Keyed Ignition Switch

If you search the FordBarn archives you’ll find guys saying that they’ve done this mod, but I haven’t seen any step-by-step guides to doing it and none of the vendors sell a drop-in replacement that does this. You have to solve two problems: how to wire up the solenoid, and how to get the switch into a relatively tight spot. If you’re not careful the new switch will ground against the firewall.
 
Yes, it’s pretty close quarters there. I’ll probably end up with a push button but I figured it couldn’t hurt to ask.
 
When I purchased my Sedan in 1992, it had a key start. I could not get rid of it fast enough. I had to reach through the steering wheel with my left hand to turn the key while my right had was pulling on the chock. I would recommend you sit in your Model A and try it first.
 
Back in the day there was an extension that moved the starter switch up to the steering column near the steering wheel. I don't have any illustrations.
 
nkaminar said:
Back in the day there was an extension that moved the starter switch up to the steering column near the steering wheel. I don't have any illustrations.
Click to expand...

My dad had one on his car back in the 70's. It was basically a lever clamped to the column support with a rod going down to the starter switch. Easy to use, not sure why he got rid of it.
 
Ford used the electo-lock switch design so it would fit in the panel. There is very little room between the panel and the fuel tank. Twist to start type ignition switch designs generally don''t have dimensions that will fit in that space. Most have projecting terminals that would likely make contact with the tank. The one in the previous post #9 has a lot of wires and they might work but the description doesn't mention twist to start function. It may be more reliable to find a way to use a ground button start switch in conjunction with a keyed on/off switch the way that Ford did all the way through the flathead era.
 
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