Dashboard switches evolved from the toggle type on early chrome-bumper cars to rocker switches on later models, reflecting both changing safety standards and contemporary British Leyland styling. The headlamp switch, panel lamp switch, and wiper switch are the primary dashboard-mounted controls, each specific to the production date.
Later cars gained a hazard warning light switch and a fog lamp switch alongside the original controls.
Early Toggle Switches
The toggle switches on early Midgets (pre-1970) have a distinctive chrome toggle lever. These switches carry the full circuit current directly through their contacts, which over years of service causes the contacts to pit and develop resistance. A switch with significant contact resistance will cause dim headlamps, slow wipers, or a heater fan that barely turns. Cleaning the contacts can provide a temporary improvement, but replacement is the proper long-term solution.
Later Rocker Switches
Later cars used rocker switches with a different mounting arrangement and wiring connections from the early toggle type. The light switch, panel light switch, and wiper switch all changed to rocker format. The wiper switch was produced in both single-speed and two-speed variants depending on the production date. All switch types are specific to the chassis number and are not interchangeable between production periods.
Ignition Switch and Steering Lock
The ignition switch moved from a dashboard-mounted position to a steering column lock assembly from 1971. Two steering lock assemblies were used during production. The shear bolts securing the steering lock to the column are designed to break off during installation as a theft-deterrent measure, replacement shear bolts are available for refitting after lock renewal.
Auxiliary Switches
A dip switch (headlamp beam selector) is floor-mounted on all models. A cigar lighter socket is available for cars so equipped or as a retrofit. Auxiliary switch positions are available for fog lamps and other aftermarket electrical accessories.
Horn Arrangements
Horn arrangements changed during production. Early cars used a separate horn push button on the dashboard or a button on the indicator stalk end.
Later cars integrated the horn function into the steering wheel boss via a slip ring and brush assembly on the steering column. The slip ring and brush are a common cause of intermittent horn failure, corrosion or wear on the contact surfaces breaks the circuit. Cleaning the slip ring with fine abrasive paper and checking the brush spring tension usually resolves the problem without requiring component replacement.
Replacement Horns
Replacement horns are available in high-note and low-note pairs, mounted to the bodywork on dedicated horn brackets. Two horn specifications were used across production, distinguished by their part numbers and tone. Horn brackets are stocked individually for cars where the bracket has corroded but the horn itself remains serviceable.
Air Horns
An air horn kit provides a significantly louder and more authoritative horn note than the standard electric horns, a worthwhile upgrade for owners who use their Midget regularly in modern traffic where the standard horn can be difficult to hear above the noise levels of contemporary vehicles.