The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Need a key switch

On my 59 Apache with stomp start.. Truck would start till I let off the stomp...turns out there are 2 diff ignition circuits. One for start and one for normal run. Looks like key switch is bad. Can't find a switch for the stomp start style. Can I rebuild this one?? Where can I get a new switch that is for stomp style?. All I can find is for solenold style key start.
Lots of questions for the Bolters !!


Thanks

Good luck finding a new/reproduction switch for a foot-actuated starter.

You should post a want-ad in the Swap Meet.

The advise usually given for this question is use the 55-59 solenoid switch available at vendors and just don't use the spring loaded position/terminals. It should fit and look good.
http://www.classicparts.com/1955-59-Ignition-Switch-Original-Key/productinfo/53-411/#.VQtxDul0w5s

Leave the original switch in place and put a toggle switch under the dash for the ignition.
Just as good as an anti-theft switch

You are describing what happens when the resistor fails. Have you checked it?

You probably have the coil hooked to the accessory side of the ign. switch. Does the switch on top of the starter have a small term. for resister bypass? If it does it should be hooked to the coil side of the resister.

I just answered where to get a key switch. Now that truckernix has posted it made me actually think about what may be wrong. The foot switch has a large lug contact and small contact inside. The large is to run the starter motor and the small is to bypass the resistor while starting. When foot is released, bypass is released and reverts current thru resistor to save points. So starting and then dying told Tnix that it is the resistor or it's wiring. Not the key switch. The way to trouble shoot electrical is to take an item out of the circuit, if possible, and see what happens. In this case it's easy. Jump the resistor (bypassing it) and see if it starts! Then you know it's the resistor.
If no start, short the two wires on the switch together outside the switch and try it.
It's Ok to run the motor a few seconds without the resistor.
Be sure it's hooked up correctly as Wbender says before any of this.

I will double check the resistor. I have about wore out my volt meter chasing 12V under the hood !!

Thanks for all the advice

Just hook up a wire from one terminal of the resistor to the other, and try starting truck. No need to check it with a meter. A ballast resistor is $11.