Ignition switch rebuild/repair?

[Joel Welsh 4769VU]

I recently replaced my ignition switch. (Within a year as the car was sitting)

Was having issues with a weak coil input voltage from the switch. So, no spark.

Replaced the switch- coil problem solved, but a new one arises... the aftermarket switch doesn't fit the dash panel correctly.

I can't use the "beauty ring" spacer, and the whole switch body will turn in the hole when the key is turned- no Matter how much I tighten the outer lock ring.

So is it possible to pull the old original Lucas switch apart and clean it up, contacts etc... without destroying it?

Anybody done this?

My internet searches on lucas rebuilds garner several different styles... wanting some more- mk1 specific advice on it.

Before I destroy an otherwise... original piece.

[Daz1968]

I would just get a good used one,
I had one of the new lucas switches and it lasted less than 3 months.
I did look into dismantling my old one to repair but looked awkward to do

[Peter Laidler]

You CAN unpick the old switch by pushing back the 3(?) indented alloy casing areas that are pressed into the........ you'll see it when you look at the back of the switch. A bit of careful cleaning and assembly - without losing the spring part will cure it. Don't overdo pulling back the impressed parts....., just enough to clear.

What about photographing it so we can all learn

I can't understand the question either I'm sorry to say. Surely it just needs another washer of sorts BEHIND the dash panel to space it all out and cause the outer nut to lock it all up

[Exminiman]

Before pulling the old ignition switch apart or in fact any switch apart try flooding it with contact cleaner - its surprising how often it works...

Even got the volume control on my old Marantz amp working again

You might be surprised..

something like this https://www.wd40.com/products/contact-cleaner/

[Exminiman]

Slightly off topic, but these bad quality switches, do raise question as to whether they are safe not to burn out or fuse together

Early Mini electrics are a bit agricultural, no relays, two fuses, some circuits without fuse protection (ignition I think from memory) a crappy pattern switch (ignition, wipers or lights..) could cause some nasty issues, could it not ?

[whistler]

I bought a new ignition switch from Minispares and it fits perfectly in the straight sided circular hole in the switch panel. I refitted my original key barrel to it. Only thing I had to modify was the chrome spacer ring as there was not enough thread protruding to fit the screw-on outer fixing ring. 5 minutes on the grindstone.