Relocating the Ignition from the Column to the Dash?

[Theoriginalsilverado]

Hey everyone, I'd like to thank you in advance for taking the time to read this post.

I've always loved the layout on older trucks in which the ignition is on the dash, usually just right of the column. Of course on our trucks, including mine, the more modern ignition in the column setup is found.

My truck is currently in about 10000000 pieces, and for your own enlightenment it's a 1975 Chevrolet C20 Silverado Camper Special. Quite a beautiful truck, with only 34000 km, and an entirely stock rebuilt motor sitting on a crate waiting to go back in my chassis.

My question is- does anyone know the process, or at least what would be required, to move the ignition from the column to the dashboard?
Like I said, my truck is currently completely torn down, so I can get at almost any piece I need to. If it's relatively simple/easy, I would like to do it before I begin the task of putting everything back together.

Thanks for your help.

[greg64]

Greetings. I've thought about this modification too. My 64 has the ignition switch on the dash and I like it. You can buy a key switch that has the usual off/acc/run/start positions, and once it is mounted where you want, then you'd need to run the appropriate wires to it. These wires are connected to the factory ignition switch that is on top of the column behind the dash. A real bear to get at. See the Restoring Rusty topic for recent pictures of the column disassembled.

But the problem, in my mind, is what do you do with the stock ignition switch location to clean it up? I guess you could use an earlier column, but that doesn't seem quite right to me.

[Theoriginalsilverado]

Originally Posted by greg64

Greetings. I've thought about this modification too. My 64 has the ignition switch on the dash and I like it. You can buy a key switch that has the usual off/acc/run/start positions, and once it is mounted where you want, then you'd need to run the appropriate wires to it. These wires are connected to the factory ignition switch that is on top of the column behind the dash. A real bear to get at. See the Restoring Rusty topic for recent pictures of the column disassembled.

But the problem, in my mind, is what do you do with the stock ignition switch location to clean it up? I guess you could use an earlier column, but that doesn't seem quite right to me.

I was hoping to remove the stock ignition switch from the column, simply cover up the hole left by some means, and simply re run the wires to the stock ignition once I place it in the dash. Do you see any problems with this?

My main concerns are removing the stock ignition- I don't know if that's possible or not. Also, if I remember correctly, turning the key moves a mechanical type rod that activates something with the electrical, and this could cause trouble's for placement in the dash.

[greg64]

The ignition switch really has two parts; the key cylinder which is all mechanical, and connected by a rod to the actual electrical switch. The switch itself is linear and not rotary. I don't think you could reasonably use the stock parts with an in-dash key location. But there's really no need to, since there are common key switches with the electrical built in.

[Theoriginalsilverado]

Originally Posted by greg64

The ignition switch really has two parts; the key cylinder which is all mechanical, and connected by a rod to the actual electrical switch. The switch itself is linear and not rotary. I don't think you could reasonably use the stock parts with an in-dash key location. But there's really no need to, since there are common key switches with the electrical built in.

So if I was to take the ignition setup from my dad's '69 which I assume has no mechanical rod type functionality, or bought a new replacement one for the 67-72 era, assuming those ignitions are all electrical with no mechanical rod, could I wire it to my truck?

I'm sure it's possible, but is it simple enough for me to do it?
I'd be ok with using the key with the new cylinder and not the stock one, as there are 2 keys now for the truck as it is- one for the ignition and one for the doors.

Thanks for the help Greg64

[andrewmp6]

Some guys have swapped the 60-66 dash in these trucks,You could swap the dash and steering column.

[hatzie]

Van columns through at least 1979 have the IGN switch in the dash. Not sure if the column itself would be long enough tho...

[esbstuff]

Don't forget the medium duty trucks are in the dash...73-up

[greg64]

Originally Posted by esbstuff

Don't forget the medium duty trucks are in the dash...73-up

That's a good point. I wonder what their column piece looks like where we have the ignition switch?

[esbstuff]

Originally Posted by greg64

That's a good point. I wonder what their column piece looks like where we have the ignition switch?

Its thin like a 67-72 truck. You would loose your locking column but the dash wiring should be a plug and play for a like year truck.

[greg64]

Interesting, thanks.

[hatzie]

Originally Posted by esbstuff

Its thin like a 67-72 truck. You would loose your locking column but the dash wiring should be a plug and play for a like year truck.

Not sure that's much of a loss.

[Liberty]

Originally Posted by hatzie

Not sure that's much of a loss.

Haha nope! My locker wasn't put back in when I had the ignition repaired awhile back, I guess the lost the pin. I don't really notice or mind it being gone.

[Theoriginalsilverado]

Originally Posted by esbstuff

Don't forget the medium duty trucks are in the dash...73-up

My dad has a heavy duty truck that has the same interior as mine, one from the 80's I believe. Actually he has 2 know that I think of it! I assume that the wiring will be different though being from the 80's? Also the steering column may be too long... Although I have no idea I'm just speculating. But I can't remember seeing a spot in the dash for the keys either. I'll have to check into it

[jetmech85]

The ignition switch is mounted between the radio and steering column and there is a raised portion moulded into the plastic dash bezel.