Back again,
I'm still very pleased with the car's solidity and low mileage, but I'm
beginning to develop a very strong dislike for someone who I'll refer to as DPOM
(Danged Previous Owner's Mechanic). The PO was a good owner, it was her sixth
MG. However, a few years ago the ignition key was lost. The local mechanic's
solution was to remove the electrical innards from the switch and force it into
a 'wheel-unlocked' mode. He then botched the daylights out of the wiring and
installed a separate, generic, ignition switch mounted to a bracket hanging from
the dash by the driver's knee. You could hot wire the car in 5 seconds. None
of the key-on dependent circuits are functioning, i.e., no brake lights, no turn
signals, etc.
Some of you may recall that last April I acquired the BfromHades (which I'm
still trying to legalize). It was missing its ignition switch. I was able to
buy one from a '77 that I was going to install, well--- This evening I managed
to get the steering column molding off and, thanks to a lister's suggestion, my
dremel tool was able to cut slots in the shear bolts so that I was able to
unscrew them and remove the old lock. I was then able to install the
replacement lock. It's not electrically tied in at the moment, but at least the
wheel locks if it's turned. With any luck, and a carefully color-coded
schematic (blown up to 11x17), I have hopes of having the DPOM's mess cleaned up
this weekend. Which means that I'm probably not going to be TD'ing to Hill-Stead
on Sunday. There should be a law passed that would prohibit
electrically-challenged mechanics from ever touching wire cutters.
The complete new wiring harness has been ordered. My goal for the car is
to turn it into an exceptionally dependable commuting machine. FYI, I found my
best price for the British Wiring harnesses from Ed Kaler at JustBrits. Usual
disclaimers apply.
Thanks for listening, and helping.
Bud Krueger
52TD
77MGB (Bud's new B)
(Other 77 that I don't talk about)
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