilege to drive) a 1970 BGT.
> > The car was in very fine shape and ran beautifully(bit rich and needed a
> > winter thermostat but otherwise nice), I looked to the gearknob and to
> > the dash, no switch so what do i assume??..............'aint got it -
> > right!?
> > Later on i saw by chance a switch on the LH side of the steering column
> > which the owner told me was the overdrive on/off and that engaging was
> > performed by the wiper arm replacing the dipping mechanism when in use -
> > I was gobsmacked! - I have never seen or heard of this type before. - I
> > have just looked through all my books some of which do mention the types
> > i know but not this one - I also looked at a VB catalogue, (all my others
> > are at work) and VB neither carry this system nor illustrates it ( the
> > other two being plain to all.)
> > Was this an aberration of 1970 along with the split bumper?
> > Do I know even less than I thought??
> > Is this system something replaceable should it fail?
> >
> > all help duly appreciated - you can see the question mark over my head
> >
> >
> > mike robson
> > 69 roadster
> > 72 roadster
> > watch this space
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