Pop-out Ignition Switch Not Popping!

[Pilotdave]

I'm having an issue with the pop-out switch on my '30 Tudor. Did a quick search and haven't found the answer yet, so here goes.

The issue is that the switch doesn't pop. I THINK it's stuck in the "in" position since I can turn the key and start the car. Have I got that right? And does anyone have advice on how to get the switch to pop "out" again?

Thanks!
Dave

 

[Art Bjornestad]

I soaked my "head" in silicone spray and exercised it until it was working again. No trouble since.

 

[Jason in TX]

Are you positive you have a pop out ignition switch and not a modern switch? I see that you posted on November 6th that you are new to the Model A world and that you have been reading a lot of reference material about them.

There are quite a lot of Model As that have converted the key switch to just a modern keyed turn lock with a knurled ring around it trying to make it look like a pop out switch. So perhaps the keyed switch in your car isn't a pop out switch.

Otherwise, Art is on the money with his suggestion.

 

[Pilotdave]

You raise a good point, Elrod! I am new to Model A's, so it's possible that I have a pop-out wanna-be. Is there a way to tell visually whether it's the real thing? If not, would it do any harm to apply Art's suggestion and find out experimentally? Thanks, both of you.

 

[Jason in TX]

If you remove the 4 screws holding the chrome dash panel on and behind it you have just two screw terminals with the wires connected to them, it's a fake.

If it looks something like the below picture, you've got the real deal.

 

[gunmetal blue]

If you turn the key to the start position if you can pull the key out it is a good chance that it is. my 2 cents

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

In addition to what's already posted, a real popout won't connect the coil to the points until it pops out. If you can turn your key to the right and start the engine without it poping out, then you must have an aftermarket non-popout.

 

[Pilotdave]

Thanks for the good guidance. I pulled the instrument panel. Definitely not a pop-out switch. One more thing to add to the to-do list! In the meantime, I'll just have to live with it as is.

Thanks again.