Ignition: Ignition switch issue

[LeoH]

I just installed a new replacement ignition switch, but I'm noticing that if I'm not careful the key turns all the way to the right or left. On a 1960 Lark Regal. Generally though, I can get the key to engage properly and operate the car.

Is this a matter of removing the switch and tweaking the spring holder out a little to add pressure against the switch body and the dash?

[rockne10]

Are you saying the entire switch body rotates in the dash, rather than just the key cylinder? Is there a nylon spacer that would put additional tension on the spring holder? Was there?

[LeoH]

I'll have to look more closely the next time. It MUST be the whole switch rotating, but it's so smooth and easy when it happens and it happens either to the left or to the right. I know when the key was in the switch when it was out of the car, there was the appropriate action to the right or the left.

I remember there was the spacer, and the light up plastic ring for the lighted ignition ring. I'll futz with it more this weekend, paying a lot more attention.

[CJMiller]

The retaining bezel that fits into the dash has a pin that needs to line up with a notch in the dash, that's what keeps the whole assembly from turning.

I can't find a picture of one, but look at your bezel and you'll see the little pin, or (bad news) the hole where the pin used to be. Studebaker International sells the whole bezel for about $20.

[LeoH]

Where is that notch normally oriented, on the bezel?

[CJMiller]

I think it's either at 12:00 or 6:00.

[karterfred88]

I believe 12:00. if it's rotating you might not have fully engaged the tangs on the side of the switch with the ears on the bezel. You'll know eventually, when the bezel flies off and the switch falls back into the dash. It takes a lot of pressure pushing the switch against the spring and nylon ring towards the back of the panel, so that the tangs of the switch fully engage with the "slots" in the bezel ring, then when you twist the bezel while holding the switch, and you let go of the switch the tab on the bezel will fall into the notch in the dash hole, if you twist it one way or the other a little. I've cursed this install a few times.

[StudeRich]

It is always at 6:00 12:00 at the bottom Top.

UPDATE: Sorry, my bad, I must have been standing on my Head when I looked at that dash!

[karterfred88]

It is always at 6:00 at the bottom.

Not "always", it seems the Avanti has it a 12:00 which is what I'm used to working on.

[doofus]

On the C/K cars 12:00 is the magic number, going by 2 iffy overlays hanging in shop. Luck Doofus

[dpson]

I've seen situations where the indent in the hole in the dash for the tang in switch gets worn and doesn't prevent the switch from rotating. Not sure of a solution when this happens.

[LeoH]

Thank you for the pointers. Back under the dash today. At least it's working!

[LeoH]

Hm. So the notch is at 12:00 and I was careful reinstalling things today, but, what is clearly happening to this switch, is it occasionally swings past the internal detents INSIDE the key tumbler. Not always, but it can. It's not the bezel and the tabs on either side of the switch are properly engaged in the bezel notches on the sides.

[karterfred88]

Hm. So the notch is at 12:00 and I was careful reinstalling things today, but, what is clearly happening to this switch, is it occasionally swings past the internal detents INSIDE the key tumbler. Not always, but it can. It's not the bezel and the tabs on either side of the switch are properly engaged in the bezel notches on the sides.

Send it back, if it came from a vendor they will gladly replace it. For future safety sake, buy a replacement bezel, those ears on the slots will break off at some point, best to have a spare when they do. Also, if you changed the tumbler to your old one to keep the keys the same, try putting the new "not matching" tumbler back in see if that helps, the tumbler and key could be worn out.

[LeoH]

Gotcha. No, this was the new key and tumbler acting up. Thanks for the tip about the new bezel.