The PO installed a generic ignition switch in my '47 3100 AD. It works fine; however, I'm thinking about about putting a correct application switch in. I'm looking at this lockset. It would be nice to have one key for everything.
Is the original type switch a two-position switch, on-off?
Yes you will need the switch and mounting bracket if PO discarded them. I'd recommend an ad in parts wanted forum. You'd be surprised what a lot of Stovebolters have lying around. Unfortunately I don't have them. Ed
Here's the '47 Delco Remy ignition switch(FRONT & BACK). It's a two-postion switch: OFF and ON. There are three terminals on the back: presumably a battery terminal, ignition terminal and an accessory terminal. Does anyone know what terminal is the battery terminal? The IGN and ACC terminals are supposed to be 'hot' in the run (ON) position. I've done some testing with my ohm meter and get the same functionality regardless of which terminal I use as the BATT. Maybe it doesn't matter, but it would be nice to know it is correct...........
With the switch in the "ON" position, you will read continuity between all three posts with an ohmmeter. With the switch in the "OFF" Position, you will read continuity between only two posts. The dead post will be the battery post (from the ammeter actually). The other posts can be used for either ignition or accessories. I like to use the bottom post for the ignition, so that I always have a constant reference between all of my trucks, should I need to do some trouble shooting down the road. Carl
Last edited by 52Carl; 09/04/20195:57 PM.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
I just checked the switch in both positions with various configurations of terminals and achieved the same results: continuity between all terminals with the switch on and no continuity between all terminals with the switch off, all configurations of terminals. I energized the switch with 6V and read six volts between all terminals with the switch on and only six volts on the energized terminal with the switch off, again all configurations of terminals.
On the switch you are testing, you have proven that it does not matter which is Battery Hot. The NOS and aftermarket 47 switches do not have any terminal markings either. Which confirms no specific batt terminal. The 47 wiring diagram shows three terminals on Ign Sw. Only two are wired. Batt/ammeter on one and gas gauge/coil on the other. No accessories in 47
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn
bartamos, thank you for confirming my test results. It's good to know about the NOS and aftermarket '47 switches too (which must be different than the 48-53 switches). So at the end of the day I learned something. I now have full confidence this ignition switch will pass the 'smoke test' with flying colors!
BTW, I did find a local retired locksmith that re-keyed this switch to match my glove box and door locks. I coaxed him out of retirement for about an hour or so. He said this was probably his last job. I'm not sure what happens when this generation of locksmiths are no longer available. There weren't any other locksmiths that had the lock kit for something over 70 years old.
I am not an expert on AD stuff. I am searching and learning. Putting things together to give my best shot to help. I did not mean to indicate that a 47 switch is different than 48-53. I don't believe 47 is different. The switch is 47-53. I do not know what that switch is that you pictured. I don't even know if it is a Chevy truck switch. The bracket looks correct. I can't see much of the switch in your pics to tell what it is.
Glad you got all "keyed up".
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn
The switches for '47 and '48 are different in that they are an Off-On-Off configuration. The left key position is Off and locked, needing a key to unlock. The right position is Off but unlocked, and the key can be removed from the switch. There is a lever on the switch allowing you to move between the Off and On position after removing the key. The advantage of this is that the On position can be accessed without needing to have a key with you, which I'm sure was a feature much appreciated by the farmer who walked out to the truck in the lower 40 and found he left the key back in the barn.
OK, let me clarify my post. The switches sold by aftermarket vendors says 47-53. The one's on Ebay, that seem to be "used", say 47-53. Thanks for the info about 47-48. I always thought a foot stomp switch was "ON" "Off". No lock feature.
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn
So there is a paddle handle key tumbler for 47-48. Switch body is the same 47-53. Also, as everyone knows, 47 was a transition year. 47.1/47.2. I assume that this paddle is not 47.1 only. From the rest of the pics on the "film strip", it is not.
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn
Thanks to everyone that has commented in this thread. I always seem to learn a lot about these old ADs, after all the experience and knowledge is on the table.
Just for kicks, I checked the 1947 and 1951 Operator's Manuals for ignition switch pictures.......
