Jim:
The B and the C share the same switches.
The problem lies in the supply of the different switches that fit the
1968-76 dash.
I cc'd the list because this is a common topic and only long timers have an
idea of the history. This is not gospel as i am working from memory, so if
anyone has corrections please chip in. Years are used for illustration
purposes only, actual VIN change points should be used for accuracy.
The 1968-1971 4 terminal headlight switch was supplied without a bezel and
could be fitted with either a black or chrome bezel which was supplied
seperately. This switch had a symbol on it and was Lucas #35870
The 1972 switch was Lucas #39833 and had an integral chrome bezel (i think)
and the word "Lights". I can't remember if this was 3 or 4 terminal. This
switch was a result of the DOT deciding that American drivers could not
figure out what the Headlamp Euro Symbol meant.
The 1973-76 switch, Lucas 39914 was a result of the DOT determining that
since automobiles were operated after dark, all the switches should be
illuminated so that American drivers could find them with the lights out.
This switch has the word "Lights" on a green jewel which an external lamp
illuminates. The 39914 was a 3 terminal switch, which is where we find an
answer to some of our later problems.
Luckily over the years the American public has apparently been able to
figure out European Symbols, or the literacy rate of drivers has fallen to
the point that symbols were more understandable.
Lucas, being a smart company superceded the 1972 switch to the 39914, but
continued to supply the 35870 for some time at a truly extravagant price.
Most shops being smart would steer the 68-72 customer towards the 39914
switch because it was much cheaper and worked just fine if you ganged the
two red wires to the single connection.
This probably helped drive the 35870 switch out of production, because at
the time most people were interested in keeping the lights on for the
cheapest amount of outlay.
Then came the Concours brigade who demanded the correct Euro Legend 68-71
switch, which started up a cottage industry of supplying Austin America
headlight switches and any other bits that could be cobbled together to make
something that looked right in the earlier car. For some time Moss was
supplying a Lucas #39298 switch which is a late integral chrome bezel 3
terminal switch, but with the Euro Headlamp symbol. This worked great for
the 70-71 owner, but the 68-69 owner was still in the woods. Just as an
aside. Moss did tool up and supply new seperate bezels in both black and
chrome for those who had original switches in good condition.
Now to the present. Lucas has been very flaky over the past years and all
kinds of parts are being dropped. So, this means that reproductions have to
be made of both the parts that have been dropped and (more controversial)
those that look like they may be dropped in the near future.
Despite all the best intentions, all kinds of things can go wrong in the
process of contracting and manufacturing products and usually does.
Moss had tooling made up to reproduce the popular MG rocker switch, and
chose the later 39914 attached chrome bezel design as the model. The Euro
Symbol rocker was reproduced to keep the 68-71 crowd happy, but instead of
looking at the 35870 design (which would have been completely different
tooling) the supplied switch is again the integral chrome bezel design with
3 terminals.
Now the good news is that it is cheap. I seem to remember the original
35870 switches retailed for about $45.00 without bezel. The bad news is
that the Moss catalog does not tell you what you are getting. That's where
I come in, because somehow our catalog crew has to fix this mess up, so that
when you are looking for a 1968-69 switch you will know that you are SOL,
and will have to put up with a chrome bezel switch with only 3 terminals.
I'm not sure how to put that into one line, but we will try.
That my friends is a nutshell history of MGB and MG Midget rocker switches.
Kelvin Dodd
Kelvin,
Thanks for the tip, I'll check it. Does Moss supply a Switch that has black
borders. The one I received from another vender claiming to be an MGC
supplier, sent a MGB switch with a chrome painted edging. The original
switches on my C are all trimmed in black.
TIA
Jim
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