[C2] Do I need a 65 specific ignition switch?

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Apr 7, 2019 | 11:53 AM

1Cerberus4u

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From: North East

Do I need a 65 specific ignition switch?

Hey all.

A couple weeks ago, we were getting the Red Car running and while running the wife pulled the key out of the ignition and the car kept running. Got car off by unplugging the battery and pulling the clip off the Alt.

I got some great suggestions as to things to check wiring wise but others suggested the switch is bad and to get a new switch.

I bought, what I thought was a correct switch on Evilbay, only to finally pull out the switch in the car today and it is different. I see it has a dog ear for a light and the switch I bought does not have that. Additionally I now read that the 65's have a specific switch?

Can I get some thoughts and advice?

Apr 7, 2019 | 11:58 AM

856666

Drifting

Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 1,772

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From: Asheville NC

Maybe you posted this earlier, but why couldn't the key be put back into the switch and shut the car off vs pull the battery cable and Alt wire.

I believe that is correct - the 65 switch is unique and used examples occasionally show up on Ebay.

Can the original switch be repaired? What is wrong with it?

Pictures please/

Phil

Last edited by 856666; Apr 7, 2019 at 12:47 PM.

Apr 7, 2019 | 12:02 PM

856666

Drifting

Joined: Jan 2013

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From: Asheville NC

Follow up thought.

I would think the basic wiring is the same even though the connector is different. If you have a wiring diagram and know what year the switch is you purchased you could purchase the correct connector and rewire the existing harness to the new switch

Phil

Apr 7, 2019 | 12:03 PM

1Cerberus4u

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From: North East

Hey Phil

We we started the car and when asked to turn it off, Laurie turned the key and the car kept running. put the key back in several times, turned left and right, pulled key back out.... kept running......

Now this is the first time the car has ever done this, as it had always just turned off like a normal car....

Other on this list suggested checking coil wires (pink and brown if I remember), but clearly something in the switch is not working if she could turn the switch back off and remove the key and the car keep running?

What pics are you interested in seeing?

Apr 7, 2019 | 12:07 PM

856666

Drifting

Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 1,772

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From: Asheville NC

Got it - did you attempt to squirt the switch with contact cleaner?

Does it "feel' normal when you turn it?

You could attempt to carefully take it apart and see whats inside.

Pictures would be side by side the old and new switches (connector side)

Phil

Apr 7, 2019 | 12:20 PM

1Cerberus4u

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LOL.... Well I just took it out of the car and as it was not coming out easily I did what any Irish man can do and now, clearly I need to replace at least the bezel and the lock mechanism.... lesson learned

Apr 7, 2019 | 12:30 PM

856666

Drifting

Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 1,772

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From: Asheville NC

wiring

I have attached a wiring diagram for a '65

The switch has the following wires
Acc- brown
Sol-Purple
Batt - Red
Ign-Blk-Pink

The new switch should have 4 terminals and the back should be labeled

Phil

Attached Images

Chevy Corvette 1965.pdf (3.25 MB, 160 views)

Apr 7, 2019 | 02:24 PM

Mike Geary

Melting Slicks

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 2,311

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From: Temecula CA

what's different about a '65 ign switch?

The '66 switch will work (1116673) in a '65, based on my info, but you have to use a '66 lock cylinder. The ends have a different configuration to mate with the switch rotor.

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Apr 7, 2019 | 07:04 PM

midstyle

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From: Calgary Alberta

Here's what was installed originally in a '65. The "660" is cast in the body. It takes a unique (tumbler ?) [the part the key goes into].

I have 3 of these; also an NOS "659" which I think is full-size Pontiac ; 1965 only.

Last edited by midstyle; Apr 7, 2019 at 07:16 PM.

Apr 7, 2019 | 08:42 PM

#10

1Cerberus4u

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From: North East

LOL, well if you have 3 of them.......... I'd be looking for a PM so you only have 2 to worry about!

Apr 9, 2019 | 09:46 PM

#11

bigdaddys1965

Heel & Toe

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From: Hoover Alabama

Hello,

I had the same situation on my 65. If you have not found a solution to your problem, please let me know.

Apr 9, 2019 | 09:53 PM

#12

Factoid

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 1Cerberus4u

You have to remove the lock cylinder before removing the bezel. It is possible to remove the bezel with the cylinder in place, but cursing and damage will occur!