mk1 horn push

[evonaut]

i have just purchased, and it just arrived, what looks to be an original used mk1 morris steering wheel centre and horn push to fit into my dad's old 1965 springall paddy hopkirk steering wheel.

i have just fitted it and have realised that if all the lugs and notches are lined up in the horn push and chrome bezel, and the circular lug is fitted into the circular hole on the inner edge of the centre of the steering wheel, the M is at a 45 degree angle?

either, its the incorrect centre and horn push, maybe the morris ones are different to the austin ones and my dads wheel is for an austin, or that is right, and when you see a correctly set centre badge, they have had a new notch filed so the horn push can be positioned at 45 degrees to the factory notch......

clarification and experienced opinions welcome.....

many thanks

adam

[evonaut]

what? no comments? that is unusual..........

.......he comments to elevate the post to the top of the pile!

someone must have a view!

here's a couple of photos to clarify

[STG95F]

Hi . The lugs should all be at 12 o clock .( all inline )

Hope this is some help

See photos

Ian

[evonaut]

thats right. its the hole / circular slot on the steering wheel that is at 45 degrees......

weird huh!?!

[STG95F]

Yes , Sorry i Can't help you . Does it say you can fit a Mk1 horn push to those wheels ??

Or will the boss undo and refit to 12 0 Clock ??

[evonaut]

the wheel was originally fitted into my late fathers 1965 cooper. it may have been an austin but can't believe there would be a different steering wheel design for morris and austin?

both the boss, and spacer can be unscrewed and turned through 45 degrees however there is also a corresponding slot in the wheel it self. obviously these all have to line up......

i might have a word with Len Chandler.......

bit odd don't you think

[STG95F]

He is the man that will tell you

[mk1]

The easiest solution is to modify the badge & chrome ring. Just carefully file a slot into them in the correct place & re fit. You may have to use a very small drop of glue on the chrome ring though, to stop it from popping out afterwards.

[evonaut]

its only the plastic insert that will need modifying, and i'm sure the chrome bit will be secure......

i might just leave them at an angle for the time being......

thanks for your advice

adam

[mk1]

Good point, the ring will turn around no problem. Would be very, very easy to cut a new notch in the "M" badge.

[evonaut]

its easy, but i'm surprised it has to be done........ i guess that's the beauty of these early cars. they are all a bit clunky! the mk2 centres can be set at any angle! but there again there was no horn push - that's design development!

[woodypup59]

I can only see three screws fixing the s/wheel rim to the boss.

If these are 3 of six (and equi-spaced), surely its easier to move the "notch" round to the position you want ie 4 o'clock ?

[evonaut]

nice idea except there is a notch in the boss, spacer and steering wheel......... can't turn one without the other!

[mk1]

There was never any difference in horn pushes all of them had the notch in the same place. However Springall made many wheels for various applications, it would not surprise me if this wheel or the boss were made for a non Mini application. I am a great fan of Springall wheels & have had many through my hands & I still have quite a collection while I have seen mismatched bosses & wheels with this type of (although not identical) issue I have never seen a matching wheel & boss that were made for a MK1 mini display this sort of symptom.

I can't see what the big deal is in filing a new groove in the badge, 2 minute job & problem solved.

[evonaut]

there's no problem. was just curious as to whether this was a common issue, or whether, as you say, maybe this wheel was made for a different car. It was definitely bought for and fitted to a mk1 mini however. saying that, my dad was an engineer and was very capable of making the required mods himself, and so may have done.

[mk1]

The thing I can't understand is that the notch in the wheel body is in the wrong place. I have never seen this on another wheel.

[evonaut]

it is odd. if we ever get to meet at a mini event at some point in the future you'll have to take a look yourself. its definitely a springall wheel as it has the makers mark lightly etched on the back of the bottom spoke near the boss. and the notch is definitely factory drilled........ maybe its unique? and therefore super special!

shame my dad is not around to ask.....

will live with it at 45degrees for a while, then file a new groove after it drives me mad!

[mk1]

Oh yes, no doubt its a Springall, as I say they are my favourite wheel & I would recognise one 20 feet off.

Bring it to Blyton, would love to meet you some time.

[mk1coopers]

Does the alloy ring with the notch separate from the wheel ?, if it does can you leave the wheel and lower boss where they are and rotate the top ring to the correct place?

[evonaut]

Bring it to Blyton, would love to meet you some time.

would love to! if the mini is finished, and the weather is good, and family are in agreement........sounds like a long shot doesn't it!

never say never!