Bypassing ignition switch - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

DamnNearBlindGuy · 02-28-2022, 11:19 PM

Can anyone instruct me on how to bypass the ignition switch of a pre-emission HEI ignition system? I have a 1970 Chevy C 20 pick up which has had the engine replaced with a non-pollution controlled 350 Chevy with an HEI ignition system. Previous owner re-wired the ignition system with a toggle switch on the dash in a doorbell under the steering column to start the motor. Naturally they use all red wire and with my limited vision I am having a hard time getting the truck started. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, DNBG
Posted via Mobile Device

RustyPile · 03-01-2022, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DamnNearBlindGuy

Can anyone instruct me on how to bypass the ignition switch of a pre-emission HEI ignition system? I have a 1970 Chevy C 20 pick up which has had the engine replaced with a non-pollution controlled 350 Chevy with an HEI ignition system. Previous owner re-wired the ignition system with a toggle switch on the dash in a doorbell under the steering column to start the motor. Naturally they use all red wire and with my limited vision I am having a hard time getting the truck started. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, DNBG
Posted via Mobile Device

Why would you want to by-pass the ignition switch?? It controls more than the ignition system, be it HEI or points type. Turn signals, wipers, AC/heater to name a few. My best advice is to disconnect the battery and remove all that hacked up toggle switch and push button junk before an electrical fire breaks out.. Do what's necessary to return it to original (or near original) condition.. I doubt very seriously if someone will come on here and explain how to do an ignition switch by-pass modification. It would be asking for trouble on so many levels.

BigBird05 · 03-01-2022, 09:36 AM

Rusty pile I think you are reading to much into it. I believe he means the PO added a door bell starter button.

leftybass209 · 03-01-2022, 12:57 PM

No offense, but considering there's a doorbell under your column... who knows what kind of goofy rats' nest may be under there. It would be hard with pictures, and impossible without to troubleshoot someone's random wiring job.

Start with the basics. Grab one of the well detailed schematics here on this site. figure out how they're getting power to the HEI, and if the doorbell is work-around external wiring, or tied into the factory harness. If the HEI is hooked up using the original points wiring, there'll be additional work involved replacing that specific wire.

The more information you give, the better equipped the board is to help you.

Welcome, btw, and good luck figuring this out!

RustyPile · 03-01-2022, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBird05

Rusty pile I think you are reading to much into it. I believe he means the PO added a door bell starter button.

In his first sentence he asks, "Can anyone instruct me on how to bypass the ignition switch of a pre-emission HEI ignition system?" He wants to bypass the ignition switch.. What else is there to read into what he means? I stand by every word I wrote.. The whole idea, whether already done or thinking about doing, is a bad and dangerous idea.

And while we're criticizing.. It appears to me you didn't read enough of his post or mine.

**pjmoreland** · 03-01-2022, 05:24 PM

Here's the recommended way to power an HEI distributor in a 67-72 truck (uses the factory ignition switch):

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=708975

yuccales · 03-01-2022, 08:58 PM

Hey DNBG, Welcome aboard. Wish I was a bit closer to ya. I'd swing by and give it a quick look, and some ideas. Good link pjmoreland gave here. Hopefully one of our members might swing by and check it out. Always fun to talk truck with a fellow gearhead!

**Steeveedee** · 03-01-2022, 10:54 PM

I'm betting that someone is close by to provide some help. I'm about 50 miles away. I'd estimate that there is about 8 hours labor in it. Are you willing to pay that, in beer? Something like Bud, not Schaeffer,

**Richard** · 03-02-2022, 04:22 AM

Ignition seems to already be bypassed. Appears to be not working. A little unclear. Want to just get working or put back to a stock keyed ignition? No idea what was done so this may be somewhat difficult.

DamnNearBlindGuy · 03-02-2022, 05:07 AM

Thanks for your concern. Having said that, it’s Damn Near Blind Guy, not Damn Near Stupid Guy. I do not intend to operate this vehicle by bypassing the ignition switch. All I wanna do is start the engine once to verify that it actually runs before I pull it from the truck prior to painting. I don’t want to re-wire the truck just to start the engine only to have to paint around a newly installed wiring harness. The engine turns over just fine. It just doesn’t have any spark.
So, if there’s anyone out there that can help me, great. Otherwise I’ll figure it out on my own.
Thanks, DNBG
Posted via Mobile Device

yuccales · 03-02-2022, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DamnNearBlindGuy

The engine turns over just fine. It just doesn’t have any spark.

You should be able to hook a wire up to the BAT terminal on the HEI, and the other end to the positive post on the battery terminal for test purposes.

geezer#99 · 03-02-2022, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yuccales

You should be able to hook a wire up to the BAT terminal on the HEI, and the other end to the positive post on the battery terminal for test purposes.

