1941 key switch wires

stokes.greg

Member
Just almost done rewiring and converting to 12volt.

Anybody know what goes where on the back of the key switch? I was gonna replace it but it looks to cool to remove.
 
It's fairly clear on the wiring diagram, did you need something in addition to that?
 

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It appears you're staying "stock" except going to 12 volts but caution .... if you add devices in the future don't overload the ignition switch. My ignition feeder wire between the circuit breaker and ignition switch UNKNOWINGLY melted due to excess loads on the switch. True the circuit breaker should have tripped but it didn't. Ford/Dealers offered optional heaters and typically connected them to the ignition switch. Guess that worked okay but it could max its feeder capacity.

Adding modern devices create a problem. Directional signals and a Tach seem okay as they are low-amp draw. But avoid connecting fuel pumps, overdrive solenoids, electric wiper motors, radios, radiator fans etc to the ignition. I installed an ignition circuit relay, activated by the ignition switch, to handle such items. Granted these kinds of alterations take a stock car further away from its origins, but for me I gain much comfort in the safety gained.
 
The key locked the switch lever but the switch was separate till 1948. The switch was really only designed to operate the ignition and the instrument panel. All other accessories were supplied power right off the buss through either a fuse or a circuit breaker. The ignition switch is a low amperage unit and was not designed for more than what it was intended.
 
I agree with rotorwrench adding additional circuits to the ignition switch is just looking for trouble, it was not designed for.
 
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