1939 Ignition Switch

[Woodie1]

Should the 1939 Ignition switch be able to move to the on position without wiggling & persuading the key? It doesn't seem normal to have to coax the key into position.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Woodie1

Should the 1939 Ignition switch be able to move to the on position without wiggling & persuading the key? It doesn't seem normal to have to coax the key into position.

Yes it should move smoothly. Be certain the wheel is not "pressed" against the lock.

Still, from what you describe, it sounds as if the key is worn badly and / or the lock is worn.

[Woodie1]

I know there are times when the key will turn if I move the whel until it locks in but not always.

[Woodie1]

I have another thought Kube. Is it possible that the steering column tube is slightly out of position in the steering drop? This could make it harder for the pin to go into the collar on the steering shaft. Just wondering.

[Terry,OH]

Yes it is possible for the steering column tube to rotate very slightly in the column drop. The clamping retaining bolt passes through a second hole (sideways) in the tube and does not let the tube rotate much at all. Usually the hang up is slight rust or a scar on the lock bolt or the ID of the drop. The end of the lock bolt has a spring loaded second bolt that should compress when it meets the lock collar on the inner steering column and when the alignment of the inner column and the lock bolt are correct the spring loaded bolt will pop into the lock collar. I would suggest removing the lock cylinder and lube with very light penetrating oil to get things moving properly. When that is done clean out the penetrating oil and lube with dry graphite. If you can't get it to move properly the drop will have to be disassembled to clean and find any other problem.

[petehoovie]

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Originally Posted by Terry,OH

Yes it is possible for the steering column tube to rotate very slightly in the column drop. The clamping retaining bolt passes through a second hole (sideways) in the tube and does not let the tube rotate much at all. Usually the hang up is slight rust or a scar on the lock bolt or the ID of the drop. The end of the lock bolt has a spring loaded second bolt that should compress when it meets the lock collar on the inner steering column and when the alignment of the inner column and the lock bolt are correct the spring loaded bolt will pop into the lock collar. I would suggest removing the lock cylinder and lube with very light penetrating oil to get things moving properly. When that is done clean out the penetrating oil and lube with dry graphite. If you can't get it to move properly the drop will have to be disassembled to clean and find any other problem.