Bad fit elektrolock
 

Now that I have an original instrument panel AND an original elektrolock, they still won’t fit. I am referring to the 28/29 Model A stuff.
The cup just isn’t deep enough to be able to fit the little screws on the sides into the lock. After filing down the bosses in the lock housing, I was able to press the lock into the dash panel cup, but as said not deep enough.
Anybody else encounter this issue ? Any smart tricks ?

Henk

Re: Bad fit elektrolock
 

Can you post some pictures

Re: Bad fit elektrolock
 

I have had tight fits and like you ended up gently filing down the pot metal of the switch head. I hate to ask but are you completely confident the instrument panel is truly original? The repros are hard to distinguish from the originals. You might end up having to exchange switch heads with one of the guys that restores Electrolocks. Or send your head to him to dissasemble and remove some metal on the edge of the head. I know of no easy way to increase the depth of the cup fastened onto the panel unless you were willing to remove some of the metal off of the flange of the cup where it is fastened onto the panel.

I assume you were able to either mike the depth/locations of the respective parts involved, including the tiny screw holes on the head or use Prussian Blue to see where the parts bottom out on the cup.

Re: Bad fit elektrolock
 

The repro instrument panels I've seen have the lower holes wrong, so you're lucky to get 3 screws only installed.
The correct original popout switch for 28-9 does not have a seperate rear cover like the later popout.

Re: Bad fit elektrolock
 

Thanks all. Problem solved ! I have a rebuilt po-out from Bert’s and a replated instrument panel from Dan Bixby. No matter the parts being original, there was a very tight fit ! Presumably caused by a too enthousiast plater adding a lit of nickle. Had to Dremel the little slots upward a little, just some 1/64 “ ….