Hello Les. Thanks for the reply.
I see that you are directing me to another group. I'll try there, but they want dues is that correct? I was with the registry group (a free introductory membership). When that expired they wanted $$$$.
I did search the Pelican Parts webpages and 356 forum and didn't find any discussion about opening the starter/ignition switch (for example steps involved, cautionary notes, etc.) and no mention of what the 'pa' terminal is. I found these articles:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/356/356tech_articles.htm
Nothing there helps me do the work that I want to do.
This article is sort of related:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/86-ELEC-Ignition_Switch/86-ELEC-Ignition_Switch.htm
Here's a photo of the switch:
TheSamba.com :: VW Classifieds - Porsche 356/911/912 1965 ignition switch
In the second photo the 'pa' terminal is visible.