new member need help with pop out ignition

[bigmegina]

hi,new member here.aquired a 1928 model a ford from a neighbor.he bought the car 32 years ago.was restored when he got it.he just passed away and now i have it.the problem is the pop out ignition is extremely hard to rotate and then pop out.car has not run in 10 years.drained motor oil and radiator and gas tank.put all new fluids in.sprayed the pop out with oil and i got it to turn and pop out but still extremey hard to turn.am afraid i am going to break the key.car started up and runs,but is there any way to clean or lube the pop out?have not taken the dash off yet to get a better look.any help is apricated.subscribed to paul shimms model a channel on youtube.he does not do any pop out vids.

[Chris Haynes]

Never put oil in a lock. It attracts dust and gums things up. Try some electric contact cleaner. You find it in auto parts stores.

[nkaminar]

I am not an expert with the popout switches but I will agree with Chris to clean the switch. Graphite is recommended for locks.

[rotorwrench]

Depending on the type of Electrolock assembly you have, there is a way to depress a little button through a hole in the body of the switch that allows it to come out. The cap on the other side of the pop out is a different story but they can be removed for rebuild if done carefully. The Two types are the early one used mostly in 1928/29 and the late type used from 1930 through the end. The two types have subtle variations that help to identify time frame to a certain degree. Volume 5 for the Restorer series of restoration manuals from MAFCA has a very good article on these switches. Pages 213 & 214 in the Service Bulletins have a little bit of information on the early type.

In your case, just removing the pop out plunger and cleaning it may be all that is needed to get it working smoothly. Key locks are more partial to dry lube than light oil but a lot depends on your environment.

[rackops]

Just to get the car going, my recommendation would be to buy a standard key setup from one of the usual vendors, like Snyders part #A-11575-ER. There are others out there that are easier to install just to get the ignition taken care of.

Pop out cables are great, but they can be a real headache sometimes and are sensitive to being screwed too far into the distributor, too far out, and all manner of finicky issues with the actual key and pop out assembly.

That said, once you get everything going, there are a couple of gents who will rebuild your setup for a reasonable price.

Good luck!

[Chuck Dempsey]

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Good Luck on your new ride.

[David in San Antonio]

The popout was an anti-theft device. I’m not very concerned with my car appearing original, so when my popout became a problem I replaced it with a simple key switch. I still have the popout in a box just in case.

[1crosscut]

Remove the ground cable from the battery and then remove the four screws holding the dash panel in place. That will allow you to tip the dash panel forward so the pop out switch is pointing towards the floor. Use the straw tube on a can of brake cleaner and shoot it into the key hole to flush it out. Let it dry and then puff some dry graphite into the key hole. Don't put too much graphite into it as you can pack it full and then it is a real pain in the rear to get the graphite out.
You will want to lay a towel or similar on the floor under it while doing this.

Quick and simple. If that doesn't work then you will probably need to remove the switch and disassemble it for cleaning / repair.

Don't use the non chlorinated brake cleaner. That stuff isn't nearly as good as the chlorinated (regular) type.

[bigmegina]

thanks for the info

[bigmegina]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

Depending on the type of Electrolock assembly you have, there is a way to depress a little button through a hole in the body of the switch that allows it to come out. The cap on the other side of the pop out is a different story but they can be removed for rebuild if done carefully. The Two types are the early one used mostly in 1928/29 and the late type used from 1930 through the end. The two types have subtle variations that help to identify time frame to a certain degree. Volume 5 for the Restorer series of restoration manuals from MAFCA has a very good article on these switches. Pages 213 & 214 in the Service Bulletins have a little bit of information on the early type.

In your case, just removing the pop out plunger and cleaning it may be all that is needed to get it working smoothly. Key locks are more partial to dry lube than light oil but a lot depends on your environment.

thanks foor the help

[bigmegina]

Originally Posted by 1crosscut

Remove the ground cable from the battery and then remove the four screws holding the dash panel in place. That will allow you to tip the dash panel forward so the pop out switch is pointing towards the floor. Use the straw tube on a can of brake cleaner and shoot it into the key hole to flush it out. Let it dry and then puff some dry graphite into the key hole. Don't put too much graphite into it as you can pack it full and then it is a real pain in the rear to get the graphite out.
You will want to lay a towel or similar on the floor under it while doing this.

Quick and simple. If that doesn't work then you will probably need to remove the switch and disassemble it for cleaning / repair.

Don't use the non chlorinated brake cleaner. That stuff isn't nearly as good as the chlorinated (regular) type.

thank you

[bigmegina]

Originally Posted by Chuck Dempsey

Good Luck on your new ride.

thanks

[bigmegina]

Originally Posted by rackops

Just to get the car going, my recommendation would be to buy a standard key setup from one of the usual vendors, like Snyders part #A-11575-ER. There are others out there that are easier to install just to get the ignition taken care of.

Pop out cables are great, but they can be a real headache sometimes and are sensitive to being screwed too far into the distributor, too far out, and all manner of finicky issues with the actual key and pop out assembly.

That said, once you get everything going, there are a couple of gents who will rebuild your setup for a reasonable price.

Good luck!

thanks

[Jim/GA]

If you add your location to your profile, you might find that there is someone in the group that lives near you that can help you with the restart of the car.

Good luck, and have fun!

[bigmegina]

Originally Posted by Jim/GA

If you add your location to your profile, you might find that there is someone in the group that lives near you that can help you with the restart of the car.

Good luck, and have fun!

thanks updated my profile.

[bigmegina]

tried to clean it and lube it.no luck still to hard to turn.ordered a new non pop out from fleabay.hope it is not to hard to install

[verdirick]

Here is who you need to contact; Dick Crabtree (281-615-2261), He is by far the best expert on POP OUT ignition in the country. Really good guy interact with. He will help you and rebuild you pop out at a reasonable price. He has done several for me. Surprised no one else has turned you on to him My advise don't buy a repo unit
Verdi Rick 775-527-1419

[bigmegina]

is there anyone in the rochester ny area that could help me work out some bugs on nelly bell?