Ignition switch in '86

kaborka · Sep 1, 2007

For the third time, the ignition switch housing has separated, requiring its removal and repair. The thing is held together by four little crimps, and the spring-loaded contacts inside tend to push it apart. I've been repairing it by using a bench vise to bend in the crimps so they hold again. That lasts less than a year. I'm reluctant to buy a replacement, as the available parts all have the same crappy design -- see, e.g. at PartsAmerica

Has anyone found a better quality switch?

Natedog · Oct 2, 2007

No, but haven't looked. You could clean it all off real good with brake cleaner (leaves no oily residue), re-crimp it, and then coat the joint seam area with a good amount of JB Weld, let sit 24 hours to cure and reinstall. Just don't get any JB Weld in where it shouldn't be and don't use so much that the switch won't fit where it mounts. Regular (not Quick) JB is better because it's stronger. You can sand/machine JB Weld once it is fully cured (24 hours). Good stuff.

kaborka · Oct 2, 2007

That's a good idea! I was thinking of trying to tap some small screwholes in it and try to bolt the thing together, but JB Weld might actually work. I think I have some in my workbench, if it hasn't dried up. Epoxy might work, too -- just encase the whole thing and that sucker just might hold together. There's actually come considerable force from the contact springs driving the switch apart. It's a lousy design (yes, I said that already!)

Thanks, Natedog.

Ignition switch in '86

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