Help! 289 ignition and other switches!

FIA-ERA · #1 (**permalink**) 03-06-2008, 03:23 PM

I'm configuring my "original" dash and all the holes are cut to the original sizes! The ignition switch is huge (1-1/8") and the "toggle" switch holes are 9/16" !! Any help on what is the correct ignition switch would be great! I guess I will have to fab something up to take up some slack with the toggles. Any ideas?? Thanks, Matt.

Rick Parker · #2 (**permalink**) 03-06-2008, 05:19 PM

The OEM ignition switch is sourced from Falcon or Fairlane. I think the same is used on 65/66 Mustang. The bezel is from the same. The toggle switches were surplus WWII aviation stuff. (FIA dash)

289ACE · #3 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 12:27 AM

Which "original' holes do you have? From the the size of the ignition switch it sounds like your dash is set up for the Ford electricals and SW gauges instead of the Smiths gauges and Lucas switches.Rick is correct on the ignition switch being a Mustang part, at least that is what I used. I am not home so I cannot check any of my references that could provide a source for the other electrical switches, but I'll be home on Sunday and if you haven't received an answer yet, I'll look it up.
Jay

FIA-ERA · #4 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 05:46 AM

Thanks guy,
I will check my 66 Mustang today and find out on the ignition. Are the other switches "Lucas" and or what sizes are the mounting studs? My holes are drilled for Ford electrics I believe and are 9/16" in size! The Lucas ones look as if they are bigger or have a larger grommet on the outside? Thanks, Matt.

RICK LAKE · #5 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 06:27 AM

FIA-ERA Matt what are you trying to do? Call ERA, they can mail you a Ign. switch and keys. You could have them tomorrow. Matt Go to the ERA site. All the info you need is there with the numbers. If you have the wiring harness from ERA , all you have to do is remove the whole dash assembly, swap over the wires and reinstall. Drop the steering column first, it's easier to flip the dash in the car. If you add any other curcuits for whatever, Make sure you use heavy duty relays, 30A are OK for most curcuits, 40A is better. Put a fuse on the curcuit that is about 15% more than the component uses on high speed or on position. Water proof connectors for the fuses help. Rick L.

FIA-ERA · #6 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 03:41 PM

Hey Rick, I sent you a PM. Thanks for your help, Matt.

289ACE · #7 (**permalink**) 03-13-2008, 01:32 PM

Matt, I do not know if you resolved this, but I checked and the dash that uses the Ford electricals also use Ford Switches. Not sure of the original application (Fairlane, Mustang, Falcon?) but they should be readily available if you are still looking.
Jay

FIA-ERA · #8 (**permalink**) 03-13-2008, 02:04 PM

Hey Jay,
Took your advice and got a 65 Mustang switch, fits perfectly! I ended up filling in the rest of the holes a little to put regular toggles in. I think it will work out well. I just now have to hammer and dolly the dash a little and prep it for vinyl. Thanks for the help!! Matt.