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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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| | | | Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 35 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 35 | When I got my 54 Chevy truck the foot starter switch was missing. I bought a new reproduction switch.
The starter works great after a minor rebuild but the switch contact does not quite make contact with the brass contact on the top of the starter.
I can engage the starter but need to push the switch slightly to make contact. I'm not sure if the switch was made incorrectly or the brass contact is too short. The contact in the switch can't be bent any closer.
I could buy another switch from a different source.
Anyone else have this issue and a simple solution?
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | Sounds like the copper "button" on the starter is worn down?
I have jury-rigged a solution by putting a piece sliced-open rubber hose over the button on the starter switch. This pushes the switch further towards the button on the starter.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 639 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 639 | Had the same thing happen to me. Always started great but over the last two or three months I had to push down harder on the pedal to make contact. Finaly it just wouldn't start so I replaced the switch with an extra I had. Problem solved. Both switches were repros. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 190 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 190 | Just like the contact on the switch the contact on the starter can wear. Unfortunately its harder to replace the starter contact. In the photo you will see a groove cut in the end of the post, this is where your field coils solder in so the starter has to come apart. This contact post is available in a complete kit, contact post, case insulators etc. http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww217/juggin4cats/P1010570.jpg | | | | | Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 35 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 35 | Thanks for all the help. It might very well be the starter contact post. I may try a different switch just to see if that solves it. The additional travel needed is not much. Since the engine is on a run stand its easy to fiddle with. I placed a plain washer on the switch button and that is all the distance that is needed.
Kennethw where did you get the contact post kit? I did not see it on Jim Carters web site but I may call them later. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 190 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 190 | Rick,
sent you a message.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,777 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,777 | If you've got a spare electrical junction box around, the nickel-sized knockout plug for a 1/2" Romex connector is just the right size to epoxy onto the top of the switch to give it a little more stroke. Use J-B Weld or something similar to stick the spacer to the top of the switch button. (A nickel would work, also!)
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: May 2012 Posts: 574 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2012 Posts: 574 | hey jerry, i was gonna say the same thing!!!! 
1949 Dodge Coronet 1955 2nd Chevy 4400 1.5 ton 1955 2nd Chevy 3100 1/2 ton 1955 2nd Chevy 3100 1/2 ton 1957 Chevy 5400 LCF 2 ton 1966 Dodge D100 Sweptline 1968 Chevy P20 stepvan 1969 GMC LWB pickup 1972 GMC Sprint 1974 CP30 shorty bus There are three things that I've learned never discuss with people: religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin.----Linus Van Pelt Trying to understand the behavior of some people is like trying to smell the color 9  | | |
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