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Ignition coil

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by Patrick, Oct 31, 2014.

  1. Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Ok, please bare with me as I've not owned a flatty until now. My '48 CJ2A, the ignition coil is inside under the dash. Why did they do this? Is there any reason not to mount it under the hood? Thanks!
     
    Patrick, Oct 31, 2014
    #1
  2. 1955CJ-5

    1955CJ-5 Member

    Well, that is where it is supposed to be, if you want to be original. The ignition key and coil were all part of the same under-dash unit.....Why you ask? I don't know.......but every 2a that I looked at to buy had the coil moved to under the hood and a different ignition key...those single unit ignition key/coil assemblies are expensive to replace....

    Later the 3a's and maybe some late 2a's had the coil mounted to the side of the block, just aft of the distributor...
     
    1955CJ-5, Oct 31, 2014
    #2
  3. uncamonkey

    uncamonkey Member

    Interesting, my MB had the coil on the motor, simple lever on the dash for the ignition switch.
    My brothers M38 has a keyed coil behind the dash. Perhaps they did this thinking it would make it a lot harder to hot wire?
     
    uncamonkey, Oct 31, 2014
    #3
  4. baja4

    baja4 Member

    Patrick, is the ignition key still in the coil? If so, these are quite sought after by original guys. As 1955 CJ-5 said, quite pricey. Even if it is just the coil, or original bracket, still wanted. But yes, won't hurt to put the coil under hood.
     
    baja4, Oct 31, 2014
    #4
  5. Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    I guess I need to get a better look under the dash. It just looks like a key switch on the dash...
     
    Patrick, Nov 1, 2014
    #5
  6. Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Interesting. I've never heard of such a thing. I guess I'll leave it since it's working. This Jeep has been converted to 12V, and there is a ballast resister under the hood that looks like it was probably added.
     
    Patrick, Nov 1, 2014
    #6
  7. scoutpilot

    scoutpilot Member

    Just to clarify. You DO or DO NOT have an ignition coil mounted to the dash, using a three-point bracket, with the ignition switch as part of it and protruding through the dash?
     
    scoutpilot, Nov 1, 2014
    #7
  8. Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    I'm assuming I do, since the coil wire passes through the firewall.;)
     
    Patrick, Nov 1, 2014
    #8
  9. scoutpilot

    scoutpilot Member

    ​I only ask because Bubba can come up with some strange locations for items like a coil.
     
    scoutpilot, Nov 1, 2014
    #9
  10. gunner

    gunner Member

    The 2a guys call that a keyed coil, as was mentioned above. It's sought after as they are not made anymore and as they wear out, the restoration guys have to pay for what is still out there.

    If you have one and don't need or want it, get on the 2A forum and sell it. It will go to a good home and you'll be able to no doubt out the $ to good jeep use.

    The 45 2A I had as a kid had the keyed coil. I'd have taken it with me when I sold it had I known the eventual value of that coil.
     
    gunner, Nov 1, 2014
    #10
  11. Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    I reached up under there, and it feels like a regular key switch, but there is a coil mounted above it. I'll get up under there tomorrow and find out what's going on for sure. Thanks guys
     
    Patrick, Nov 1, 2014
    #11
  12. nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    I see them on Willystech occasionally and the price is amazing. I see wtb ads on there also from time to time. Took me a while to figure out what the heck they were talking about. Wish I had a bunch of them for sale :)
     
    nickmil, Nov 1, 2014
    #12
  13. Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    If mine doesn't have the "keyed coil" anymore, I'm not sure why the coil wasn't moved to the engine compartment. I've been too busy doing other things to the Jeep to get a good look under the dash.
     
    Patrick, Nov 1, 2014
    #13
  14. baja4

    baja4 Member

    Possibly using the original keyed coil bracket, with different coil. Is your flatty 6 or 12 volt? I believe keyed coils were 6 volt.
     
    baja4, Nov 2, 2014
    #14
  15. Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    It's been converted to 12V, but there is a ballast resistor on the fender.
     
    Patrick, Nov 2, 2014
    #15
  16. Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    It just has a regular 12V coil mounted to the back side of the dash. Thanks for the info, at least I learned something!;)
     
    Patrick, Nov 2, 2014
    #16
  17. lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    My '48 had the coil in the engine bay. I just swapped it to a 12v coil when I did the conversion.
     
    lynn, Nov 3, 2014
    #17
  18. Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    I thought about moving it, but then decided there's not much point in it right now. If the coil ever needs to be replaced I'll probably relocate it..
     
    Patrick, Nov 3, 2014
    #18