a few questions about ignitions on early cars

[Joshy Robots]

seems my ignition switch has gone out (see this thread). the car is a 69 so sourcing a new-ish one is a bit more complicated. here come the questions:

a) is it possible that some 69s came with the 70+ switches, that they switched over halfway though MY69? mine has a steering wheel lock which to my knowledge didn't start showing up in america until 70.

b) are the 70-89 switches universal?

c) the electrical part of my switch is fried, that I know, but the key also doesn't snap back to 3rd position from 4th. what part is the spring located in? do I have to scrap the whole thing and start over or am I good to just replace the just electrical portion?

[ossiblue]

Originally Posted by joshkobrin

seems my ignition switch has gone out (see this thread). the car is a 69 so sourcing a new-ish one is a bit more complicated. here come the questions:

a) is it possible that some 69s came with the 70+ switches, that they switched over halfway though MY69? mine has a steering wheel lock which to my knowledge didn't start showing up in america until 70.

b) are the 70-89 switches universal?

c) the electrical part of my switch is fried, that I know, but the key also doesn't snap back to 3rd position from 4th. what part is the spring located in? do I have to scrap the whole thing and start over or am I good to just replace the just electrical portion?

a) It would not be a surprise if the change came mid-year as many other changes happen that way.

b) If you already have a steering lock switch in your 69, then I believe you can use a 70+ switch as well. I believe they are interchangeable, but not sure.

c) The electrical part has the return spring from the "start" position to the "run" position. If only the electrical portion needs replacing, you shouldn't be concerned about a new mechanical portion (with the steering lock shaft) which would be much more costly replacement.

Now, one other note. From your linked thread, it's possible that the mechanical part of your switch is broken, since you have a steering wheel lock. You turned the key, and nothing happened, even no dash lights (from your last post in the link.) The electrical portion of the switch is separate and screws to the back side of the mechanical switch mechanism. The mechanical switch has a post that fits into a "+" shaped groove in the electrical portion. The post is pot metal and sometimes it breaks off due to fatigue. If that's the case, then you will need a new mechanical switch. You will know as soon as you remove your old electrical part as you will see if the post is still intact.

Here is a link that shows the broken post and a way to repair, if you need: Ignition switch fix--mechanical

[Joshy Robots]

Originally Posted by ossiblue

Here is a link that shows the broken post and a way to repair, if you need: Ignition switch fix--mechanical

great thoughts, thanks

looks like I should tear apart the assembly and check that post before sourcing any parts.

one last question, is it possible that I've got a 70+ wheel lock rather than a pre-69 unit? how can I tell the difference? short vs long key?

[ossiblue]

I'm no expert on these and I've not seen a steering lock on a 69 but a couple of questions may help.

First, what kind of connectors do you have on the backside of the ignition switch? Are they male spade connectors or male pin connectors? I ask because I've done a little looking and I found a picture of a 65-68 ignition/steering lock assembly which had the spade connectors. All the 70-98 assemblies used the round pin. That being said, these connectors are for the electrical portion. What I don't know is if the electrical portion in interchangeable between the different lock assemblies.

Second, do you have a long or short key?

If you could post a picture of your assembly once you have it removed, that would help anyone who is knowledgeable about this issue.

[pors1968]

i think on the euro side they have stering lock since 1968 richard