That Silver Key!

[Mike Hawthorn]

Hi all, long time no speak.
A little advice from the group would be apperciated. As is the "norm" my silver cut out key has started to be a problem. I've never used this key in all my ownership (about 7 or 8 years) but for some reason went out to start it a week or so back and nothing!!! after checking the normal stuff I twiddled the Silver Key and it all came alive. Now I have to go through this twiddling ceremony most times I want to use the car. I'm worried that in the not so distant future the twiddling is going to become swearing and walking!

Does the the group think it best to replace with another Chubb type key switch, any switch or wire it through and do without?
The next question is how difficult is it to get out? does the whole dash need to come out or can I get to it via the Ash Tray or by removing the Radio and getting my hand through that way.

Any helpful hints would be appreciated before I start.

Thanks
Mike H

[ukkid35]

I completely removed it

In its place I installed a switch for a SatNav power cable

[Imran999]

This may help:

[Mike Hawthorn]

Thanks Guys. At least I know what can be done and what it looks like behind the dash. Now to find out how much needs to be removed and how the dash comes apart.

Thank again

Mike H

[Mr Cerbera]

Thaks Imran, superbly helpful post

I'm with Mike, anyoine seen a detailed guide on how to get the dash out ?
I have so much to do, behind mine, I can only think of complete removal.

Ta !

PJ

[CerbWill]

Mr Cerbera said:

Thaks Imran, superbly helpful post

I'm with Mike, anyoine seen a detailed guide on how to get the dash out ?
I have so much to do, behind mine, I can only think of complete removal.

Ta !

PJ

Remove the panel under the steering column. Should be a wingnut on the right and 1x screw on the left.
Remove the cowl over the speedo and rev counter 2x wingnuts from underneath. Unscrew the instrument panel. 2x screws are obvious.
Remove trim pannel from underside of the main dashboard on the passenger side. 1x wingnut on the door side and 1x screw on the transmission tunnel side.
Disconnect passenger side air vent. Pipe just pulls apart.
There 2x bolts on each side of the dash, close to the doors. M8 from memory. There may also be the odd self tapping screw lurking depending on who built the car, what day it was and how hungover the were.
Remove helmet holder.
Remove radio and unplug window switches. Wiring should be grab-able through the radio hole.
Disconnect ribbon cables from fog light and main light switches.
Disconnect heater control panel. You may be able to reach round the back and unplug the ribbon cable. If not 4x tiny nuts need to come off to remove the 2x brackets that clamp it in place.
Shift the dash and tunnel assy backwards and extract thru 1 of the doors. At some point you'll need to drop the tacho and speedo through the dash.

That's pretty much it from memory.

[ukkid35]

Alternatively don't take the dash out

You can reach most cables by removing the ashtray, I'm pretty certain that's all I did

[Byker28i]

...and if for some reason you break it I have a brand new spare one available. I bought two when mine was lost during the body off chassis rebuild.

[Mike Hawthorn]

Thanks everyone. Sorry for the late reply but I've been away for a while. These posts are very helpfull and I hope to get stuck in this week or next. Too many cars screaming for attention.