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MG TD TF 1500 - How do I remove the two indicator lights on a TD?

I'm removing the center dash panel, and I can pretty well see how to get the gauges and switches out, but , even eith the bezels removed , I can't figure out how to remove the two indicator lights....
One other thing...Almost all the wires have the same color insulation, what's a good method not to get them mixed up? Obviously, the position on the individual switches is paramount...so how did you mark the switch so everything goes back in the right place.
Any help is much appreciated.
Edward
E.B. Wesson

Mine have a spring clip that fits into a groove. Pulled the clip off and they come right out. Hope this helps.
Take lots of digital pictures after marking the wires with tape.
Ed
efh Haskell

Check out in Bud's T Talk
http://www.ttalk.info/Tech/WarningLamps.html

Mike
Mike Hart (52 TD 16378)

Most of the switches and lamps have either obvious markings (the main ignition switch) or it's clear from where the wire mounts what the function is (ground wire connects to outside of lamp housing). With a lot of study of the electrical diagram you should be able to figure out the wiring. You might want to consider replacing with correctly colored wires (or something close) to ease in future identification.

Something I DIDN'T do but probably will when I next have to disassemble the dash wiring, would be to include connectors on each wire or wire group for easy removal/disassembly.

As efh said, indicator lamps have a semi-circular clip which slots into two grooves. The clip holds the spring back which keeps it all under tension. use a small screwdriver to slide the clip out and it should all come free easily.

I had the same problem... I could NOT figure out how they came off until it was explained to me!
Geoff Baker

Thanks guys...
I was able to get the clips out, and remove the lights.
I'm covering the metal portion of the panel with matching upholstery, and had to get all the gauges and switches out....
My dash is solid walnut, but desperately needs refinishing, as well.
Almost every wire is black, I think there might be a couple of red and white wires...Just wondering how the factory figured it out....
If I ever pull the body, I may install a new harness, but right now, I'd like to at least drive the car.
Edward
E.B. Wesson

EB sounds like later work; it would have been color coded if original (though probably frayed burned blackened and fried).

When I took mine off, it was all blue wires. :)

But the electrical diagram should tell you what the wires are based on which instrument or light they connect to and where.
Geoff Baker

I am tagging every wire, as I remove it...with some sort of description...like: "Ammeter, driver side-single wire"...etc...Hopefully this will allow me to put them back...
On the ignition switch , the terminals are lettered, which makes tagging a little simpler...But , what a rat's nest....I hope it all works when I get it back in....
Edward
E.B. Wesson

Edward,
"I'm covering the metal portion of the panel with matching upholstery"
Are you sure about this? Speaking from my very recent experience it's hard enough to get those gauges & switches in without any additional thickness to the panel! Take those 2 indicator lights for example. I don't think mine would go back in with those clips with upholstery thickness involved. Forcing any of this old stuff is asking for disaster. Don't ask me how I know! Also, tradition calls for bronze paint on that panel, not upholstery. Your call of course.
Again, without taking pictures I would have been up the proverbial creek to put it back together. I also had nice tags but they loose meaning over time for an old fart like me anyway.

Have fun,
Ed
PS: If you're anywhere near Savanah we'll be there in a week for a week. Perhaps we could comiserate?
efh Haskell

efh
Your advice is definitely noted...Since my car is not exactly "stock" anyway, as , over the years, many changes have been made...such as the dash itself.
The color of the car, and other "upgrades". (like turn signals, and seat belts).
In addition, I am having to change the steering wheel, as I can't get in and out of the car with the giant wheel... (going to a 14" wood wheel).
So,I don't think I am worried about the dash color...
The vinyl is paper thin, so I don't think it will be a problem...The good news, is someone can go back to the original fairly easily, as the glue is easily removed, and the metal would require refinishing anyway....(since it looked like the "devil" , to start with.)
If I keep the car for any long period, I will pull the body, do a repaint, change the harness, etc....
Thanks again for your input.
Edward

PS
Savannah is well over 300 miles from me.

E.B. Wesson

Ed:

I may need to remove my dash. Did you disconnect and protect the copper lines for the temperature and oil pressure gauges? If so where and how.

Thanks, Dan
D.J. Sexton

This thread was discussed between 04/04/2011 and 15/04/2011

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