This section covers the driver-operated controls and audible warning devices. The TD has the most complex switch identification in the catalogue, with the horn push, dip switch, indicator switch, and panel light switch all having documented production changes. The TF dashboard introduced an entirely different arrangement, five horizontal switches in chrome bezels, although several underlying components are shared with late TDs. The Switches and Horns section is divided into Switches (dashboard controls and warning lamps) and Horns and Fusebox (warning devices, regulator, fuse box, indicator relay, flasher unit).
TD Switch Production Changes
The TD's most significant switch change occurred at chassis TD/18883 in August 1952, when the combined horn push/dip switch separated into a dedicated horn push (centre panel) and a floor-mounted dip switch. This affects the horn push, dip switch, dip switch bracket (handed RHD/LHD), and wiring loom. The panel light switch changed at chassis TD/10779 (RHD) / TD/10751 (LHD): simple on/off was replaced by a rheostat dimmer (screw-on or push-on knob). On North American TDs from chassis TD/22315 (November 1952), flashing indicators with self-cancelling switch and centre panel warning lamp were fitted, home market cars had a blank.
TD Switch Components
The TD ignition switch combines the lock with the headlamp switch in a single unit, with the barrel lock supplied complete with two keys (the original key number from the MRN range was stamped on the front of the lock barrel). The accessory plug socket and accessory plug, choke cable, and starter cable complete the TD's centre panel layout. Warning lamps comprise the red ignition warning lamp and the green lamp originally used for low fuel level, the same green lamp body was added in a second position on indicator-equipped cars from chassis 22371.
TF Switch Components
The TF dashboard uses five horizontal black-bodied switches with chrome bezels and white lettering. The five knobs are marked 'L' (light), 'P' (panel), 'A' (accessory), 'C' (choke), and 'S' (starter), a complete knob set is available, with individual knobs in original black or alternative white. The choke and starter knobs sit at the right-hand end of the centre panel on RHD cars, swapped on LHD cars. The TF ignition switch is a separate lock-only unit with its own chrome bezel.
TF Warning Lamps
The TF warning lamps share a common body design with three different coloured lenses: red for the ignition warning, green for the indicators, and blue for the low-fuel warning. The lens, bulb holder, and bulb are individual items, allowing damaged lenses to be renewed without replacing the lamp body.
TF Wiper and Horn Controls
The TF has knurled windscreen wiper control knobs in each glovebox, that on the driver's side is the master switch for the electric motor, and that on the passenger side connects the passenger-side wiper to the drive mechanism. The horn push is mounted under the scuttle on the driver's side. The floor-mounted dip switch is shared with the late TD specification (from chassis 18883), as is the self-cancelling indicator switch, although the dip switch bracket is TF-specific.
Brake and Reversing Light Switches
The brake light switch is fitted in the brake hydraulic circuit and is available with either screw or spade terminal connections. A reversing light switch is catalogued for cars with reversing lights fitted, although reversing lights were not standard equipment.
Horns
The TD and TF were originally fitted with a low-note and high-note paired horn arrangement. Modern replacements are based on the late TF horn type, which is also suitable for use on earlier cars. The horns are mounted on the bulkhead via flexible mountings that isolate the horn vibration from the bodywork, with side-specific brackets (right-hand and left-hand) and matching screws, nuts, and washers. Triple Targa and double Monza air horns are available as upgrades for owners wanting a more commanding sound.
Ordering Considerations
The chassis number determines the TD horn push and dip switch arrangement (combined to chassis 18882, separate from 18883), the panel light switch type (on/off to chassis TD/10778 RHD / TD/10750 LHD; rheostat from TD/10779 RHD / TD/10751 LHD), and the indicator components (NA-spec from chassis 22315). The TF uses a different switch layout but shares the late-TD dip switch and indicator switch part numbers. Drive side determines the dip switch bracket and TF choke/starter orientation. Polarity determines the flasher unit and any LED warning lamp bulbs.