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| | | | Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 863 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 863 | My '49 1/2 ton Chevrolet truck originally came with a 3 position ignition switch off/run/start. The truck has the stomp starter. I've only been able to find 2 position switches off/run. My question is: I have converted the ignition to 12 volts with a Pertronix electronic ignition module. Will I need the 3 position switch so not to burn out the Pertronix ignition module? Have heard if you leave ignition switch in the on position for too long it will burn out the Pertronix ignition module. Does the ignition switch make a difference?
Tim
Last edited by fixit1958; 08/14/2016 2:55 PM.
"Pay attention to the details! It ALWAYS pays off."
1949 Chevrolet 3100 Series 1/2 ton Pickup
1964 Chevrolet C10 (Ol' Yella) (SOLD)
1958 Chevrolet Biscayne 2 door (SOLD)
1970 VW Beetle
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | On a 56-?? truck (or, an earlier truck converted to 12v), if you leave a 12v 2-or-3 position switch on, both will provide a live and full 12v feed to the coil.
A 2-position switch was standard equipment on at least 47-55st Advance Design trucks (all were 6v). For this thread, let's ignore 6v solenoid starters on 54/55 Hydra-Matic trucks.
The later 3-position switch was designed to provide a full 12v feed to the coil when cranking; and, when not cranking, the switch is intended to run a 12v feed through a ballast resistor into the coil. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | Pertronix provides wiring diagrams for their 12v units with a ballast resistor or with a coil with internal resistor. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 863 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 863 | Tim,
Thank you again for the fast reply! I have the Pertronix wiring diagram in hand. I using a 3 ohm internal Flame Thrower ignition coil and ignition module by Pertronix. So, what you are saying is that the using a 3 position switch versus a 2 position switch will not effect the ignition module if I follow the wiring diagram from Pertronix?
Tim
"Pay attention to the details! It ALWAYS pays off."
1949 Chevrolet 3100 Series 1/2 ton Pickup
1964 Chevrolet C10 (Ol' Yella) (SOLD)
1958 Chevrolet Biscayne 2 door (SOLD)
1970 VW Beetle
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | Tim,
Yes, but, be sure to turn off the switch if the engine stops and the ignition switch is still on.
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 863 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 863 | Tim, Thank you again!! Guess my 'ol man mind has started to go to mush?  Tim
"Pay attention to the details! It ALWAYS pays off."
1949 Chevrolet 3100 Series 1/2 ton Pickup
1964 Chevrolet C10 (Ol' Yella) (SOLD)
1958 Chevrolet Biscayne 2 door (SOLD)
1970 VW Beetle
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | I accidently left my key on over night as I was testing some things. It blew the coil wide open. Didn't hurt the Petronics though.
They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,270 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,270 | The Chinese guy who built my aftermarket ignition switch caused both my coil and Pertonix module to fry. I shut the truck off and pulled out the key, and went to bed. Problem is, as I pulled out the key, the switch was moved ever so slightly toward the on position (should not be possible to do that), leaving the ignition on all night. It melted the plastic end of the coil and dumped the coil oil out and fried the Pertronix. Expensive day, that one was.
Carl
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
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