Okay so I finally have a painted cab mounted on my 1949 M-47 Mercury. Got it done and back before my old bodyman went in for his knee replacement. Guess after 50 plus years of body work that some of his parts are wearing out.
So this should give me something to work at while he recovers. Dumb question but which way does the key for the ignition face, up or down. I had a replacement style key installed but have an original now. It looks like you put the ignition in from the back and twist to set in place and then add the bezel.
Any help out there?
Greg M-47

 

Yes, sounds about right. Also if I remember correctly there's a spring somewhere in the mix? Either behind the bezel (on front side of dash) or ? To hold the assembly tight.?? The key is inserted with the cut portion facing up.

Don't scratch your paint!!

 

Thanks for the answer. You're right, there is a wave washer that goes on behind the dash with the switch. You.turn into place and then add the chrome bezel.
Just wasn't sure on the key. Teeth up or down. Thanks again.
Greg M-47

 

An answer I rec'd long ago: by turning the teeth up keeps dirt/water/ice etc out of the tumblers in the lock.

 

When you think about it, that makes sense. Thank you for the added tidbit of information mtflat.
Greg M-47

 

That makes sense, although I figured it was because the springs behind the pins were not strong enough to push the pins back up, so flip it over and let gravity help?

Of course the only switches I've used were over 59 years old so maybe the springs are better on a new switch.

 

I'm not sure if it really matters, though. GM vehicles were 'teeth down' for years and years while Ford and others were teeth up. And in the mid 60's, Ford switched to double sided teeth, which blows the whole up/down thing totally out of the water.