Replacement for missing ignition switch light shield

[Gary B.]

Does anyone have a suggestion for what material to use to replace a missing light shield, which is the dark gray thing with the small round hole shown in the attached photo of an NOS C2 ignition switch? The shield is sometimes said to be made from cardboard, but I'm not sure that's accurate. I don't want to use something that might deform and wind up coming into contact with the light bulb and becoming a fire hazard.

Thanks,

Gary
Cardboard Shield.jpg

[Mike M.]

Re: Replacement for missing ignition switch light shield

all the ones i've been involved with are constructed of cardboard. try a local trim shop for their cardboard used to make door panels. mike

[Gary B.]

Re: Replacement for missing ignition switch light shield

Mike,

I was hoping that I could find something this weekend at a local crafts store. The card stock I found is around 0.012" thick, whereas the original shield is around 0.030". I suspect the cardboard for door panels might be too thick. I'm sure a real print shop would have thicker card stock, but none near me are open on weekends. I should be able track it down sooner or later.

Gary

[Donald H.]

Re: Replacement for missing ignition switch light shield

Mike,

I was hoping that I could find something this weekend at a local crafts store. The card stock I found is around 0.012" thick, whereas the original shield is around 0.030". I suspect the cardboard for door panels might be too thick. I'm sure a real print shop would have thicker card stock, but none near me are open on weekends. I should be able track it down sooner or later.

Gary

Gary, if you find something acceptable, please post back here. I have the same situation with the switch for me 66 missing that piece. I look at my 67, and the material seems to be something between cardboard and some kind of what I would call fiber board.

[Donald O.]

Re: Replacement for missing ignition switch light shield

What about the thick cardboard backing from a note pad? Wouldn't be the right color though, but no one would see it either.

When I restored my cluster last winter, the shield was gray-ish and curved (perhaps curved from age). It also had not been installed exactly perfect at time of original mfg either.

DonO

[Gary B.]

Re: Replacement for missing ignition switch light shield

Don,

I don't think that the cardboard backing from a note pad is close enough to the right material, and it's probably too thick. The original shield from the switch on my '66 is definitely not as course or fibrous as the cardboard backing from a note pad.

An improperly installed shield will warp with time, since it will be under constant in-plane compression. Eventually it will permanently take on that bent shape.

Gary

[Donald O.]

Re: Replacement for missing ignition switch light shield

Have you tried to contact Joe Ray that posts here? He might be able to help you.

DonO

[Al R.]

Re: Replacement for missing ignition switch light shield

This is the 1st time I've ever seen one of these. Where and how exactly does it fit onto the switch? Were these easy to fall off as I never seen one on the switch and have replaced 5-6 wiring harnesses during restorations. We learn something every day!

[Donald H.]

Re: Replacement for missing ignition switch light shield

Here's some picture of one. This one was on an older aftermarket switch. The switch in the picture is an original 66 switch. The aftermarket one is tan in color. The material is something other than just cardboard. It is thin but very rigid.

Don

[Joe R.]

Re: Replacement for missing ignition switch light shield

Gentlemen,

Hobby Lobby is the source for the board however it can only be obtained in black as originals were black. It's made by Crescent number 8IP.3 and it is a 15"X20" board that should last the entire NCRS forever. It is made in the old USA and costs a whopping $3.99!

JR

[Gary B.]

Re: Replacement for missing ignition switch light shield

JR,

Do you recall the thickness of the Hobby Lobby board and do you know what material it's made from. I'm just curious to know if it's paper-based.

Gary

[Gary B.]

Re: Replacement for missing ignition switch light shield

This is the 1st time I've ever seen one of these. Where and how exactly does it fit onto the switch? Were these easy to fall off as I never seen one on the switch and have replaced 5-6 wiring harnesses during restorations. We learn something every day!

Al,

Yes, the shield can fall out easily. It is just held in by 4 very, very small tabs. Maybe switches I see on e-bay no longer have the shields.

Gary

[Joe R.]

Re: Replacement for missing ignition switch light shield

Gary,

Haven't measured the thickness and it is paper-based!! Just cut out of few for stock as none of my switches have them to cover the bulb installed into the switch.

JR