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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

Wiring for my Push Button Starter switch

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Old Apr 20, 2016 | 11:16 AM
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Wiring for my Push Button Starter switch

Truck: 1955 F100
Starter Solenoid: 3 post
Ignition System: MSD Digital 6al

I have the 1 wire chrome push button starter switch from Midfifties. I just had the whole cab painted so for this button to work do i have to sand away the paint around the hole opening? I'm 99%sure i do but i want to double check here before i sand this area to metal.
 
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Old Apr 20, 2016 | 11:39 AM
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You should have a 2-terminal starter button. If so, no, you don't need to sand. The switch closes the two contacts internally.
 
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Old Apr 20, 2016 | 11:48 AM
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6 volt or 12 volt system? The one-wire switch simply provides a path to ground from the solenoid coil, which is normally hot on the 6 volt systems.
 
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Old Apr 20, 2016 | 12:06 PM
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It is a 12v system wired negative ground. When i bought it the discription stated it will work with both a negative and positive ground. I might just go back to the stock 2 terminal button but i liked this burton because it was chrome.
 
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Old Apr 20, 2016 | 02:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Gibby55
It is a 12v system wired negative ground. When i bought it the discription stated it will work with both a negative and positive ground. I might just go back to the stock 2 terminal button but i liked this burton because it was chrome.
I have heard, but not researched, that if you isolate the solenoid mount from ground and reverse the battery and starter cables on the solenoid, you can use the one-wire button.
 
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Old Apr 20, 2016 | 02:23 PM
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You just have to ground the housing/mounting of the pushbutton...it's really not that big a deal, the button flange will cover the bare area.
 
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Old Apr 20, 2016 | 03:36 PM
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When I converted my 50 F-3 to 12 volt neg. a few years ago, I bought a 12V starter solenoid for a 56 truck which is 12 volt neg ground like my 50 is now. Well, my one wire starter button failed to energize the solenoid. So, I put back in the 6 volt original starter solenoid and it has been starting ever since. By the way I think the starter button gets its ground from the clip or whatever holds it into the dash from behind. Maybe that helps. Patrick
 
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Old Apr 20, 2016 | 06:04 PM
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2C-11500-A .. Switch (Motorcraft SW-287) / Obsolete ~ 14 available NOS

Starter Button: 1952/55 trucks / Windshield Washer Switch (I kid you not!): 1965/66 F100/250; 1966 Econoline.
 
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