And if that doesn’t work then likely the module in the distributor is fried.
Module looks like this.

https://www.holley.com/products/igni...ts/parts/35361

Another alternative is just getting another hei.
Like this.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/39311137517...wAAOSwNTdiHnK3

DamnNearBlindGuy · 03-03-2022, 12:26 AM

First of all, thanks guys for all of your help and support.

In hindsight, I probably should’ve provided more information, but wanted to keep it simple. Clearly, the ignition switch has been bypassed with the aforementioned toggle switch and doorbell button. The toggle switch to supposedly provide fire and the doorbell to spend the motor. As I don’t have any fire, clearly there’s something wrong with the toggle switch/ignition system.

All I wanna do is run a wire from the battery to the distributor and then crank the motor to see if it starts.

So with that in mind, … Thanks,“Yuccales”, for your helpful tip. Now all I need to do is identify which terminal is the BAT terminal on the distributor. I believe it is an OEM HEI distributor, but I’m not 100% sure.

“Steeveedee”, Considering that all I wanna do is run a wire from the battery for the distributor, I think eight hours is a bit much. Having said that, I wouldn’t mind having some help and would be more than willing to provide you with a beer of your choice. Just pick your poison. Having said that, it seems like a long way to drive to connect the wire. And having said that, I’ll probably made some help actually getting it running. It’s been turned over on a regular basis, but it hasn’t actually run in several years. At least as far as I know.

So, again, thanks guys for all your help.

Couple more questions… Can you upload pictures to this forum? And is there a way to DM someone on this forum? I’d like to contact some of you personally, but don’t wanna asked to leave personal information on this forum or provide my own. Unless I absolutely have to.

Thanks again, DNBG
Posted via Mobile Device

**Steeveedee** · 03-03-2022, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DamnNearBlindGuy

First of all, thanks guys for all of your help and support.

In hindsight, I probably should’ve provided more information, but wanted to keep it simple. Clearly, the ignition switch has been bypassed with the aforementioned toggle switch and doorbell button. The toggle switch to supposedly provide fire and the doorbell to spend the motor. As I don’t have any fire, clearly there’s something wrong with the toggle switch/ignition system.

All I wanna do is run a wire from the battery to the distributor and then crank the motor to see if it starts.

So with that in mind, … Thanks,“Yuccales”, for your helpful tip. Now all I need to do is identify which terminal is the BAT terminal on the distributor. I believe it is an OEM HEI distributor, but I’m not 100% sure.

“Steeveedee”, Considering that all I wanna do is run a wire from the battery for the distributor, I think eight hours is a bit much. Having said that, I wouldn’t mind having some help and would be more than willing to provide you with a beer of your choice. Just pick your poison. Having said that, it seems like a long way to drive to connect the wire. And having said that, I’ll probably made some help actually getting it running. It’s been turned over on a regular basis, but it hasn’t actually run in several years. At least as far as I know.

So, again, thanks guys for all your help.

Couple more questions… Can you upload pictures to this forum? And is there a way to DM someone on this forum? I’d like to contact some of you personally, but don’t wanna asked to leave personal information on this forum or provide my own. Unless I absolutely have to.

Thanks again, DNBG
Posted via Mobile Device

Sorry, I was thinking of a lot of rewiring. Now that I see this, I over-estimated the time.

I wouldn't want to drink and drive; those days are gone for me. I usually fall asleep...

**Accelo** · 03-03-2022, 01:45 AM

Can you upload pictures to this forum?

The answer is yes, but it can be confusing. The text box I am using to replay doesn't the link to add pictures from your computer. Only from a hosting service.

If you start a New Thread the link is there by default. (It is the paper clip looking icon) After the first post all other posts come up with an abbreviated form without the link. However, it is accessible if you hit the GO Advanced button just below the text box. When you do that, it brings up the same text box you get when you start a New Thread.

Once you get this far you are not finished. Clicking the paper clip looking icon brings up a standard Manage Attachments dialog box in a new separate window. Select the file and then hit open. It will upload the file.

Here is where the system can trick you. Often the dialog box doesn't include the UPLOAD button. It can be and often is hidden and the dialog box has to be expanded to see this button. YOU HAVE TO HIT THE UPLOAD BUTTON FOR THE FILE TO BE LOADED.

I have included a picture of the dialog box with the upload button shown. This is not always the case. The uploaded file will not show till you hit (SUBMIT REPLY)
You will be taken to the forum with your picture now be visible.
Sorry for the Long description. Once you get used to it, I can add a picture in less than ten seconds.
Cheers.
Sorry if this is off topic. This information is also in the FAQ's

**Richard** · 03-03-2022, 01:49 AM

If the toggle switch is ignition (run) one side should have 12v and the other side would go to HEI. Would start by tracing those wires from switch and checking for voltage. If no 12v at switch, maybe key has to be inserted and put to accessory or run to power circuit switch is using from fuse box.

