47-59 Ignition hole - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

PDW HOTRODS · 05-07-2023, 10:23 PM

My 57 truck has a 70's style steering column with key in column and my dash still has ignition hole. Does anyone have an idea of something to fill the hole that would look good. Truck has newer paint so I'm not looking to do body and paint on the dash. Thanks.

**jweb** · 05-07-2023, 10:39 PM

You could add a push button ignition or shave the ignition on your column and just add a stock style.

Or add exhaust cut outs and install the switch there.

**joedoh** · 05-07-2023, 10:51 PM

i found a late model gm cigarette lighter fits well and I dont smoke so i fill it with a dual usb outlet.

geezer#99 · 05-07-2023, 10:57 PM

Here’s a strange idea for you.
When I bought my 56 210 one of the holes in the dash had one of these stuck in it.

https://www.amazon.ca/Danco-13025-4-...68976954&psc=1

PDW HOTRODS · 05-08-2023, 10:52 AM

Do you know of a stock looking ignition switch with start? I don't have foot start anymore, now 350 and 700r4 auto. The stock switch is for a foot or push button start. Lows have those plugs plain also and I have used them before for firewall holes.

leegreen · 05-08-2023, 12:21 PM

look at american autowire they have a few, maybe #500006

repops of the oem style with the socket for a light bulb are also available.

one of those rubber covered starter switches like you see on tractors will also fit, I have one of those in that hole for a horn button

_Ogre · 05-08-2023, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leegreen

repops of the oem style with the socket for a light bulb are also available.

Repops are V8 style. TRUK was an original V8 truck with the solenoid starter. I gave mine away to someone on this forum.

R&B51 · 05-08-2023, 08:19 PM

I’m the last person to seek expert advice from, but would something like this work?
Move one of your switches from the left side over to that hole, use the hole on the left side for a momentary switch that looks nice. Wire it into your starter relay circuit, so that you have to push that button with left hand as you turn the key with right hand to start it. Maybe create a little bit of a safety and anti-theft switch that was easy to reach?
Posted via Mobile Device

Tempest67 · 05-09-2023, 08:52 AM

I'm am not familiar with a 57 dash, but on my 51, I used an outside door lock cylinder, and put a key and ring in it to make it look functional.

57tailgater · 05-09-2023, 01:55 PM

This is going to depend on how you want things to look. A power port there with USB connections would be nice to charge your phone etc. but they are not too vintage looking. Maybe you could find one with a cap and use a radio delete knob hole cover to glue onto it. There are also some smaller volt gauges that may fit as well. A pushbutton switch for something could work too.

**mr48chev** · 05-09-2023, 04:10 PM

I was thinking push button for a loud auxillary horn. I like the USB charger or power port.

leegreen · 05-09-2023, 04:26 PM

The common dual port USB things you see on Amazon are 28mm / 1.1" and that is too large for that hole. Some of them have always on LEDs inside as well which may be annoying

You can get a smaller round and threaded on one end USB CABLE that might fit. ~1/2" for USB-C or ~3/4" for USB-A then plug the other end into a 12v-USB power supply under dash.

dsraven · 05-10-2023, 06:14 PM

how about stuffing a push button switch in the hole and using for a special horn, passing beams, windshield washer pump or something else you may come up with. an item that looks like it is supposed to be there, even if it is a dud and not connected to anything.

mobileortho · 05-11-2023, 09:25 AM

I've been working on installing a push button ignition from digital Dawg. No pic's yet, but the hole did have to be reworked a little as the switch was a little smaller than the hole.

PDW HOTRODS · 05-11-2023, 12:16 PM

The hole is round but has a notch so the ignition lock doesn't turn. That notch is what makes it hard to fill. I have Dakota gauges and they have an input switch that is round but smaller than the hole. I might use a Chrome Steel Hole Plug from Lowes and drill it out to put the switch in. I would have to make the hole bigger though. I was trying not to cut up the dash.

1project2many · 05-15-2023, 05:38 PM

I was going to recommend a chrome button cap also.

Fake knob?
https://www.raneystruckparts.com/yel...-knob-kn20903/

Eyeball?
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1144653...0aArAHEALw_wcB

Hook for hanging keys?
https://www.first4magnets.com/us/oth...ic-hooks-p8668

Warning light or check engine light?
https://www.amazon.com/Alpinetech-PL...94384504&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Alpinetech-PL...97192795&psc=1

LED Accent light? https://www.etrailer.com/Boat-Lights...MaApFrEALw_wcB

dsraven · 05-15-2023, 07:09 PM

USB power point.

57tailgater · 05-16-2023, 02:41 PM

Can you use a stock style lighter, which would have a stock style knob, then convert it to a 12V power port?

05-07-2023, 10:23 PM	#1
PDW HOTRODS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sutherlin Oregon Posts: 502	Ignition hole My 57 truck has a 70's style steering column with key in column and my dash still has ignition hole. Does anyone have an idea of something to fill the hole that would look good. Truck has newer paint so I'm not looking to do body and paint on the dash. Thanks.

