I am at the point where I am going to delete the controls I will not be using from my dash. I will be deleting Choke, Heater controls, and Throttle. I will be using the Ignition Switch, Start Button, Headlight Switch, and Wiper Switch. I've tried to find the answer to my question using the search function but have been unsuccessful so far. So here goes...

I am wanting to use a start button and a Ford Ignition switch. I would also like to use a Ford headlight switch. The truck is 12v, and will be running a 5.0 out of a 2000 explorer (EFI). I know the original start button won't work, but does anyone have experience upgrading to a later model ignition switch, starter button and/or headlight switch? It seems I won't have to change the headlight switch unless a later one has some advantage over the stock switch. Also, I don't want to use an aftermarket ignition switch because I want to use 53-55 or similar Ford keys (silly, I know). My truck had a universal switch mounted when I bought it, but the dash did not appear to be altered to accommodate it.

I would like to know if the ignition switch and start buttons are interchangeable without modification (same size holes), and if so, what years will work? I have a pretty good understanding of how the wiring will go, but the physical dimensions (hole sizes) aren't available on any of the vendor's websites.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Kreg

 

I used a Ron Francis start button from Summit (#RFW-PB10) fits the 7/8" hole nicely, light switch is stock replacement from Mac's and my ignition switch is universal replacement from auto parts store..... Mac's carries correct ignition switch components for the F1 trucks. My truck is a 49, not sure if the holes are the same size as the 53-55 dash mounting holes.

 

Headlight switch should be connected to relay no matter what you do.
Then the larger current load for lights is through the relay and not the switch.
No need to replace headlight switch.

 

Thanks for the replies...

I plan on using the Dakota Digital Retained Accessory Module for Accessories and Automatic Headlights, so I pretty much planned on using the stock headlight switch.

I will use the referenced RF start button (Thanks Moe) since I will also be buying an EFI Wiring Harness from RF - The Detail Zone.

...Now I need to source some better looking *****!

Thanks, Kreg