Early Cj5 Correct Ignition Switch And Keys 1950s

Hey, I have been looking around quite a bit and haven't been able to determine what the correct ignition switch should look like on a 1950s Cj5, mine is a 1956 and came with the ignition pictured below and no keys. Is this the original ignition? Ive seen the bezels on later 1960s jeeps with the hexagonal type pattern. Seems most of the images in threads of proper dashes etc are no longer visible. The reproduction ignition switches seem to have more of a knurled bezel.

I have come across a few images of jeeps ignitions in that era. I am thinking its the concave bezel with the word starter underneath the key area that is proper, but I did find another like mine.. Did 1950s CJ5s have the octagonal key or round?

Anyway any input is appreciated. Thanks.

 

My '57 titled CJ5 was built in '56. It has a foot (floor) starter. The key only controls voltage to the ignition coil, etc…

However, the bezel does say "STARTER" above the key, and is outwardly conical, not inwardly concave like your yellow dash.

I can't swear it is original, but the jeep was "one owner" before I got it.

What type are you thinking of when you say "1950's?" Foot or key start?

 

The faded green photo is mine a 1956 cj5 with a floor starter. Could you post a photo of yours? The other photos are not my jeep but just photos I found around this site and online.

 

I will try to get a picture of mine. I don't have a key for it so I am going to take it to a locksmith to get a key made as I can't find a correct replacement. This Jeep only has 17k on it. Hasn't been licensed since 1967 and is really close to completely stock.

 

My '56/'57. Man, I didn't see all that grunge until it showed in the photo… Oh well, it is a working Jeep, not a trailer queen...

I also now wonder if it is fitted in a large size hole, as Daryl alluded to.


My memory is that octogon keys were for ignition. Round was glove box, and doors on trucks. I may be a bit fuzzy on this.

 

If it helps any, my old parts book shows the three terminal key switch as #802675, including on flatheads.
The key switch with starter position is #924918, f-heads and V6 only.

 

Ok thanks for the info! Seems like not many have the originals anymore.

 

Walcks has one listed for 24.95 #802675

 

Yea I've seen those, thats my fallback if i cant find an original or get a key for mine...

What is the difference between a 2 position and 3 position switch? would either work for a foot starter jeep?
Wouldn't the 2 position just be on off? Which would seem to be all you need for a foot start.
The third position switch would crank the starter correct?

 

I think the starter circuit would be a fourth "momentary" position. The third position (to the left) would perhaps be for "accessory" but it's not utilized on my jeep.

 

Ok makes sense. But on a foot start wouldn't the "on" position serve to power the accessories lights etc just as well as having a third pos?

 

Not sure if my 58 has the original key switch or not. It looks just like the one from Walcks. The one in the yellow dash pic above looks just like my 55 wagon. But that key bezel is not a screw on. It has a spring back behind the dash and the bezel is removed by a slight push in while holding the back of the switch under the dash and a quarter turn. It has like 2 points that lock into the switch housing. As approsed to my CJ, that has a threaded shaft on the switch housing. Are the CJ's supposed the have the same switch as the wagons?

 

Maybe it's an obsolete old fashioned thing, but cars used to have a key position that would let you play the radio or whatever, without the ignition being on.

 

Assuming it is similar with CJ's and Wagons/Trucks. The concave "STARTER" bezel was typical of 12 volt 57-60, and was a 4-position switch. Mid 60 saw the hex threaded bezel. Pretty much all replacement type switches have been the threaded type, with various bezels (universal type switches). The convex "STARTER" bezel came to be with the Wagoneer/Gladiator in 62. Used a smaller dash hole, not sure when CJ's changed over. Pretty sure all dash mounted ignition lock cylinders were made by Briggs & Stratton regardless of the switch maker. Factory keys were kind of a hex/round combination.

 

Hmm. Never tried it with the turn signals. ("Factory Installed Option")

But I know the generator light doesn't respond to it. Maybe only if current is being used?

I'll have to look under the dash tomorrow!

 

This is great info thanks. But... what type of bezel would a 56 with floor start have had assuming it was 12 volt. Would 6 volt have changed this at all?

 

What is a genny light?

 

Generator light