05-07-2023, 10:39 PM	#2
jweb Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,208	Re: Ignition hole You could add a push button ignition or shave the ignition on your column and just add a stock style. Or add exhaust cut outs and install the switch there. __________________ 1951 Truck, LS1/4L60 1964 Suburban, current project 2014 Silverado daily driver 1953 Westerner "canned ham" trailer, rebuilt 1974 Prowler trailer, rebuilt

05-07-2023, 10:51 PM	#3
joedoh Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Doodah Kansas Posts: 7,774	Re: Ignition hole i found a late model gm cigarette lighter fits well and I dont smoke so i fill it with a dual usb outlet. __________________ the mass of men live lives of quiet desperation if there is a problem, I can have it. new project WAYNE http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=844393

05-07-2023, 10:57 PM	#4
geezer#99 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bowser Posts: 13,734	Re: Ignition hole Here’s a strange idea for you. When I bought my 56 210 one of the holes in the dash had one of these stuck in it. https://www.amazon.ca/Danco-13025-4-...68976954&psc=1

05-08-2023, 12:21 PM	#6
leegreen Registered User Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: Surrey BC Posts: 917	Re: Ignition hole look at american autowire they have a few, maybe #500006 repops of the oem style with the socket for a light bulb are also available. one of those rubber covered starter switches like you see on tractors will also fit, I have one of those in that hole for a horn button

05-08-2023, 10:52 AM	#5
PDW HOTRODS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sutherlin Oregon Posts: 502	Re: Ignition hole Do you know of a stock looking ignition switch with start? I don't have foot start anymore, now 350 and 700r4 auto. The stock switch is for a foot or push button start. Lows have those plugs plain also and I have used them before for firewall holes.

05-08-2023, 08:19 PM	#8
R&B51 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Jenks, OK Posts: 235	Re: Ignition hole I’m the last person to seek expert advice from, but would something like this work? Move one of your switches from the left side over to that hole, use the hole on the left side for a momentary switch that looks nice. Wire it into your starter relay circuit, so that you have to push that button with left hand as you turn the key with right hand to start it. Maybe create a little bit of a safety and anti-theft switch that was easy to reach? Posted via Mobile Device

05-09-2023, 08:52 AM	#9
Tempest67 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Ontario Posts: 854	Re: Ignition hole I'm am not familiar with a 57 dash, but on my 51, I used an outside door lock cylinder, and put a key and ring in it to make it look functional. Attached Images __________________ https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...=797726&page=3 http://https://67-72chevytrucks.com/...=797726&page=3 51 Chev 5 window on S10 with SBC 1958 Pontiac Wagon build https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849781

05-09-2023, 01:55 PM	#10
57tailgater Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Middle Georgia Posts: 309	Re: Ignition hole This is going to depend on how you want things to look. A power port there with USB connections would be nice to charge your phone etc. but they are not too vintage looking. Maybe you could find one with a cap and use a radio delete knob hole cover to glue onto it. There are also some smaller volt gauges that may fit as well. A pushbutton switch for something could work too.

05-09-2023, 04:10 PM	#11
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,715	Re: Ignition hole I was thinking push button for a loud auxillary horn. I like the USB charger or power port. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

05-09-2023, 04:26 PM	#12
leegreen Registered User Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: Surrey BC Posts: 917	Re: Ignition hole The common dual port USB things you see on Amazon are 28mm / 1.1" and that is too large for that hole. Some of them have always on LEDs inside as well which may be annoying You can get a smaller round and threaded on one end USB CABLE that might fit. ~1/2" for USB-C or ~3/4" for USB-A then plug the other end into a 12v-USB power supply under dash.

05-10-2023, 06:14 PM	#13
dsraven Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: calgary alberta Posts: 8,337	Re: Ignition hole how about stuffing a push button switch in the hole and using for a special horn, passing beams, windshield washer pump or something else you may come up with. an item that looks like it is supposed to be there, even if it is a dud and not connected to anything.

05-11-2023, 09:25 AM	#14
mobileortho Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Hampton, VA Posts: 904	Re: Ignition hole I've been working on installing a push button ignition from digital Dawg. No pic's yet, but the hole did have to be reworked a little as the switch was a little smaller than the hole. Attached Images __________________ Robert C. 1950 3600 3600 re-do, shortening it up If it's true what they say, "You learn from your mistakes," I'm a Genius in the making.

05-11-2023, 12:16 PM	#15
PDW HOTRODS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sutherlin Oregon Posts: 502	Re: Ignition hole The hole is round but has a notch so the ignition lock doesn't turn. That notch is what makes it hard to fill. I have Dakota gauges and they have an input switch that is round but smaller than the hole. I might use a Chrome Steel Hole Plug from Lowes and drill it out to put the switch in. I would have to make the hole bigger though. I was trying not to cut up the dash.

05-15-2023, 05:38 PM	#16
1project2many Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Lakes Region NH Posts: 3,200	Re: Ignition hole I was going to recommend a chrome button cap also. Fake knob? https://www.raneystruckparts.com/yel...-knob-kn20903/ Eyeball? https://www.etsy.com/listing/1144653...0aArAHEALw_wcB Hook for hanging keys? https://www.first4magnets.com/us/oth...ic-hooks-p8668 Warning light or check engine light? https://www.amazon.com/Alpinetech-PL...94384504&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/Alpinetech-PL...97192795&psc=1 LED Accent light? https://www.etrailer.com/Boat-Lights...MaApFrEALw_wcB



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05-15-2023, 07:09 PM	#17
dsraven Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: calgary alberta Posts: 8,337	Re: Ignition hole USB power point.

05-16-2023, 02:41 PM	#18
57tailgater Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Middle Georgia Posts: 309	Re: Ignition hole Can you use a stock style lighter, which would have a stock style knob, then convert it to a 12V power port?

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