VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1912-1928 '28 Ignition Switch Repair

my dad's '28 chevy ignition switch has a terminal broken off. previous owner rewired the panel light switch to be the ignition switch. we want to put it back original, but need the switch removed and repaired or replaced. how do you get it loose from the steering column? it also appears to be part of the steering column lock assembly. is there a repair source or someplace to order a replacement that anyone knows about? thanks in advance, david.

I've taken apart a few 27's, if it's the same, this is what I learned. The ignition switch is attached to the lower part of the steering wheel lock (key). When you unlock the wheel ir retracks the locking pin and also slides a wiper arm over the contacts to make contact for the ignition coil.
Also there is a little lever to the right of the column lock which shuts off the ignition but does not lock the steering wheel. This was to allow you to coast down hills and save gas, bou at 7 cents a gallon, economy was critical. I have pictures of the lock, switch and a diagram if you want it, send me a PM or at rjmc1967@yahoo.com
hope this helped

ron

There are several parts to the '27-'28 locking ignition switch assembly. The lock cylinder has a plunger that locks the steering column as well as cuts off the "coaster" switch. In the majority of cases the die-cast (aka pot metal or white metal) lock cylinder expands and will not rotate so the steering column function will not work. Fortunately in the unlocked position the "coaster" switch is not locked.

If you pull the lever forward (toward the driver) it connects the two terminals on the back of the assembly together and completes the ignition circuit. Of course that assumes that the terminals and contacts are still in good condition. The actual switch is held by two screws to the rest of the assembly. If you take out the two screws you should be able to take off the switch and repair it.

Thanks Chipper and Ron for the information. I'm going to pull the switch this weekend to see if i can repair it. Although, Dad and I think the transfer to the panel light switch was ingeneous.

I just found a guy in Florida who is parting out a 1928 Coupe and is willing to sell the parts. I saw pictures of his car and it looked to be in pretty good shape, and so he may have an ignition and steering lock in good shape. His email is Shanetfly1@aol.com or 386 935 0143 (Shane). He is a real nice guy and will probably sell to you if you make him a fair offer. I send him Ebay prices for items I want that have sold, and adjust for differences in condition. He is not trying to get top dollar for things, just a fair price for what he has. I have talked to him about buying several parts, and he is a real nice guy to deal with. Just treat him fairly and say Art referred you. Shane would probably send you pictures. Hope it works out for you and Shane.