Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Has anyone ever remove an ignition switch? 39 Super 8

Attach file:

---

  (215.97 KB)

two screws or nuts on backside to dash (I forget which, look with a mirror), two electrical connections and a whole lot of fussing to get it out...

What about removing the light switch?

The knob and shaft are one piece. Pull the knob out and unscrew the bezel "A" in the illustration. On some models there may be a chrome cap over the nut similar to that used on the radio gland nuts. If your bezel has a slot on either side of the shaft it is probably a one piece item with no cap. The slots were for a tool to unscrew the bezel.

Once the bezel is unscrewed hold the switch and manipulate the knob shaft and switch so the bent portion of shaft comes out of the hole in the switch portion at "B". There is a small flat steel spring which helps keep the shaft in the hole. When the shaft is free the switch will be able to be removed from the back of dash.

This illustration is showing the addition of a spacer which on some models had to be added by the dealer. If your car has one be sure to watch out for it.

Attach file:

---

  (32.76 KB)

Thanks for the info HH56,

is there a trick to getting it back in? I have been fighting putting the rod back into the switch.

Not sure which switch you have exactly as there were two or three versions used from 35-42. The knob shaft retention is about the same for all though. Here is an illustration of one version with a good depiction of how the shaft fits in the switch mechanism. Note the slightly angled metal on top of the switch shaft which forms a second layer.

To install, you should be able to put the shaft in the dash hole and push it all the way in. Without the bezel being tightened it should be fairly loose and maneuverable. Tilt both the switch and shaft until the portion of shaft going into the switch lines up. Because of the two layers, the holes in the switch for the shaft will be a bit offset when viewed straight on making it appear the hole is slightly small. The top layer is a spring steel like material which has to be compressed slightly to lay the two layers and holes directly over one another and open the hole up. The shaft is inserted in the hole and then the spring steel upper layer is released so the offset will be back and capture the shaft so it won't work out of the hole.

Attach file:

---

  (106.17 KB)

My 39 120 had a similar switch pictured in the above post - it was fairly easy to put back in as long as you remove the front seat cushion and lay on the floor/seats. And can hold a flashlight in your teeth.....

I have the 1st one. Mine doesn't have a screw holding the rod. But I think I have to go thru the spring and the slide on the switch at the same time?

Guess I wasn't holding my tongue right. I got it in LOL