Repo ignition switch plate questions

[coupe1942]

This is a bit difficult to explain so I hope you understand what i am asking:

I have an OFF and ON ignition switch plate which I am replacing on my '30 ccpu. The original one was missing when I got the truck so I got a replacement. The old dash was powder coated as it was in sad shape and this is a daily driver in which I was not concerned about returning it to the nickle plate.

Any rate, the black metal OFF/ON plate seems to me to need to set inside the trim plate more fully in order to allow the four metal tabs to stick out further for locking the thing in place into the instrument panel. Does that sound right, as I am guessing only since the original was not there to compare it to?

Do I need to file this round plate around the edges to make it drop down into the trim ring? I have pressed hard on it and it just does not seem to push down any. I didn't want to ruin it or bend it in trying to lower the part down inside the outer trim ring.

As it is, I can get the four tabs to go into the slots in the instrument panel, but not enough to bend them over or have any pressure hold them in place when the ON/Off plate and trim ring are pushed down.

Are the four tabs supposed to be bent down or do they simply hold pressure to keep the plate in place, as they look to be curved to me? Sorry that the attached photos are not more clear. Once everything is in place, this unit does not seem to go as flat to the instrument panel surface as I believe it should. The #1 photo probably shows best what I mean.

Am I wrong that the round inside metal OFF/ON plate fits farther into the trim ring and is then locked into place with the 4 metal tabs?

Thanks for any tips and info.

[Bob C]

If that is a repro switch plate ring you can do what I did, throw it in the trash and
get an original one. I just could not get it to fit .

Bob

[Mitch//pa]

Is the thickness of the powder coating taking up the needed space? I have used the repos without issues

[Rancho Deluxe]

Make sure you try & put the switch assy. in the center hole on any of the re-pops..

[coupe1942]

Well, it appears that the disc is cut too large for the trim ring. I had a couple of different trim rings and it would not fit properly in any of them, no matter what I tried. Decided to chuck it instead of possibly damaging anything else in putzing about with it. I can mark the area an don't really have to have the lettering of Off/On on it. The metal is so flimsy that putting a bench grinder or Dremel to it would likely overheat it, warp it or scratch is all up worse than it is worth.

The powder coat is not too thick and not an issue on it as far as i can tell. Finding an original is probably not going to happen unless Ford decides to open up a parts store for 1930 Fords near me in the near future. :-)

Thanks for the suggestions, but nothing seems to have worked on this particular piece and the metal is just too flimsy to putz around with in my opinion. I really do believe the disc size is cut too large to work as it should.

[100IH]

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You might consider checking with A&L For the trim ring. They always come out on top and make parts that fit.

[dmaxweb]

Snyders current catalog describe their rings and plates as U.S.A. They also indicate the rings ae chrome whereas some others are described as stainless. Has anyone had any experience with these?

https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/P...6_ON-OFF-PLATE

[J Franklin]

Got a beer can, or heavy plastic from the trash and some snips, or hole punch? A little paint and you're in business.

[Kurt in NJ]

how well does the plate fit the tab slots in the dash---i think the tabs are bent in too far at the base of the ring --the pictures are a bit out of focus of the tab areas to make it more than a guess

[Bob C]

He may have it fixed by now as the thread is 3 1/2 years old.

[SteveB31]

The on-off plate he had in his photo is a Vintique Taiwan made one,
. The USA made one fits perfect.

[J Franklin]

Originally Posted by Bob C

He may have it fixed by now as the thread is 3 1/2 years old.

Yes, but this is still good info for others.