DamnNearBlindGuy · 03-03-2022, 05:28 AM

Steeveedee, No worries about the time estimate. And sorry if I somehow implied that you would ever drink and drive. We all know that you know better. :-)

Accelerate, Thanks for the information on uploading a picture. Do you know if that process works on an iPhone?

Richard, thanks for the tip. I’ve tried everything except tracing the wires. Tracing wires through a firewall by oneself can be a bit challenging.
None of my cited friends are gearheads. For that matter, neither are my blind friends.

At any rate, thanks for all the tips.

Thanks, DNBG
Posted via Mobile Device

**cwcarpenter98** · 03-03-2022, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DamnNearBlindGuy

Accelerate, Thanks for the information on uploading a picture. Do you know if that process works on an iPhone?

Yes, it does. It might look slightly different because of a mobile device, but functionally is the same.
Also, if you want to add more than one picture to your post, you must select one picture then hit the upload button for each picture you want in your post. You can use the preview post button to see how the post will look before you post it

**LockDoc** · 03-03-2022, 11:27 AM

-

1. HEI BAT location.

2. Resistance wire location.

If you are ambitious you can remove this wire and run a new 12ga wire from here to the BAT terminal on HEI.

3. IGN Unfused connection on fuse panel.

If you are not ambitious you can run a 12ga wire from this terminal to the BAT terminal on the HEI

Both work with the ignition switch....

LockDoc

02-28-2022, 11:19 PM	#1
DamnNearBlindGuy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Buena Park, CA Posts: 8	Bypassing ignition switch Can anyone instruct me on how to bypass the ignition switch of a pre-emission HEI ignition system? I have a 1970 Chevy C 20 pick up which has had the engine replaced with a non-pollution controlled 350 Chevy with an HEI ignition system. Previous owner re-wired the ignition system with a toggle switch on the dash in a doorbell under the steering column to start the motor. Naturally they use all red wire and with my limited vision I am having a hard time getting the truck started. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, DNBG Posted via Mobile Device

03-01-2022, 09:36 AM	#3
BigBird05 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Cheraw Posts: 1,300	Re: Bypassing ignition switch Rusty pile I think you are reading to much into it. I believe he means the PO added a door bell starter button.

03-01-2022, 12:57 PM	#4
leftybass209 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 2,189	Re: Bypassing ignition switch No offense, but considering there's a doorbell under your column... who knows what kind of goofy rats' nest may be under there. It would be hard with pictures, and impossible without to troubleshoot someone's random wiring job. Start with the basics. Grab one of the well detailed schematics here on this site. figure out how they're getting power to the HEI, and if the doorbell is work-around external wiring, or tied into the factory harness. If the HEI is hooked up using the original points wiring, there'll be additional work involved replacing that specific wire. The more information you give, the better equipped the board is to help you. Welcome, btw, and good luck figuring this out!

03-01-2022, 05:24 PM	#6
pjmoreland Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: CA Posts: 6,008	Re: Bypassing ignition switch Here's the recommended way to power an HEI distributor in a 67-72 truck (uses the factory ignition switch): https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=708975

03-01-2022, 08:58 PM	#7
yuccales Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Northern Calif. Posts: 3,777	Re: Bypassing ignition switch Hey DNBG, Welcome aboard. Wish I was a bit closer to ya. I'd swing by and give it a quick look, and some ideas. Good link pjmoreland gave here. Hopefully one of our members might swing by and check it out. Always fun to talk truck with a fellow gearhead!

03-01-2022, 10:54 PM	#8
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,723	Re: Bypassing ignition switch I'm betting that someone is close by to provide some help. I'm about 50 miles away. I'd estimate that there is about 8 hours labor in it. Are you willing to pay that, in beer? Something like Bud, not Schaeffer, __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

03-02-2022, 04:22 AM	#9
Richard Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,896	Re: Bypassing ignition switch Ignition seems to already be bypassed. Appears to be not working. A little unclear. Want to just get working or put back to a stock keyed ignition? No idea what was done so this may be somewhat difficult. __________________ Richard 1972 K10 Custom Deluxe SWB Fleetside My build https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=800746

