I'm starting the electrical installation on my 53 restomod. I intended to use the traditional (original) ignition switch but just realized its only an off-on switch to be used with the foot pushbutton starter. I want the more common off-0n-start (spring loaded) type switch. Can anyone recommend a switch (brand and model) that would fit the stock hole in the dash. Thanks in advance. ken
Since the funky AD ignition switch is attached to a bracket which is then attached to the bottom edge of the dash, a later model ignition/starter switch cannot not readily be installed in the original ignition switch hole. There is no boss in the hole in the dash for a threaded switch to attach to.
Last edited by 52Carl; 08/18/20182:43 AM.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
Many years ago I bought one at Western Auto which (while I didn't know it when I bought it) matched that bracket or could be mounted in a slotted hole in the dash with the trim piece to hold it. I was actually messing with it today while running a larger gauge wire for an HEI distributor. Not as easy to crawl under the dash and work as it was over 30 years ago. I noticed that after only a few minutes. Come to think of it I may have kept the old on-off switch somewhere. There are two apple crates of stuff still in the attic, but this is a really bad time to crawl around up there.
~ Jon 1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end
I picked up a universal tractor ign switch at a local TSC to get my 49 going as its switch was kaput. It has aux/on/off/start. Since tractors lack the electrical load of an automobile I installed a 30 amp auto relay and use the key switch just to control it and run all loads through the relay. It works good this way. I do carry a spare relay for just in case. If/when I upgrade the steering column it'll get a late model lockable ign switch, one day .... If your electrical load is lite you won't need a relay. Good luck Dave
You can use any switch from any vehicle that has a key and a spring loaded position. A 55-59 switch or a 62-66 or whatever. They all just mount in a hole in the dash. Modify the hole or drill a new one and install the switch. Notch the hole for the positional/anti rotation lugs or any method that you think of. No need for PITA foot switch. It's no big deal. I believe Tim is indicating that the 54-55.1 switch is a spring loaded one also. These older spring loaded switches will look more era correct. 54-59. But all you see is the bezel nut anyway. You will need to buy the switch, the tumbler/keys and the nut. The original bracket and all should not need to be used. Many folks who have AD will state there ideas also. I have not owned one yet. I may buy one from 52Carl if he has any V8 one's that look good.
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn
You can use any switch from any vehicle that has a key and a spring loaded position. A 55-59 switch or a 62-66 or whatever. They all just mount in a hole in the dash. Modify the hole or drill a new one and install the switch. Notch the hole for the positional/anti rotation lugs or any method that you think of. No need for PITA foot switch. It's no big deal. I believe Tim is indicating that the 54-55.1 switch is a spring loaded one also. These older spring loaded switches will look more era correct. 54-59. But all you see is the bezel nut anyway. You will need to buy the switch, the tumbler/keys and the nut. The original bracket and all should not need to be used. Many folks who have AD will state there ideas also. I have not owned one yet. I may buy one from 52Carl if he has any V8 one's that look good.
How about this one?
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
Kind of looks like a SBC in an AD with chopped and tubbed 216 valve covers. 1957 Bel Air 4bbl air cleaner. Very trick. I can see myself in that restomod. I'll bet the ranch it will giddyup.
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn
Kind of looks like a SBC in an AD with chopped and tubbed 216 valve covers. 1957 Bel Air 4bbl air cleaner. Very trick. I can see myself in that restomod. I'll bet the ranch it will giddyup.
Good eye, mate. Those valve covers cause a crowd at cuise-ins and car shows. A lot of "What is that?" going on. I use the original ignition switch to power up the coil, and to send low amp power to a relay which sends full battery amps to the the V8 starter. In series of the low amp side of the relay, there is a micro lever switch to allow start in Park and Neutral only. From there it leads to the new electric stomp starter. Doing all of this prevents overloading the original ignition switch from the high amp demand of the V8 solenoid during initial starting phase. Carl
Last edited by 52Carl; 08/21/20181:25 AM.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
