'72 Ignition Switch Electrical Part Re-build?

BumbleBus · Post by **BumbleBus** » Sun Oct 18, 2009 2:08 pm

Currently I start the '72 with a flip switch and push button. Sure it works, but it's not very OG. I ordered a new electrical part for the ignition switch, but got sent the wrong year (anyone need a '73+ part?). So... I found the original electrical part, which was caked in grease and grime and in pieces. I cleaned up the bits and it looks like I might have all the parts I need to re-assemble it. I'm trying to find an internal schematic or something to guide my way. Am I smoking crack to try this? Thoughts (besides just ordering a new one.. haha)?

Vdubtech · Post by **Vdubtech** » Sun Oct 18, 2009 4:32 pm

Two things. Order a new one, and those all white ignition switch replacements are garbage. BusDepot and German Supply carry the original black and white version.

BumbleBus · Post by **BumbleBus** » Sun Oct 18, 2009 5:19 pm

Vdubtech wrote:Order a new one

Yeah, yeah.. I know.. and I will, but this is a fun experiment.

Plus, so far, no one seems to have one for a '72. I was told I could use a '68-'71 and "ignore the extra wires". We'll see.

Anyway, I put it together in what seemed the most logical way. I got it installed, but couldn't find a set screw the right size of course. I went as low as an M4 10mm... maybe tomorrow. Anyway she was in there pretty good.

I wired it up with Andersons since I'll no doubt be taking it in and out a bunch and 'lo and behold.. 1 turn.. lights, fuel pump, action! 2nd turn to start and... nothing... makes the clicky sound, but it's not doing what it's supposed to. So, I probably put it together slightly offset or something. Will experiment. Anyway, 50% of a real OG key/ignition is definite progress!

BumbleBus · Post by **BumbleBus** » Sun Oct 18, 2009 5:41 pm

Well son of a bitch... was jostling with some wires and Little Train came over to check it out and she fired right up! Un-f'in-real! So clearly I just need to get the set screw in there to hold it nice and tight. Anyway... OG ignition/key... done. On to the next thing. That makes for a nice Sunday.

BumbleBus · Post by **BumbleBus** » Sun Oct 18, 2009 8:44 pm

*sigh* Just spent 30 minutes searching here and TS for the size of the tiny set screw that secures the electrical part to the mechanical part of the ignition. There is a lot of talk about that screw, but I can't for the life of me find the size. Bentley 4-23 also mentions the screw, but also doesn't mention the size. Does anyone know the exact size of that screw? Thanks in advance if you do!!!

Gypsie · Post by **Gypsie** » Mon Oct 19, 2009 9:16 am

Do you have a good hardware store nearby to take the parts to? Start trying some screws. You may be able to get one and size it to your need.

Post by **Amskeptic** » Mon Oct 19, 2009 12:32 pm

BumbleBus wrote:*sigh* Just spent 30 minutes searching here and TS for the size of the tiny set screw that secures the electrical part to the mechanical part of the ignition. There is a lot of talk about that screw, but I can't for the life of me find the size. Bentley 4-23 also mentions the screw, but also doesn't mention the size. Does anyone know the exact size of that screw? Thanks in advance if you do!!!

I think it is WhateverSizeShortSelfTappingScrewYouManageToJamInThere.
If you used Dielectric Grease on the contact surfaces, it can last longer than the original build.

I wonder if the '73 throttle cable allen screw would work? It is a nice jam nut 2.5mm wrench, nice and short.
Colin

Itinerant Air-Cooled

Itinerant Air-Cooled

'72 Ignition Switch Electrical Part Re-build?

'72 Ignition Switch Electrical Part Re-build?