My 1937 Master Deluxe Electrolock Ignition Cable came with a section missing. To correct the problem, I am hoping to buy a donor of some sort.
I have many questions:
- Will one from a 40's fit even though the cable appears to possibly be 4-5 inches longer?
- What years would be an exact fit for a 37?
- Can the unit be disassembled and reassembled on either end to allow it to pass through the firewall? and if so, how?
- Can the key tumbler be transferred from original unit to the replacement? and if so, how?

Thanks

Terry

vcca#58150

I believe 37-39 were the same. If I'm wrong someone will point it out. I found a spare for my 38 on ebay. The Filling Station has a rebuild/restoration guide for that electrolock and I've read some club members will rebuild it for you for a fee.

Terry,
The lock cylinder can be easily removed if you have a key that works. Turn the key to a place where you can find a spring loaded plunger by sticking a paperclip through the small hole. Depress the plunger and turn the key again in the same direction as when you found the plunger. It should come right out.
The lock cylinder is interchangeable from 1935 through 1966 (for the most part).
I might have a complete assembly for you. I have not removed an electrolock with the wing type mounting but there must be a way to pass it through the firewall. Someone will chime in.

Mike

Terry,

I don't believe you need to dissemble the electroloc system to install it if you have the correct one. I have one with ears on my 1940 Chevy Coupe and you just angle it a bit and the head slips through the hole in the firewall. Check with 35Mike. He has a number of the different types. He helped me out, finding one the correct length to fit my 1940 truck...... and is a good person to work with.

Mike

I sent 35Mike a private message regarding a possible spare unit. . . . . .

Sounds like the wing type mounting should pass through the firewall but I suspect that the rubber firewall insert will crumble as most of the rubber on the vehicle is rock hard. Anyone know if replacement rubber inserts are being sold or ideas to make one's own as a last resort?

Off topic but as 35Mike lives in Missouri, you may be interest to hear my vehicle was sold new and spent most it's early years in St. Joseph, Missouri as per the 2009 appraisal came with the car. It still bears some service & inspection stickers I was hoping Mike may have local knowledge about.

Terry

Replacement rubber plugs are available from most suppliers. You will probably need to cut it in order to get it around the cable although I'm have see some with a very thin flexible center that might allow you to feed the cable through without cutting. I don't know which is considered original though. 35Mike might know.

Mike

Yes, you will need to slit the new grommet and install it over the Electroloc cable housing after the unit is installed. You can angle the ears of the switch mount through the hole.

As an interesting side note the original units installed at the factory had the grommet already on the cable. It was installed on the cable before the end was connected/crimped to the metal cap that goes on the distributor. The person on the assembly line picked up the complete assembly and installed it. The grommet was pushed into place on the firewall from the engine side.

I was able to buy a assembly that was removed from a car as a complete unit. The grommet was still in place on the cable.

Very interesting....

Mike

The vendors sell the electrolock grommet.

https://store.fillingstation.com/detail/70-158/Chevrolet_193346_IGNITION_CABLE_GROMMET.html

Terry,
Nice items to indicate the history your car. I do not live near St Joseph so I am not familiar with any establishment that might have sold or serviced your car.
When I return from my trip, I will look to see if I have an electrolock for you. I get the feeling that you have no key for your damaged electrolock, correct?

Mike

Mike

The exterior of the cable is damaged but was repaired to make it work before I got the car.
I do have the key to the ignition, so it is functional but not very pretty under the hood.

Terry

Terry

I have a complete electrolock with key, but no grommet. It resembles the one shown in your photos. It was mixed in a with some parts I bought some years ago at a swap meet. I was told back then it was removed from a 1940 sedan.

I wanted to thank you all for all the Electrolock information so far and additional thanks to 37Blue & 35Mike who presented me with options from their spares.

I ended up acquiring a complete Electrolock unit that still had the firewall grommet in place. I'm currently trying to figure out how to remove the cap as my original's cap just slipped off.

I also acquired a very short example that won't reach in a 37 automobile. Anyone know what a 20inch Electrolock unit would have been intended for? A truck perhaps?

Thanks
Terry
vcca#58150

https://vccachat.org/ubbthreads.php.../electrolock-cap-removal.html#Post475001