68-70 alarm switch w/ B&S key

[Gary B.]

I have a Briggs & Stratton alarm switch that I think might be for 68-70 Corvette. Can someone describe to me how the key is supposed to function on this switch? The key inserts with the plane of the key vertical and then the key can be turned 90 degrees clockwise. But in the clockwise orientation the key does not come out. Does one activate the switch by turning it 90 degrees clockwise from vertical and then back to vertical? And then does one de-activate it by performing the exact same motion again? Or does the key behave differently in the switch when the switch is not energized? I'm definitely confused.

Thanks,

Gary
Northern California chapter

[Nick M.]

Re: 68-70 alarm switch w/ B&S key

A related question for those who have a similar accessory. I have the same key switch on my 69 but have no key for it. If I remove the lock, can a locksmith make a key for the lock or do I need to replace this original part with a repro lock and key assembly?

[Gary B.]

68-70 alarm switch w/ B&S key

Nick,

Keys for some locks, like tire locks and glove box locks can be made using the impressioning technique. I don't know if the alarm lock cylinder is one that would permit that technique or not, but it's worth asking an old-school locksmith.

Gary

[Terry M.]

[Harmon C.]

Re: 68-70 alarm switch w/ B&S key

Gary
I would say the lock has a problem and the key should come out in the ninety degree position. This is the way a later alarms works with a GM key but I have not had a switch like yours but with no replys this may help. Hook a test light to the back and see how the switch works. If it just an on-off type the key needs to come out..

Got a phone call so this is a little late and Terry put in a post.

[Michael B.]

Re: 68-70 alarm switch w/ B&S key

The key should come out at both ends of the rotation. These are available from Corvette Central part #503060 for $30.

[Gary B.]

Thanks everyone; I must have a dud

All,

The NOS switch I have must be faulty. My switch looks exactly like the switch in Michael's photo. There is electrical continuity between the terminals when the key is rotated clockwise, but the key will not come out in that position. Only by rotating back to the counter-clockwise, non-continuity position can the key be removed.

Thanks all for the help,

Gary
Northern California Chapter

[Gary B.]

A final update: probably not a faulty switch

Guys,

After talking with a locksmith, I believe the NOS switch I have is not faulty. As Terry M. suggests, it just isn't correct for 68-70 Corvette. Some newer alarm switches have a "momentary" design, i.e., rotating the key clockwise and then back counterclockwise produces a momentary pulse to a control board that turns the alarm on and off each time the two-way key turning cycle is performed.

So, if you see a switch for sale at a swap meet, make sure you check to see that the key can be removed in both the fully clockwise and the fully counterclockwise positions. If it can't be removed in both positions, it's one of the newer momentary designs and not correct for 68-70 Corvette.

Gary