'60 ignition switch

[Matt F.]

I've been having a problem with the car randomly dying - either at idle or when driving. After looking at all the possibilities, it appears as though the ignition switch is the problem. I have a known good coil, battery, generator, ballast resistor, the points are good, the dwell and timing are correct. When the problem occurs, there's no spark coming from the coil. If I jostle the wires coming in to the back of the ignition switch, it will start back up fine. The wire terminals at the back of the switch are secure.

Is this something to be expected from an almost 50 year old ignition switch? Is there the possibility that something's loose inside?

thanks!

[Jack H.]

Re: '60 ignition switch

Sounds like you've diagnosed the problem... Why not first pull the wiring harness connector to ignition switch and clean/straighten the terminals just to double check the possibility you've got poor ohmic contact between the switch and the harness before doing a switch change?

[Kent D.]

Re: '60 ignition switch

Pull the ignition switch out, them take the switch apart and clean the contacts. Now reassemble it all and your problem should be gone.

[Tom B.]

Re: '60 ignition switch

Recommend you check your battery/ammeter connections as well, could be when you work the ignition switch connections you are also moving some wires attached to them.
If you have original wiring, it is definitely time to replace harnesses.

Hope you solve your problem soon instead of it reoccurring at a bad time.

[Matt F.]

Re: '60 ignition switch

Anyone have any recommendations on replacement sources for the switch? Lectric Limited has a US made replacement, any others recommended? Can't wait to replace the harness. Unfortunately, my piggy bank isn't full enough yet...

thanks
Matt