The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Stock ignition for a 53

The previous owner of my 53 had removed the floor start and replaced the ignition cylinder. I've since replaced the floor starter and purchased a stock ignition cylinder.

I wonder if someone could take a look at the linked photos, and tell me if in fact this is the stock ignition cylinder and also if I'm missing any parts. When the cylinder is installed there is a slight gap between the cylinder itself and the dash. I'm thinking there may be a trim piece that I'm missing? Also, the bracket has a hole, presumably for the light that is still dangling nearby. I'm not really sure what this is supposed to illuminate unless it’s to light up the space around the cylinder.

Thanks in advance.
-Chris.

Photos of the ignition:
www.fairpoint.net/~cdsjohnson/ignition.htm

I think that is what the light is for, I've never been in an AD truck that the light actually worked, though. On the TF trucks, the light mounts in a hole in the switch housing itself, and only lights up the inside of the cylinder. The way yours is setup it makes more sense for visibilty.

Your switch is missing the part called a "bezel", it's a threaded trim ring that holds the switch firmly to the dash. I think the parts suppliers sell them seperate from the switch because many are chewed up from being removed with pliers. I will look and see if I have the complete setup recently removed from a 51 that went on an S10 frame. When you go the V8 route you use the key start switch so if it hasn't been tossed it should still be around. If it is it's yours for the shipping cost. I don't know if the key was saved or if it went with the owner for the door lock.

Hi Chris
I think the space around your cylinder is correct, mine has the same space on my 52. I converted to 12 volt last weekend and when I was changing out the dash lights I noticed the socket in the key switch, when I put a bulb in and turned on the lights it lit up a nice little circle around the key switch. If there was a bezel it would block the light. Bob

Thanks for the input guys,
I think I'll paint it up and install it.
I'm anxious to see what it will look like illuminated.

I would be interested in seeing the trim you have in mind Evan. If you still have it, maybe you could send me a pic.

If anyone else has any other wisdom feel free to pipe in.

Thanks a bunch,
-Chris.

I have to agree with the previous couple of posts. My 52 has an open space that illuminates the switch from the bulb that goes in the cutout in the upper left of the mounting assembly.

mine's got a gap too.

My 1951 is the same way,the light,lights around the key.There is no outside bezel.I can't remember what the back side looks like,i will look and see.