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Ignition switch


micmak

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Hi Folks,
My ignition switch works perfectly.  However, I presume it is original (1968) because any key will work in it, and no matter which key I use, they are all inclined to fall out when driving!  The car stays running, but the key ends up on the floor.  This is not a huge problem by any means, but I wondered if I need to replace the whole switch or just the barrel?   I see ANG has a barrel for just a few quid.  There are a few options online for £10 – 15.  Is that my best option, or is a whole switch best?  Or, does anyone have such a thing for sale???

Thanks.

.....Mick.....

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without any clues about just what car we are dealing with i presume this to be the general dash mounted ign switch

if you remove the switch from the dash there is a simle small sprung plunger you need to depress the plunger and the barrel assy can be removed  get a barrel or complete switch James Paddock Limited - Triumph Stag, Spitfire, TR6, TR7, GT6, Vitesse, Herald Parts and Spares Specialists. IGNITION BARREL & KEY VITESSE/HERALD/TR6(24G1345)

Picture of IGNITION BARREL & KEY VITESSE/HERALD/TR6(24G1345)

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The reason any key will work is cause the body of the switch is made of some fairly soft casting. The tumblers in the lock wear away at this with the result that the key is less and less necessary to make it turn. Probably made worse by someone putting the boot key in the ignition which will then cause extra wear by turning the barrel with the tumblers protruding somewhat.

Anyway, a new barrel most likely will improve things as chances are it’ll be operating on less worn parts of the ignition switch. It’d be worth extracting the barrel and having a look first though in case the inside of the switch looks completely knackered.

 

 

IMG_1550.jpeg

IMG_1551.jpeg

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It is a 1968 Vitesse with the dash mounted ignition switch. Sounds easy enough to remove the barrel. While I am there, is it feasible to swop around the positions of the ignition switch and the choke?  I ask because my key ring and key-fob dangle down, sort of in the way of the choke knob. I have to kinda push my keys to one side when operating the choke.   In my mind it would make more sense to have nothing below the ignition switch so that the keys can’t impede anything.  Is it a simple switcheroo when I have the ignition switch already out?

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My photos are of a dash mount switch, so it’ll look pretty much exactly like that!

Short answer to the second question is I’m not sure. Some thoughts though. The choke cable boss is smaller than the ignition switch fitting if I remember correctly. I don’t know how the choke cable is routed from the dash to the engine bay on the Vitesse, you may find you’d need to reroute it to cope with the move. You may also find the wiring for the ignition switch doesn’t reach to the lower position. 

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1 hour ago, Pete Lewis said:

on any post for those who visit infrequently its always useful to add a model 

and not Twiggy

Pete

Hi Pete, you are totally correct.  And I apologize.  I actually made a silly assumption that my name was recognizable, and anyone who cared would therefore know that I have a 1968 Vitesse.  How very demanding and arrogant of me!!!   I will identify the car on all future new posts.
Actually I will add more details to my profile too. I should have done that in the first place!

 

.....Mick.....

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nothing arrogant about it   adding your machine to your profile page helps those who like to sniff out a model  

its an easy thing to feel everyone knows what you are on about  (we do know you ) 

keep posting  help is always not far away ( even if we forget what you drive  ha ) 

Pete

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3 hours ago, dougbgt6 said:

Micmak, 

There are 3867 registered users on the forum, but of course we all remember you. :)

Doug

3867 users??  Wow, that’s a great information pool to be able to draw from!

.....Mick.....

3 hours ago, Pete Lewis said:

keep posting  help is always not far away ( even if we forget what you drive  ha ) 

Pete

 

I will keep posting.  

I have to say I am on a few forums, one of which is for Corvettes, and another for DeLoreans.  The snipping and arguing on both of them is unreal. People don’t seem to be able to voice an opinion without being subjected to abuse.   Others ask genuine questions only to be laughed at and ridiculed.  But this tssc forum is like a breath of fresh air.  I have asked some very basic, almost childlike questions here, and I have always been answered with politeness and civility, and a willingness to help.  It actually encourages me to do more to my little car because I feel that I can ask so many experts here for advice, and I will actually GET that advice!  What a concept!  

Thanks Everyone. 

.....Mick.....

Edited by micmak
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I used to frequent a well known US R-V owner site. One of the “sticky” posts had just one line, in capitals. It read “ There is no such thing as a stupid question”.

When you consider we all need to learn, that is only good manners. (Sadly something that modern discourse would seem to lack altogether).?

 

Pete

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22 minutes ago, micmak said:

answered with politeness and civility

wow   must try harder ,,,,,,cant have that ..............where is thread drift when you need it 

luckily most of the regulars here stick to basics that work we are not into the FB myths  and cobblers regime

and  most know i have an avid hate of Must Haves   Ha !!!

keep posting   

Pete

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34 minutes ago, micmak said:
4 hours ago, dougbgt6 said:

Micmak, 

There are 3867 registered users on the forum, but of course we all remember you. :)

Doug

3867 users??  Wow, that’s a great information pool to be able to draw from!

.....Mick.....

OR : 3867 users who need help with their problems 😁

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1 hour ago, micmak said:

 I have asked some very basic, almost childlike questions here, and I have always been answered with politeness and civility, and a willingness to help.

Yes we have a wide breadth of experience, at one end the Guru like being that is Uncle Pete, I'm more at the other end, so keep asking the easy question, I've got to get my post count up. :)

Doug

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3 hours ago, Pete Lewis said:

you need funny clothing 

Sandles are a must, bare knees optional😂

What's this thread about..... 

Mick,

You have a '68 Vitesse snap! Good choice. Is it a proper car or a soft top? I can hear the bullets coming! 

Iain 

Edited by Iain T
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On 10/10/2023 at 19:37, Iain T said:

You have a '68 Vitesse snap! Good choice. Is it a proper car or a soft top? I can hear the bullets coming! 

Iain 

On 10/10/2023 at 20:05, 68vitesse said:

Also a Mk1 2L Vitesse driver, a convertible so I can enjoy the fresh? air and not be enclosed in a steel and glass cage. 😁😁😁

Regards

Paul

Yes, my 68 is a soft top.  Not a “proper” car as you say, Iain!!   Actually, I was originally looking for a saloon car, but this convertible came into my sights, so I jumped on it.  
And yes Paul, it IS nice to be able to drive topless!!

.....Mick.....

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