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Mod | | | Forums66 Topics128,113 Posts1,056,279 Members48,439 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 14 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 14 | I have a 1953 Chevy 3100. The key can be pulled out of the ignition even when in the on position. The problem is that I have burnt out two coils in the last month by accidentally leaving the ignition in the on position. Do I have to replace the tumbler mechanism to fix this or is there and easier way? | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 3,596 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 3,596 | Have you tried cutting a new key? | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | Every original ignition switch and key on my 54 and earlier trucks allowed/allows the key to be removed when the switch was/is "on".
I got used to checking my fuel gauge before I exit the cab (that did not work with my Suburban that had a bad fuel gauge).
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 31 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 31 | This is a "homemade" option on 2 of my 4 transport trucks. The other 2 have key fobs, so I can just keep the fob separate from the key. I love to be able to leave them running & lock the doors when I stop at a rest area to pee!
Bill's Auto Works Your QUALITY Stovebolt Transporter | Est. 1983 Read more! | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,805 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,805 | The 1957 school bus I rode to high school for 3 years had that type of switch, with the little tab on the bottom of the cylinder. We used to prank the bus driver by one of us distracting him and somebody else swiping the key to the bus. He finally started putting the key in his pocket once the bus was running! Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,280 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,280 | Don't expect the repro tumblers to be any better. I found that out the hard way. Carl
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 385 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 385 | I saw a old scanned paper article about this some time ago. Its actually a feature made that way so you can leave it running and lock the doors. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 2,839 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 2,839 | But why was it so important to keep the motor running when you stepped out?
Craig My '50 Chevy 3100 5 window, '62-235cu, 3:55 rear My truck ....... Respect The Rust If I'm not working on my truck, '65 m00stang or VW camper, I'm fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | 1948 truck Operator's Manual: Bottom of page: Switches - Ignition Switch You can ask "why", but an answer is not in the book. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 385 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2014 Posts: 385 | possibly to let it run in colder climates and still lock it? | | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,384 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,384 | When it's below zero and you want to keep the cab heat up or get the windows defrosted. When you had a hard start because of the above and you want don't want to do it again until the battery is recharged.
Foreign concepts in California. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 4,263 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 4,263 | I have a 1953 Chevy 3100. The key can be pulled out of the ignition even when in the on position. The problem is that I have burnt out two coils in the last month by accidentally leaving the ignition in the on position. Do I have to replace the tumbler mechanism to fix this or is there and easier way? I purchased an original ignition from a fellow stovebolter a few years ago. I never tried to pull the key out, but the key will pull out in the on position. I just cheked. Recently I purchased a replacement ignition off ebay. I have not used it yet but I checked it, and the key will not pull out in the on position. so if this is a concern just purchase a new replacement form one of the many vendors. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 164 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 164 | I had a 64 olds cutlass that the key would pull out while the motor was running
Joe | | |
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