03-02-2022, 05:07 AM	#10
DamnNearBlindGuy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Buena Park, CA Posts: 8	Thanks for your concern. Having said that, it’s Damn Near Blind Guy, not Damn Near Stupid Guy. I do not intend to operate this vehicle by bypassing the ignition switch. All I wanna do is start the engine once to verify that it actually runs before I pull it from the truck prior to painting. I don’t want to re-wire the truck just to start the engine only to have to paint around a newly installed wiring harness. The engine turns over just fine. It just doesn’t have any spark. So, if there’s anyone out there that can help me, great. Otherwise I’ll figure it out on my own. Thanks, DNBG Posted via Mobile Device

03-03-2022, 12:26 AM	#13
DamnNearBlindGuy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Buena Park, CA Posts: 8	First of all, thanks guys for all of your help and support. In hindsight, I probably should’ve provided more information, but wanted to keep it simple. Clearly, the ignition switch has been bypassed with the aforementioned toggle switch and doorbell button. The toggle switch to supposedly provide fire and the doorbell to spend the motor. As I don’t have any fire, clearly there’s something wrong with the toggle switch/ignition system. All I wanna do is run a wire from the battery to the distributor and then crank the motor to see if it starts. So with that in mind, … Thanks,“Yuccales”, for your helpful tip. Now all I need to do is identify which terminal is the BAT terminal on the distributor. I believe it is an OEM HEI distributor, but I’m not 100% sure. “Steeveedee”, Considering that all I wanna do is run a wire from the battery for the distributor, I think eight hours is a bit much. Having said that, I wouldn’t mind having some help and would be more than willing to provide you with a beer of your choice. Just pick your poison. Having said that, it seems like a long way to drive to connect the wire. And having said that, I’ll probably made some help actually getting it running. It’s been turned over on a regular basis, but it hasn’t actually run in several years. At least as far as I know. So, again, thanks guys for all your help. Couple more questions… Can you upload pictures to this forum? And is there a way to DM someone on this forum? I’d like to contact some of you personally, but don’t wanna asked to leave personal information on this forum or provide my own. Unless I absolutely have to. Thanks again, DNBG Posted via Mobile Device

03-03-2022, 01:45 AM	#15
Accelo Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: washington Posts: 2,300	Re: Bypassing ignition switch Can you upload pictures to this forum? The answer is yes, but it can be confusing. The text box I am using to replay doesn't the link to add pictures from your computer. Only from a hosting service. If you start a New Thread the link is there by default. (It is the paper clip looking icon) After the first post all other posts come up with an abbreviated form without the link. However, it is accessible if you hit the GO Advanced button just below the text box. When you do that, it brings up the same text box you get when you start a New Thread. Once you get this far you are not finished. Clicking the paper clip looking icon brings up a standard Manage Attachments dialog box in a new separate window. Select the file and then hit open. It will upload the file. Here is where the system can trick you. Often the dialog box doesn't include the UPLOAD button. It can be and often is hidden and the dialog box has to be expanded to see this button. YOU HAVE TO HIT THE UPLOAD BUTTON FOR THE FILE TO BE LOADED. I have included a picture of the dialog box with the upload button shown. This is not always the case. The uploaded file will not show till you hit (SUBMIT REPLY) You will be taken to the forum with your picture now be visible. Sorry for the Long description. Once you get used to it, I can add a picture in less than ten seconds. Cheers. Sorry if this is off topic. This information is also in the FAQ's Attached Images

03-03-2022, 01:49 AM	#16
Richard Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,896	Re: Bypassing ignition switch If the toggle switch is ignition (run) one side should have 12v and the other side would go to HEI. Would start by tracing those wires from switch and checking for voltage. If no 12v at switch, maybe key has to be inserted and put to accessory or run to power circuit switch is using from fuse box. __________________ Richard 1972 K10 Custom Deluxe SWB Fleetside My build https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=800746

03-03-2022, 05:28 AM	#17
DamnNearBlindGuy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Buena Park, CA Posts: 8	Steeveedee, No worries about the time estimate. And sorry if I somehow implied that you would ever drink and drive. We all know that you know better. :-) Accelerate, Thanks for the information on uploading a picture. Do you know if that process works on an iPhone? Richard, thanks for the tip. I’ve tried everything except tracing the wires. Tracing wires through a firewall by oneself can be a bit challenging. None of my cited friends are gearheads. For that matter, neither are my blind friends. At any rate, thanks for all the tips. Thanks, DNBG Posted via Mobile Device

03-03-2022, 11:27 AM	#19
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,815	Re: Bypassing ignition switch - 1. HEI BAT location. 2. Resistance wire location. If you are ambitious you can remove this wire and run a new 12ga wire from here to the BAT terminal on HEI. 3. IGN Unfused connection on fuse panel. If you are not ambitious you can run a 12ga wire from this terminal to the BAT terminal on the HEI Both work with the ignition switch.... LockDoc Attached Images __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - Last edited by LockDoc; 03-03-2022 at 11:35 AM.



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