Re: missing ignition switch?

Posted by HH56 On 2024/7/1 11:32:47

Assuming the battery is connected positive ground as Packard would have done it, the positive terminal of the coil would go to the terminal on the distributor and the points closing and opening are what connects it to ground. The negative terminal on the coil would in normal use connect to the ign switch COIL or IGN terminal which will provide power when the key is on. Since you do not have an ign switch you can temporarily connect the negative coil terminal to the battery negative with an easy to connect and remove jumper wire such as a clip or test lead. I suggest a clip lead since connecting and disconnecting that jumper will be the only way to run or stop the engine. That is OK for a test but I would also suggest you pick up a universal ign switch at a parts store and wire that in until you can get a proper switch. Downside to that approach on many 6v cars is modern switches are usually 12v and some cannot take a lot of the extra current 6v systems require running thru them for very long. You have minimal accessories that require power so it should be fine to run a universal switch on your car but if you plan on keeping it long term then get a good quality switch. You need a 3 position ACC, OFF, and RUN switch. That will have 3 terminals on the end that will probably be labeled BAT, IGN and ACC. BAT would be the same as AM in the wiring diagram, ACC is the same as GA, and IGN would be same as COIL.

The bump switch Kev suggested is a good idea but there may be more involved on your car. To energize the starter motor you will need to provide voltage to the solenoid to have it work the pinion and starter contacts. I presume your Custom still has the stock 356 engine but I can see it does have the large Autolite starter. That fairly large solenoid with a square box like assy on the end where the 4 terminals connect is a bit unique to power. It gets a bit more complex in connecting it since the car would have had a starter safety circuit which may still be connected. If it is intact all the wiring between the regulator and generator must be present and working.

Without an ign switch, the safest way to energize the starter solenoid, providing the wiring is intact, is to identify the wires at the carburetor switch. One will go to one of the upper small terminals on the solenoid and the other will be going to the ign switch and may just be hanging. Disconnect the wire at the carb going to the ign sw and temporarily connect another jumper wire from the battery negative terminal to that starter switch terminal. That way the accelerator will energize the starter motor as would normally happen. If any of the starter wiring is missing or in poor condition then you will need to identify whether the car still has the safety circuit and then disconnect some wires to bypass the circuit so you can energize the solenoid directly.