Register now to get rid of these ads!

1940 Ford Ignition Swtch Question

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by rex1927, Sep 27, 2010.

  1. I purchased a 1940 ford steering column with a missing key and switch is locked.
    How can I remove ignition switch with as little damage to column as possible?
    Do I try to bore it out?
    Going to use a switch in dash on my car.
    Just need it out so steering shaft will turn.
    I did not know ford had locking steering columns in 1940.
    Learn something new every day.
    thanks
     
    fivefour likes this.
  2. Steve-Cook
    Joined: Jul 22, 2007
    Posts: 489

    Steve-Cook
    Member
    from Garner, NC

    if you can get a locksmith to unlock then you would be good
     
  3. okiedokie
    Joined: Jul 5, 2005
    Posts: 4,778

    okiedokie
    Member
    from Ok

    It seems like there was just a post on fordbarn.com by Dick Spadaro showing exactly how. Seems like it was originally posted on here.
     
  4. Bruce Lancaster
    Joined: Oct 9, 2001
    Posts: 21,681

    Bruce Lancaster
    Member Emeritus

    Spadaro posted pics recently. Basically, look at the casting below the lock cylinder...you will see a pin driven in there. Drillit...best way is small hole, tap for a screw to pull it out, some people just kill it with a drill. It is very roughly 1/4" deep...if you see brass coming out, you are a bit too deep! Once pin is out you can pull the cylinder. Key code is stamped on it, so go find the oldest guy at the oldes lock smithery around and get it made.
    If you were working from a complete '40 first step would have been to pull the door lock. If original, it would carry same number and it comes out with just a single set screw.
     

  5. garcoal
    Joined: Nov 15, 2006
    Posts: 277

    garcoal
    Member

    got to ask a question why does your 1940 steering column have a key switch in it. they didnt put the key switch in the column till late 60s to early 70s. your key switch should be in the dash board. are you putting a newer column in your car. if its out and loose take it to a lock smith and have a key made
     
  6. Special Ed
    Joined: Nov 1, 2007
    Posts: 7,967

    Special Ed
    Member

    I believe Ford started putting the key lock on the column in '32...:cool:

    [​IMG]
     
  7. Guess I should have stated this at start.I bought this 1940 ford column to put in my 1927 2 door sedan.Ignition switch is in dash of my car.I bought this because it was a good price and was told it would work for side steering with pittman arm up.I had no idea they were locking columns.Just need lock out so steering shaft will turn.Sorry for any confusion guys.It was my fault.
     
  8. AJofHollywood
    Joined: Oct 3, 2008
    Posts: 641

    AJofHollywood
    Member

    The key only locks and unlocks the column, correct? The switch to the right (in that picture above) is how you turn the ignition on & off, I don't really know. And is it the same though '48?
     
  9. DD COOPMAN
    Joined: Jul 25, 2009
    Posts: 1,122

    DD COOPMAN
    Member

    It's always re-assuring to get the straight "scoop" from a guy that knows what he's talkin' about. DD[​IMG]
     
    eddie_zapien likes this.
  10. 19Fordy
    Joined: May 17, 2003
    Posts: 8,027

    19Fordy
    Member

  11. leebros60
    Joined: Sep 15, 2009
    Posts: 24

    leebros60
    Member
    from new jersey

    garcoal you are just a few years off, just a few.
     
  12. Cut him some slack. He works at a Kenworth dealer and is in a British car club and drives a '66 T-Bird. With all that going on, he may be a little confused.:rolleyes:
     
  13. Thanks for the information guys.
    You always come through when I need help.I am ready to tackle it now.
    Thanks again,rex
     
  14. blackrat40
    Joined: Apr 19, 2006
    Posts: 1,167

    blackrat40
    Member Emeritus

    garcoal huh?....another "Know nothing Know it all".
     
  15. How timely. Today I was looking over my extra 40 column that didn't sell at the swap meet. The lever is in the "off" position with no key...looks like someone tried to screwdriver it but when I turned it over the pin was gone already. How convenient for me. Tomorrow I attack the project. Thanks, Dick.
     
  16. navypainter
    Joined: Dec 3, 2010
    Posts: 73

    navypainter
    Member

    What happens when you break the tap off in the hole you just drilled???:confused:
     
  17. 19Fordy
    Joined: May 17, 2003
    Posts: 8,027

    19Fordy
    Member


    Take it to a place that does EDM - Electric Discharge Machining.
     
  18. navypainter
    Joined: Dec 3, 2010
    Posts: 73

    navypainter
    Member

    Thanks for the info but I think I might drill the lock, heat the pin and push it out unless anyone objects to that. I don't see how it would hurt anything but then again I've never worked on a 40 ford column before.
     
    Last edited: Apr 28, 2012
  19. greazy john
    Joined: Oct 13, 2007
    Posts: 457

    greazy john
    Member

    i thought all 40 columns came with tilt ?? LOL
     
  20. navypainter
    Joined: Dec 3, 2010
    Posts: 73

    navypainter
    Member

    Drilled the s#!t out if the ignition switch today. Brass flying everywhere! Got it out in just a few minutes. Problem solved :)
     
  21. Great! I actually found the key for mine and it's going into my 34 ford coupe.
     

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.