Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks



Visit the new site at vcca.org

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
#119994 04/25/08 08:40 PM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 16
rosey Offline OP
Grease Monkey
OP Offline
Grease Monkey
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 16
i have a problem with my ignition switch my car will start with switch in either position and will die on last postion (all the way to left ) what is wrong is my switch bad can it be fixed or need replaced

Filling Station - Chevrolet & GMC Reproduction Parts


Filling Station


Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701
Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701
Likes: 141
The ignition switches that Chevrolet used from 1948 through 1952 are rather different. When the key is turned counter clockwise the engine will be "off" and when the key is removed the switch will be in the locked position.
When truned fully to the counter clock wise position the engine will be "off", key can be removed and switch turned to the "on" position with out the key.
The "run" position is with the key straight up and down.
If your switch is not operating in this manner it would require replacing. The center lock cylinder is removed from the old switch and transfered to the new one so the same key is used.

Last edited by Chev Nut; 04/25/08 08:51 PM.

Gene Schneider
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 16
rosey Offline OP
Grease Monkey
OP Offline
Grease Monkey
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 16
thank you for the help just so i understand your ansewer the three positions on the switch when the car is not on should the switch be straight up and down or to the left or right being able to remove the key is very cool but confusing in your answer both refer to the counter clock off position can you please reexplain for this newbe

Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 570
Oil Can Mechanic
Offline
Oil Can Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 570
Cadillac was similar to that to, wasn't it gene?

Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 48
Shade Tree Mechanic
Offline
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 48
Here is the excerpt from the 1951 owner's manual: "There are two "off" positions, one to the right and one to the left of the "on" (vertical) positionand the key may be removed with the switch in any of these positions. When the ignition is turned off by turning switch clockwise, the key may be removed allowing ignition to be turned "ON" or "OFF" without the use of key. When the ignition is turned off by turning the switch counterclockwise and removing the key, the ignition is locked "OFF". Hope this helps to clarify it for you rosey.

You can also find a lot of reference material at the following website: http://www.oldcarmanual.com

Last edited by 51ambulance; 04/26/08 07:32 PM. Reason: typo
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701
Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701
Likes: 141
Buick had this feature for years before Chevrolet, but not Cadillac.


Gene Schneider
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 11,162
ChatMaster - 10,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 10,000
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 11,162
I seem to remember that the far clockwise "off" was used for accessory, where the ignition was off but you could play the radio on a 51 is that wrong?


Life's a long winding trail, love Jesus and ride a good horse!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701
Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701
Likes: 141
NO, They didn't have an accessory position.


Gene Schneider
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 16
rosey Offline OP
Grease Monkey
OP Offline
Grease Monkey
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 16
thanks alot all of your information really helped sorry for being such a newbe i am the resent owner of a 1950 chevy thanks for all your help

Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701
Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701
Likes: 141
rosey,
It's a pleaure to help you but I would recommend purchasing a basic owners manual for your 1950 Chevrolet. There you can learn some of the little tidbits that will help you to enjoy all of the features of your car. The owners manual is available in reprint from www.fillingstation.com for only $9.00. They have an on-line catalog or you can call in your order....800-841-6622.


Gene Schneider

Link Copied to Clipboard
 

Notice: Any comments posted herein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the VCCA.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5