SWB ignition switch options

MikeDL · 03-06-2021, 12:36 PM

Halfway through a nice Saturday drive in my '68, the engine suddenly quit when the electrical part of the ignition switch partially separated from the locking part. Luckily I was able to push it back into place to restart and get home, but something spring-loaded seems to be pushing the electrical piece away from the metal piece. So...I'm in search for a permanent fix.

The switch isn't available new, and any used ones would also be 50+ years old. And of course I'd like to keep all the locks on the original key.

Has anyone been able to repair these early switches? While I haven't yet removed it from the car, it seems different from the 1970+ version.

If it matters, my switch includes the steering wheel lock and I'm not concerned with originality.

Thanks!

Dpmulvan · 03-07-2021, 05:23 AM

Rock auto sells new switches although they are $1000. Remove yours and post some pics it can be fixed.

MikeDL · 03-07-2021, 09:34 AM

Here is the culprit. The black plastic piece resists being pushed fully back into place.

I don't seem to be able to find the part number for the replaceable switch. I'm sure the correct switch with the spade connectors is NLA. Anyone know if a later switch could be adapted? The diameter of this one is a bit over 36mm.

MikeDL · 03-07-2021, 12:48 PM

The contacts (counterclockwise from the top) are labeled 30, 50, P, 54(15/60), with the center contact labeled as R. I could be wrong about the (15/60) part as the stamping is faint.

The switch practically took itself apart. I could not find much obviously wrong. Some of the grease was dried out into very hard crystals. The contact plate for the starter motor contact was roughened and jagged, probably from overheating (a few years ago I added a relay near the starter to take the current load off this switch).

I cleaned everything up and reassembled. Trying to figure out a way to secure the plastic back on. Not sure anything is going to be trustworthy.