The Ford Barn

Pilotdave · 07-27-2025, 12:03 PM

I recently replaced a dead ignition switch in our '31 roadster with the $10 switch currently available. I tested it before reinstalling the instrument panel and all seemed well. After I reinstalled the instrument panel, smoke began pouring out of the panel area. Thank goodness for kill switches!! After removing the panel, it was clear that the new switch was the source of the smoke.

I'm suspecting that meltdown was caused by the terminals on the new switch touching the gas tank behind the panel. I'm wondering if others have had similar experiences with these switches.....and/or if there's a cure - aside from buying a more expensive switch!

Thanks!
David

jw hash · 07-27-2025, 12:29 PM

yes, sometimes you have to bend the terminal to clear. they also make a spacer for the outside, that holds the switch out further. I`m in need of one of the spacers myself.

Pilotdave · 07-27-2025, 12:33 PM

Thanks, JW. I tried "reshaping" the terminals and got a similar result...which may have been the result of damage from the initial smoke screen! The switch fell apart in my hand after the 2nd try.

If I try another of these switches, I will fabricate a spacer!

And tape the terminals as Tom suggests below!

David

Tom Smith · 07-27-2025, 03:26 PM

I always tape the terminals on after market switches, I also apply an insulating tape to that area of the gas tank.

Tom

nkaminar · 07-27-2025, 04:29 PM

Sometime in the 1960's I saw a Model A that had burned up, along with the gas station where it was parked at the time. The source was a leaking gas gauge and a faulty ignition switch. At that time there were still wooden gas stations in remote towns.

larry harding · 07-31-2025, 07:57 AM

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after the spanish pop out switch i was running crapped out i found an ignition switch on ebay? that is sold as a motorcycle switch, it has acc-off-ign and is short and stubby. the screws are n the back of the switch rather than having tabs with screws. i used to pick these up at the auto parts store, but no one carries them now. they will mount on the dash and clear the gas tank with room to spare. i ran this type of switch in the harley i rode for 29 years. the
h d vibration would eventually destroy the tumbler.

Ernie Vitucci · 07-31-2025, 12:51 PM

Good Morning...It seems to me that by the time you have purchased two inexpensive switches and almost had a fire...a bit more expensive switch from one of the major suppliers would be a better deal...and much less chance of a failure on the road or a fire that burns up your A. Ernie in Arizona

07-27-2025, 12:03 PM	#1
Pilotdave Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Grafton, MA Posts: 1,273	Ignition Switch Meltdown! I recently replaced a dead ignition switch in our '31 roadster with the $10 switch currently available. I tested it before reinstalling the instrument panel and all seemed well. After I reinstalled the instrument panel, smoke began pouring out of the panel area. Thank goodness for kill switches!! After removing the panel, it was clear that the new switch was the source of the smoke. I'm suspecting that meltdown was caused by the terminals on the new switch touching the gas tank behind the panel. I'm wondering if others have had similar experiences with these switches.....and/or if there's a cure - aside from buying a more expensive switch! Thanks! David

07-27-2025, 12:29 PM	#2
jw hash Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Auburn Washington Posts: 2,662	Re: Ignition Switch Meltdown! yes, sometimes you have to bend the terminal to clear. they also make a spacer for the outside, that holds the switch out further. I`m in need of one of the spacers myself.

07-27-2025, 12:33 PM	#3
Pilotdave Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Grafton, MA Posts: 1,273	Re: Ignition Switch Meltdown! Thanks, JW. I tried "reshaping" the terminals and got a similar result...which may have been the result of damage from the initial smoke screen! The switch fell apart in my hand after the 2nd try. If I try another of these switches, I will fabricate a spacer! And tape the terminals as Tom suggests below! David Last edited by Pilotdave; 07-27-2025 at 06:22 PM.

07-27-2025, 03:26 PM	#4
Tom Smith Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Spencerport,NY Posts: 50	Re: Ignition Switch Meltdown! I always tape the terminals on after market switches, I also apply an insulating tape to that area of the gas tank. Tom

07-27-2025, 04:29 PM	#5
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 5,860	Re: Ignition Switch Meltdown! Sometime in the 1960's I saw a Model A that had burned up, along with the gas station where it was parked at the time. The source was a leaking gas gauge and a faulty ignition switch. At that time there were still wooden gas stations in remote towns. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

07-31-2025, 07:57 AM	#6
larry harding Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: western n.c. Posts: 437	Re: Ignition Switch Meltdown! Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) after the spanish pop out switch i was running crapped out i found an ignition switch on ebay? that is sold as a motorcycle switch, it has acc-off-ign and is short and stubby. the screws are n the back of the switch rather than having tabs with screws. i used to pick these up at the auto parts store, but no one carries them now. they will mount on the dash and clear the gas tank with room to spare. i ran this type of switch in the harley i rode for 29 years. the h d vibration would eventually destroy the tumbler.

07-31-2025, 12:51 PM	#7
Ernie Vitucci Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona Posts: 656	Re: Ignition Switch Meltdown! Good Morning...It seems to me that by the time you have purchased two inexpensive switches and almost had a fire...a bit more expensive switch from one of the major suppliers would be a better deal...and much less chance of a failure on the road or a fire that burns up your A. Ernie in Arizona