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| | | | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 255 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 255 | My 1950 3800 has the foot-stomp starter and I'm converting to 12 volt. My original ignition switch has 2 positions, but three posts on the back. One for Batt, another for ignition (running), but whats the third post for?
When I got the truck there was no radio, no heater fan switch, and nothing connected to that third post on the ignition switch. Is that where accessories like the radio and fan are powered?
Thanks - Bruce | | | | | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 255 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 255 | Ok, reading through some posts from 2012, it looks like that third post is for the accessories. I'll hook her up and see how hot that post is.
Bruce | | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,270 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,270 | If you use that third post for accessories, make sure you don't use the accessories without the engine running. With the key on and the engine isn't running, the coil is energized and you will eventually 'let the smoke out' of your coil, as they say.
Carl
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 255 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 255 | Hmmmm.... Is there a way to avoid this fate Carl?
Bruce | | | | | Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 899 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 899 | On my 2 position switch the terminal that points down is for power and the two upper terminals are both switched at the same time so accessories should not be powered with switch off. Use a voltmeter or test light to verify.
Ed
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,747 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,747 | The only way to run Accessories with the stock switch is to hook them to the Battery post. And use a switch in line to turn them on and off. But, beware, they can run down the battery when you use them. Do not leave the key "On" with the truck not running. The coil, or the points will suffer.
Steve H
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