The Ford Barn

Paul Dobbin · 04-18-2026, 02:14 PM

1939 Ford has a steering wheel lock with the ignition switch. The electrical part failed or is

failing and I don't see a replacement part listed.

Question: Is there a way to wire it to work with a toggle switch? How to do it?

Any help is appreciated!

Kube · 04-18-2026, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Dobbin

1939 Ford has a steering wheel lock with the ignition switch. The electrical part failed or is

failing and I don't see a replacement part listed.

Question: Is there a way to wire it to work with a toggle switch? How to do it?

Any help is appreciated!

Mike Driskell sells new parts. Easy to replace.
Usually when these begin to fail, they got hot to the touch at the terminals.
I just checked his website (thirdgenauto.com) and he has both pieces in stock.
You will need one each: 81a-3704 and 81a-3709

rich b · 04-18-2026, 03:05 PM

Easy to fix with the readily available parts as mentioned above.

If it fails in the meantime; put the battery wire on one side of a switch and the other two wires on the other.

If you do this, use a quality switch; not some cheapo plastic version.

On the other hand a jumper with alligator clips will get you home if the original fails out on the road.

Paul Dobbin · 04-19-2026, 02:35 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Thank you Kube. I sent your reply to the 39's owner.
While I don't know Mike Driskell, I'm aware of who he is and all he's done for the
Early Ford V8 Club. You both have helped many of us amateurs over the years.
Mike's father, Danny became a friend of mine when we both were Navigater's in
the early Great American Races in the 1980's. He in a 1935 Lincoln and me, in
a 34 Ford and later a 1935 Chrysler Airflow. Danny became the clubs 1935 Ford Advisor.
Thanks again!

04-18-2026, 02:14 PM	#1
Paul Dobbin Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Smoky Mountains NC Posts: 69	Steering column lock & Ignition Switch 1939 Ford has a steering wheel lock with the ignition switch. The electrical part failed or is failing and I don't see a replacement part listed. Question: Is there a way to wire it to work with a toggle switch? How to do it? Any help is appreciated!

04-18-2026, 03:05 PM	#3
rich b Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,156	Re: Steering column lock & Ignition Switch Easy to fix with the readily available parts as mentioned above. If it fails in the meantime; put the battery wire on one side of a switch and the other two wires on the other. If you do this, use a quality switch; not some cheapo plastic version. On the other hand a jumper with alligator clips will get you home if the original fails out on the road.

04-19-2026, 02:35 PM	#4
Paul Dobbin Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Smoky Mountains NC Posts: 69	Re: Steering column lock & Ignition Switch Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thank you Kube. I sent your reply to the 39's owner. While I don't know Mike Driskell, I'm aware of who he is and all he's done for the Early Ford V8 Club. You both have helped many of us amateurs over the years. Mike's father, Danny became a friend of mine when we both were Navigater's in the early Great American Races in the 1980's. He in a 1935 Lincoln and me, in a 34 Ford and later a 1935 Chrysler Airflow. Danny became the clubs 1935 Ford Advisor. Thanks again!