The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Ignition Switch / New Wiring Question

I'm going to buy a harness from Hotrod wires for my 55.2 with a 350. Currently the truck has an ignition switch that appears to be a generic GM switch from a mid '70's truck. The backside of the ignition switch has exposed terminals and one of them is always hot. My question is - is there something I can put over the terminal so that if something comes loose/falls it won't hit the hot terminal? While I don't expect things to come loose, I want to err on the side of caution. Any thoughts/advice on this is appreciated.

Here is what the back of the switch looks like.

http://www.waytekwire.com/item/44061/IGNITION-SWITCH-4-POSITION/

*this is for illustration only, not the actual one on my truck*

The one you linked is a Universal switch for any and all vehicles. If you have an actual Chevy switch, there will be a connector for it available. (post a real pic if not Universal.)
If universal as shown: The only terminal that is always hot is the center one from the battery, of course. You will use a ring tongue crimp-on terminal for that and the others. They usually are insulated or you can shrink sleeve the wire connection area. The actual threaded stud and nut are hard to insulate. As far as something hitting the center terminal:
1. Nobody worries about that.
2. Something can hit the other terminals when they are hot.
3. If you must, use that liquid tape in a can. I have used that. It is messy, so put drip catcher under it until it skins over in a minute or two.
4. The "proper" way is to buy a genuine 55-59 V8 Ignition switch (available) and a genuine switch connector with contacts inside the shell (if available) or use individual female spade connectors on the V8 switch. (available) (Packard 56 style)

Possibly this fits original style V8 switch:
http://www.americanautowire.com/shop/connector-housing-ignition-switch-connec

The original style: switch, tumbler w/keys, bezel indicator, nut and connector will be pricey but correct, nice and can't short out.

Thanks Bartamos,

I agree what no one usually worries about it, but this is my first time working on an old truck and a lot of the things done to it in the 80's were suspect. I'm going to purchase a new ignition switch when I buy the wire harness and the new ignition comes with a "cover" that keeps the terminals and wires.

Thanks for your input on this.

TK

Many of the wiring harness kits come with a new ignition switch, so before you buy a separate switch check with the harness vendor to see if they include it.

Mike B