The Ford Barn

Paul Bjarnason · 08-21-2023, 08:01 PM

In my '29 Tudor have put in a modern starter with an integral solenoid -- and I want to install a 3-position ignition switch, i.e., a switch which has off/run/start. There is almost two inches of clearance. I have been unable to find an ignition switch that is only about 1.5" or 1.75". Any suggestions?

Jim/GA · 08-21-2023, 08:11 PM

I have never found a switch that will fit in the space we have.

I have had cars where the previous owner put a push-button, momentary contact switch on the left side of the dash to activate a starter solenoid. That's probably your best bet.

I once drove a '41 Chrysler that had that for the starter. Easy to press with a finger on your left hand while you pull the choke with your right hand.

katy · 08-22-2023, 08:03 AM

I remember a 1951 Studebaker that had the starter switch under the clutch pedal, push the pedal all the way to the floor and it engaged the starter.

JayJay · 08-22-2023, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim/GA

I have had cars where the previous owner put a push-button, momentary contact switch on the left side of the dash to activate a starter solenoid. That's probably your best bet.

Deleted - brain flatus.

nkaminar · 08-22-2023, 12:33 PM

I don't think you are going to find an ignition switch with the features you are looking for that will fit into the space. You could modify the instrument panel to move the switch outward or mount the instrument panel on standoffs and fashion a surround. Or mount the ignition switch on a bracket somewhere and put a dummy switch in the usual place. Leave the keys in the dummy switch to foil would be thieves.

CarlG · 08-22-2023, 01:10 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I have that kind of switch in my pickup. Actually has 4 positions: Acc-Off-Run-Start.
I bought a kit from a guy in the Ft. Worth club that modifies a switch that fits. Been working for years now. It does fit the space, although just barely.

Bill G · 08-22-2023, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim/GA

I have never found a switch that will fit in the space we have.

I have had cars where the previous owner put a push-button, momentary contact switch on the left side of the dash to activate a starter solenoid. That's probably your best bet.

That's what I do. I got the "No-Foot" starter solenoid and put the push-button up and out of sight behind the dash rail on the left hand side. I too, have searched for a three position ignition switch with no luck. I am happy with what I have.

08-21-2023, 08:01 PM	#1
Paul Bjarnason Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Annandale, VA Posts: 150	3-position ignition switch In my '29 Tudor have put in a modern starter with an integral solenoid -- and I want to install a 3-position ignition switch, i.e., a switch which has off/run/start. There is almost two inches of clearance. I have been unable to find an ignition switch that is only about 1.5" or 1.75". Any suggestions?

08-21-2023, 08:11 PM	#2
Jim/GA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Young Harris, GA Posts: 1,836	Re: 3-position ignition switch I have never found a switch that will fit in the space we have. I have had cars where the previous owner put a push-button, momentary contact switch on the left side of the dash to activate a starter solenoid. That's probably your best bet. I once drove a '41 Chrysler that had that for the starter. Easy to press with a finger on your left hand while you pull the choke with your right hand. __________________ Jim Cannon Former MAFCA Technical Director "Have a Model A day!"

08-22-2023, 08:03 AM	#3
katy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 5,082	Re: 3-position ignition switch I remember a 1951 Studebaker that had the starter switch under the clutch pedal, push the pedal all the way to the floor and it engaged the starter. __________________ If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn!

08-22-2023, 12:33 PM	#5
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 4,052	Re: 3-position ignition switch I don't think you are going to find an ignition switch with the features you are looking for that will fit into the space. You could modify the instrument panel to move the switch outward or mount the instrument panel on standoffs and fashion a surround. Or mount the ignition switch on a bracket somewhere and put a dummy switch in the usual place. Leave the keys in the dummy switch to foil would be thieves. __________________ 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.

08-22-2023, 01:10 PM	#6
CarlG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 9,123	Re: 3-position ignition switch Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I have that kind of switch in my pickup. Actually has 4 positions: Acc-Off-Run-Start. I bought a kit from a guy in the Ft. Worth club that modifies a switch that fits. Been working for years now. It does fit the space, although just barely. __________________ Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club