Current 1966 ignition switch replacements?

[Steven S.]

Are the currently available replacement switches a direct fit, or are there modifications that need to be made? I seem to remember some discussion on this and I thought I read that it wasn't a "plug and play" installation.

Thanks,
Steve

[William C.]

Re: Current 1966 ignition switch replacements?

Have you looked at repairing the original switch? I had great success in doing that with a switch from my '62, using parts from an NOS unit from another vehicle. Depends on what is wrong with it.

[Steven S.]

Re: Current 1966 ignition switch replacements?

Well, the problem is the current one is the wrong switch. Sometime in the cars life the switch was replaced with an unknown unit that has no provision for the light bulb socket

[William C.]

Re: Current 1966 ignition switch replacements?

If it will help, same switch used in '66 chevy passenger car, also used in '67 Corvette. GM part number 1116686.

[Jack H.]

Re: Current 1966 ignition switch replacements?

The question is too broad to answer properly. Many after market souces supply ignition switches that 'fit and work' in terms of replacing the car's Delco Remy original. But, quite a few pack the box with a 'slip-over' assy that's used to emulate those Delco Remy switches that sported keyway illumination.

So, if you're using one of these 'omnibus' replacement switches, you need to have the extra assy that was originally packed in the box with the switch, slide it on and then go mount the switch to the dash...

[Steven S.]

Re: Current 1966 ignition switch replacements?

I was considering this switch...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...%3AIT&viewitem=

... but based on appearance it looks like the same switch tha LI sells (39-18C) and states "These do not have push key option that will turn to aux position". Does anyone have any experience with either of these suppliers switches?

Thanks,
Steve

[Peter L.]

Re: Current 1966 ignition switch replacements?

Steven - As far as I know, none of the after market ignition switches for the 66 Corvette have the "push in and turn" feature of the original p/n 1116673 ignition switch that was OEM in the 66 Corvette.

As Bill pointed out the 67 Corvette ignition switch is the replacement, but my experience is that you can find the a p/n 1116686 switch but the "correct" p/n 1116686 ignition switch is in the "hen's teeth category" because there are at least two versions of the p/n 1116686 67 Corvette ignition switches and only the original configuration one's have the "push in and turn" feature to go to the ACC position.

Also, while the Owner's Manual indicate both the 66 Corvette and the 67 Corvette have the "push in and turn" feature to go to the ACC position, the designs of the 66 p/n 1116673 and the "original' 67 p/n 1116686 ignition switches are different so the operation and feel of the "push in and turn" feature of the two switches are uniquely different.

So, if you are going to replace the ignition switch on your 66, I recommend you find the original part number switch, i.e. a p/n 1116673.

Pete

[Steven S.]

Re: Current 1966 ignition switch replacements?

Pete, thank you for that explaination. I'll put a look out for an original unit.

Thanks,
Steve

[Jack H.]

Re: Current 1966 ignition switch replacements?

Shouldn't be too hard to dig one up as the 1116673 ignition switch was also used on 15000-16000 series, full size, Chevy passenger cars in 1966-67. When you find one, look at the front surface that would abutt the dash. You ought to see an emboss reading '673'...

[Joe R.]

Re: Current 1966 ignition switch replacements?

Steven,

After reading this thread carefully a couple of times, I compared original 673, 686 and reproduction 686 switches. I checked them functionally with original tumbler sets and replacement tumbler sets.

The only physical difference I can find is the original 673 has a slightly higher collar where the threads are.

The tumbler sets seems to go in when it is turned to ACC but nothing that would be noticible.

After having these in my hands, I would conclude that the 686 replacement is physically and functionally correct for 66 and 67 Corvettes.

Maybe there is a slight difference in the 66 and 67 switches that can be detected by judging.

I would be interested in hearing from 66 and 67 owners about how their ignition switches function.

JR

[Dale S.]

Re: Current 1966 ignition switch replacements?

Joe Ray, My March 30th 1967 with 36K. Has the push and turn left to Acc. position. I did not know this until I read this post and just tried it. Dale

[Joe R.]

Re: Current 1966 ignition switch replacements?

Dale,

I have gone back and looked thru the switches again and found one 673 switch that has the push and turn feature to ACC. That was with a new tumbler set from Delco.

Apparently, the switches wear and loose that feature after a few thousand starts. Out of a half dozen 673's that's the only one that would work that way and out of two dozen or so 686's none had that feature.

JR