Guys and Gals,
I am beginning the wiring portion of my 1950 F-3 project. I will be using a push button start using a 2 pole start button. My question is, what kind of ignition switch did you guys use? I have the original dash mount switch, but it has no keys and looks like the previous owner may have used a flat head screwdriver to start it with. I want to keep a dash mount to maintain the original look and feel. I was thinking that a dash mount switch from a late 60s early 70s would be the ticket. Not opposed to enlarging the original dash hole to accommodate the newer switch.

Any help is much appreciated.

Randy

 

I bought what I'm sure is a "replica" of the original ignition switch. The PO of my truck had removed the original and replaced it with a 2 pole toggle switch.

Here's the right one for your '50 from Mac's: 6A-11572-B

Ford Pickup Truck Ignition Switch - F1 Thru F8



1948-1950 Ford Pickup Truck Ignition Switch - F1 Thru F8 - MAC's Antique Auto Parts

Hope that helps.

 

You'll also need the cylinder and keys that fit that switch housing.



That's from Mac's also. 8A-11582-A

Ford Pickup Truck Ignition Switch Cylinder & Key Assembly - Has 49-50 Style Keys - F1 Thru F8



And you'll need the bezel to hold the switch into the dash.




Also from Mac's. 0A-11580

Ford Pickup Truck Ignition Switch Bezel - Stainless Steel - 1-1/8" OD - 3/8" ID

 

So, you probably just need the cylinder and keys.

 

Thanks Jolly...after pricing that stuff I will try the local wrecking yard since a switch there runs about $7 including the bezel. I might have to get a replacement cylinder if it doesn't have the key.

 

Napa has a good selection of key switches (and push buttons). I did buy an on-off key switch there for another project. It would work fine, but it doesn't keep the keys looking like the original Ford keys.

Dan

 

My truck had the original switch, but no key. A local locksmith was able to make a key for it.

Dave

 

my ignition switch works with a small screwdriver, and I'd like to put in a new cylinder so I'd have keys, but I can't seem to get the old one out of the switch. Any tips?

 

You have more talented locksmiths than around here. I took my old switch to one (he has been in the area for 30 years) to have a key made and he just looked at it and said it wasn't worth his time. Nice, huh?

So I took a three-position switch from a box of parts I had and used that instead. I have a push-button start and am looking forward to seeing someone try and start the truck using just the key. My starter button is red, same color as the dash and if you don't know what it is for.....well the entertainment begins.

Cruise night parking lot - summer 2014

"Can I drive it?"
"Sure, take the truck for a spin - the key is in it!!"
....futz, futz, futz.....
"What's the matter?"
"It won't start."
"Did you turn the key?"
"Yep, doesn't do anything."
"That ain't the starter"
...futz, futz, futz...
"A little help here?"
"Well, and you have to double-clutch it" (just to add more confusion)
"Huh - does that mean the clutch has to be all the way in before it will start?"
No, it just means that once it's running, you need to double clutch to change gears, they aren't synchonized. And throw that lever on the floor forward - it's the parking brake"
"Uh, OK...but how do I start it?"
"No, that's the high beam switch. Nope, that's the wiper ****. Yep, you're getting there, you'll need to use that choke **** to start it."
"All the way out - and this lever forward?"
"Yep"
"Still won't start when I turn the key"
"Push that button right there"
"Whoa! - jeezum, what did I do!?"
"You gotta have it in neutral or your foot on the clutch when you push that button"
"I give up"

My cunning plan.


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