Source for small screws holding XK120 turn signal switch together

XK
1

I have been rebuilding the original XK120 and Mark VII “manettes” for the past few years but I have now run out of the very small screws (3) that connect the bakelite switch base to the round metal base for the turn signal assembly. I also need to find a source for the slightly longer screws (again, 3 ea) that connect the horn button and chrome surround unit to the rest of the assembly through the bakelite base. I would buy multiples of each type of screw if I could find a source. British Fasteners does not seem to have this piece of hardware in its online catalog. Any leads will be followed and appreciated. Larry

2

What is the diameter and what is the thread pitch? (count per inch)

3

I would need an electronic caliper to measure the diameter properly and
will have to borrow one. The threads are very fine and length is much less
than an inch for one set, probably an inch for the other three. I can make
the longer ones by cutting down some that I found to the proper length I
need. For the long run I need to find a source.

4

They will be a BA thread. You need to measure the dia very accurately as the difference between one size and the next if very small

I have them for SS / MK IV manettes but I can’t remeber the size for the later ones

When the local bolt supply closed we did a deal , 2 slabs of beer for all their BA stock … filled the Datsun boot with them.

5

I appreciate the information, Ed, and would like to follow up with you. I
have a couple samples I could send you. Thanks.

6

Larry

Certainly

My address is

E Nantes

51 Frater ST
Kew East Vic 3102 Australia

Regards,

Ed

7

The manette for my Mark V was handy so I measured the tiny flat head screws and the one long one that did not have solder on it.
I get .122" or .123" diameter and my 42 pitch thread gauge is the closest I could come to fitting, but it was not quite right.
That is about 3.1 mm and 5BA is 3.2 major diameter, and 5BA thread pitch is .59 mm or approximately 43 threads per inch.
So I reckon these are 5BA thread.
Flat head screws are 9/32" length.
Round head screw is 1.125" length.

8

Rob - This is extremely helpful and your measurements appear to be
spot-on. Thank you! Larry

9

Just as a side note, when you’re looking for oddball screws, try googling for places that supply live steam or horological materials.

There is a risk however. Once you start browsing their website you’ll find that the shopping list which started out as “3x 5BA cheese head, 1-1/8” long" has somehow mutated to include a couple of kilos of gauge plate and German silver, a casting set for a 3-1/2" locomotive, a set of bicycle thread taps, and the plans for a Congreve rolling ball clock… So don’t say I didn’t warn you.

10

Hi Ed,

I’m finally getting round to sending you that small sample machine screw
for the XK120 manette. I have a used Mark IV/SS manette that I removed the
screws from and they are identical to what Jaguar used for the XK120
manette. I took the manette apart for the internal switch, which was
basically the same and in good shape, and also used the round copper horn
ground piece. If you can use any of the rest of the switch (stator tube,
which is shorter than XK120, bakelite plate, etc.) let me know and I’ll
send them your way. I can’t use them.

Also let me know how much to send you for up to 30 of the screws like the
(damaged) sample screw I am sending for comparison.

This is a big help.

Many thanks,

Larry Springer

11

Larry

Sounds great , Don’t worry about paying .

Any Mk IV manatte parts would be gratefully received

I have a replated trafficator lever for a Mk VIi which I think is
common to the XKs

I’ll send that as well as I no longer have ay use for it .

Regards,

Ed