Original ignition switch

[KevinW]

Ive been arguing with myself whether to post this, but the OCD guy won the day, so...

can anyone tell me where i might get a period correct ignition switch?

I see there were a couple of NOS ads here a few years ago, but nothing since. I saw a recent video about a CSX being auctioned and noticed the bezel was different to the item i already have, which is same as this

http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....Z5Z5Z50000027b

which isnt quite right i think.

[patrickt]

I had to replace my ignition switch a few years back and Bob P. went to the trouble of explaining the bezel and switch to me. Suffice to say that the bezel costs several times what the switch does. Here is a quick rip from the ERA site that summarizes that:

[StewbieC]

Hi Kev,

Talk to Gerry at Hawk.

[GWL]

Patrick,

I spent some time on the ERA site and could not find reference to that switch and bezel.

Does ERA have an internet site where they sell parts or do you have to call them?

Thanks, George

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by GWL

I spent some time on the ERA site and could not find reference to that switch and bezel.

Does ERA have an internet site where they sell parts or do you have to call them?

George, here is the page where they talk about the switch and bezel. http://www.erareplicas.com/427/dash.htm I would call them and ask Bob P. if they will sell you the AC Delco switch (which you can find anywhere for about ten bucks) plus the bezel. The trick was that, as I remember Bob telling me, ERA re-threaded the switch to match the custom bezels that they had made -- since I already had the bezel, buying a new, identical AC Delco switch off the internet would not work for me since the threads would not match! I don't know what that little bezel costs, but it wouldn't surprise me if it wasn't close to fifty bucks, but I don't know.

[Mike_I]

I too am in the market for an period correct switch. What about this one?

http://www.finishlineaccessories.com...roducts_id=271

[KevinW]

I think thats the same as what i posted earlier.
Im not sure its exactly right, but I may just be being pathetic.

[GWL]

Thanks Patrick for the link.

Bob P. is now at the dentist, so I will call him again later. After contacting ERA he is the one to talk to. I'll post my findings later.

In regards to the Finishline switch. I don't think it is a Lucas switch. Their site makes it look so but I think it is a replacement switch. I would call them to verify that.

George

[patrickt]

Here's an up-close shot of it all. That switch is a “Universal Ignition Switch” ACDelco Part #D1460 (#12339178). In order to make it fit on the ERA dash you have to file down one of the hard plastic triangular pieces that go between the terminals on the back. You can see on the pic that I've already done that (dark portion on the bottom of the switch, right side). Otherwise the switch hits the "lip" on the bottom back of the dash and won't fit.

[1985 CCX]

Lucas part easily found on Ebay, est $25

[FWB]

check the cole-herse catalog i saw switches with that type of bezel there.
i do think at one time they were GM's vendor for switches

[GWL]

Well I didn't get a hold of Bob at ERA yet but will try again tomorrow.

In the meantime, I have found a source for the Lucas switch which has the correct bezel. I would think if you ran this switch through a relay to your starter solenoid you shouldn't have any problems.

The switch at $26.95 and the key/tumbler set at $14.95 sell separately.

http://www.triple-c.com/Products_and...31973&pID=1180







I have not ordered anything from this company in many years but I have seen them at many cars shows.

George

[GWL]

I just spoke to Bob at ERA about their ignition switch.

They had a bunch of bezels made up to fit a standard Delco switch. Then Delco stopped production on that switch. Bob sourced another Delco switch but it had slightly different threads. The threads were not very different so they were able to run a die on the new switch and get them to match up.

ERA will sell the switch and bezel to the public for $90. The bezel, depending on stock they'll sell for about $40, but I don't know what the thread size is.

George

[mjhcobra]

Another option is to run the Lucas switch with a relay, which is what Ken at Haywire did for me. This reduces the power going thru the switch. This has worked fine for me so far (just finished the wiring). Also, make sure the Lucas switch has 4 terminals and not 3. One for power, one for ignition, one for starter, and one for aux. Unfortunately, I am one of those that is all about originality.

[Fastz06]

That's odd....I called ERA some time back and was told (not very nicely)that they don't sell parts to the public since they have enough trouble keeping parts for their builds! Perhaps the economy has changed that policy or maybe I caught them on a bad day

[mickmate]

Bob P. is now at the dentist

So it really is like pulling teeth.............kidding, the boys at ERA know I love em.
I was told the newer Lucas stuff is now made in India with according quality.
Was there an accessory position on originals? I thought on, off, start was it.

[Mongoose930]

ERA sold me one for my Contemporay just two weeks ago - The bezel is a work of art and fits nicely on the new high current switch. Nick - I will bring it to the breakfast on Saturday to show you.

[Gonch]

Kev

Are you talking about a switch with a knurled bezel?

[KevinW]

yes i was! - but couldnt remember where id seen it, and also wasnt sure how 'original' that was.

[Gonch]

Think of a company that takes about a year to complete an order, take a wild guess!

http://www.shelbyshop.net/images/sup...00094-PIC1.jpg