I need to replace the electrical part of my ignition switch, the white plastic bit with the connector spades on. Can this be done from underneath without removing the steering wheel and column parts? Not much room under there I know but I have seen how the column come apart and if there is an easier way !
You can do this without taking the column off mate - just done mine. Here's how I did mine (mine is a 72 so its an early switch with the connections soldered to the switch).. Dosconnect the battery earth connection Undo the four screws underneath the ignition barrel housing Undo the bracket which holds the steering column to the dash (think its two 10mm bolts at the back of the bracket on the top and two 13mm bolts from the bottom where the bracket meets the middle of the dash) The whole steering column will then slide forward toward the seat You can then get to the switch Disconnect the connections from the fuse board (you will need to take the fuse board off the bulkhead) - if yours is later model you may be able to just swap the connections at the switch On mine there was a little blob of yellow paint covering a very small grub screw - I scraped the paint off then sharpened up a flat bladed electrical screwdriver to get a good grip in the screw thread as you only really get one chance at the screw or its a drill it out job Once you remove this screw you should be able to pull the switch clear (tight fit but it does come off) 'Refitting is a reversal of removal' as Mr Haynes says in his manual. Good luck mate.
Grub, thanks for the description and glad you got yours done. I have read that the column changed from 75 on and I have the later one. I don't supose you, or anyone, knows if it makes a difference?
sorry mate, not sure if it makes a difference - have a go and see how far you get doing it my way - I couldn;t get the steering wheel off mine, so that's why I never persisted in trying to get the column off. I think if you do a search on here there are instructions for a late one but they do say you need to take the column off, so best to try to do it without first. good luck.
