Overdrive column switch - parts interchange?

[TedTaylor]

Mike

My responses were related to the original posting.

I had already worked out the option of the NC 6RA relay (one of which I have in 'stock') instead of the NO one as fitted. Not a good solution because it means the operating coil in the 6RA relay would be energised much of its time when car being driven and making it work necessarily as well as the contacts.

Only alternative if going down this route is to use a modern type latching relay but as I am dealing with a very early car it is not an option.

MUT

[rhalkyard]

Thanks again for the help, Ted. Unless the correct one shows up (and you're more than welcome to take up johnnydog's offer ahead of me), I don't think having it work 'backwards' will be the end of the world for me. Better that than have it dropping out every time I go over a bump – with the state of the roads here, it's a pretty frequent occurrence!

[TedTaylor]

Ted,
Do you have Irish ancestry.
Tony.

Nope ...... live in the Forest of Dean, does that count!

MUT

[TedTaylor]

I don't think having it work 'backwards' will be the end of the world for me.

Yes agree!

MUT

[Clifford Pope]

I have to say on the two Mark1s I have owned I've found the column overdrive switch a nuisance - difficult to operate while steering one-handed, which is what you need if you want to use in conjunction with changing gear.
I've changed to the later switch on the gear lever.

Another advantage of doing this is I've swapped the old column switch to operate the wipers. The one on the dash is poorly-placed behind the OD lever, and with only an on/off option you need to operate it a lot in light rain. On the column it is easy to flip the wipers on or off.

[TedTaylor]

Yes but on the other hand it is nice at times to be able to flick in/out of overdrive without dropping your hand from the wheel. It is really six of one and half a dozen of the other but do have the gear knob switch on Woody.

I would not change anyway on my Mk1 2000 as it is a very early one, July/August 1964 and ninth oldest survivor. All the comp mods that I have done I have tried to keep period to 1964/65

MUT

[Mike Stevens]

Not a good solution because it means the operating coil in the 6RA relay would be energised much of its time when car being driven and making it work necessarily as well as the contacts.

I thought about that too Ted, but decided that on a motorway (for example) the overdrive would be more in than out! Anyway, the relay ought to be capable of handling that, just think of all the relays in that are on most of the time in 'moderns'.

It was rather said tongue in cheek though!

Cheers,
Mike.

[TedTaylor]

Thing about modern cars is that they use modern more efficient (I sincerely hope) relays so this would not be a problem. The problem I have is that a daft sod like me (........) insists on using old stuff and in his car and creates all sorts of problems for himself ......

Actually I'm not sure whether to take up John's kind offer, use the later type switch accepting the opposite switching, use an NC relay and carry a spare for if its fails, or a spare NO one which I would swap and have the reverse working switch. Suites someone from the Forest (not just Ireland)

Gawd all these decision make my ancient brain hurt ........

MUT

[johnnydog]

Unless the correct one shows up (and you're more than welcome to take up johnnydog's offer ahead of me)!

I probably have more than one available if you need one too! Just let me know.
John

[CAR]

I got Dad an NOS switch from Fitchetts some time ago, but we think it is for LHD. That operates (overdrive in) in the down position rather than up as original. Dad is quite happy with this and from my point of view, being used to the switch on the gearknob being down for on, it seems intuitively correct.

Colin