VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1946-1948 Different ignition switch in 1948????

I just bought a 1948 Stylemaster 2 door sedan parts car, it's a Canadian built car and it has a different ignition switch compared to my Canadian 47, The ign switch has a small lever on the bottom, was this style of switch only used in 1948? thanks

They changed the ignition switch in 1948. It is the type of switch where the run position was with the key straight up and down. If the engine was turned off moving the key in the clockwise position the key is removed but the ignition can be turned back on with no key. Turn it the other direction, remove the key and the Ign. is locked.
The 1948-1963 used only one key for all the locks. The wierd Ign. switch feature was designed so you could leave the car in a parking lot and not leave the keys. With the switch in the unlocked position the engine could be started and the car moved but the parking lot attendent could not open the glove box or trunk. Buick used a similar set-up for many years.
The light switch is also different for 1948 as it has a circuit breaker rather than a fuse like a 1947.

very interesting thanks !