Removing on/off lever '39 ignition assembly

[WillysFord]

I want to remove the on/off lever for replating. How do I do it? Is the beveled cap on the locking bolt a press fit? (see photo). And if it is and it comes off, I would be able to slide the locking bolt down through the lever's ring and then pull the lever out through the hole that the on/off label plate is covering.

Any thoughts (will be appreciated)

Thanks.

[oldrelics]

Yes its pressed on and I have tapped the center down to dissassemble. I haven't replaced it yet but I don't suspect any problems doing it. I did it on a lock that was butched so I wouldn't wreck my good one trying it. I don't think you can get it through the on-off plate though, I removed my plate and will be replacing it with a repro plate and rivets.....

[WillysFord]

oldrelics, thanks for your reply.

So I would punch the locking bolt shaft down through the beveled cap until cap is off, then remove the label plate and pull the lever out through the hole that the label plate is covering.

What's your suggestion for reassembly?

My first thought would be to insert a pipe with roughly the same diameter as the steering column into the hole that the steering column normally occupies, so that there is backing for the bottom of the locking bolt while the beveled cap is driven back on to the top of the locking bolt with something (maybe a socket and a hammer?).

I'm pretty sure the locking bolt is steel. If it's a tight press fit, maybe a machine shop should press the cap back on. I wouldn't want to damage the spring loaded end of the bolt.

Your thoughts?

[32phil]

I think there is a horizontal pin that works the ignition switch lever. If you remove that pin you can then press out the whole assembly easily. The bushing is pressed in and will not be necessary to remove . Just tape it up well before you paint the drop. If the lever polishes up OK ( it looks pretty good in the picture) I would leave it alone. Plating it may distort it and cause some rough operation when put back together. Ask me how I know.

[WillysFord]

The lever is pretty rough, and the pitting doesn't show in the picture. But the conversation I had with my local plating shop, and some of the other plating nightmares I read about online is creating some doubt about the wisdom of this pursuit. Even though it's not shining up, I may shine it on.

Thanks for you help.

[Clem Clement]

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