MTFCA Forum

A friend has a 1920 Model T Touring that needs the ignition switch rebuilt. Is Ben Martin still doing them and does anyone know how to contact him? Or are there other quality rebuilders in the community?

Thanks in advance,

David

I don't know if Ben or anybody else is still rebuilding switches, but if a switch suffers from the common problem of a warped backing plate it's not hard to fix that yourself. Rubbing the plate on rough sandpaper does the trick. If that makes any of the stops too shallow, careful application of a drill bit can deepen them.

I talked to Ben on the phone yesterday.

Ben has some health issues right now and he is not working.

He has a doctor's appointment today and is in hopes of getting some improvement and go back to work again.

dr1960 wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 19, 2024 8:18 pm

A friend has a 1920 Model T Touring that needs the ignition switch rebuilt. Is Ben Martin still doing them and does anyone know how to contact him? Or are there other quality rebuilders in the community?

Thanks in advance,

David

I have done several switch for members when in need. Fixing the switch is relatively easy with the exception of the tumbler. As stated above, if the backing plate isn't warped to much or showing some tracking paths from the contacts, sanding will take care of that. I also refresh the dimples where the contacts rest when not in use. When you turn the key or handle you should feel it settling in those dimples if not then likely its a warping problem. Its not recommended to bend the contacts up for better contact.
The repro tumblers that were being sold didn't fit the sleeves of the switch, it appears that they are out-of-stock. Also there may be a shortage of backing plates. Having said that I have refurbished several backing plates, cleaning the face, sanding the underside and then sealing the fiber backing plate with a sealer for wood. That prevents moisture & adds stiffness to the plate.

Initially, there were several suppliers of the rectangular switches and for some there are no repro parts. If the face shows more than two rivets its likely one that has no repro parts. However, these have the best internal parts.

It will help to see the face & rear backing plate & why you feel you need it. I'll email you so you can send pictures or add them here. I'll can help you restore your switch or repair it for you.
This a picture of the internal parts for the Clip & pin type assemblies ---
These plates usually have common parts.

Do you know if it's a pin or tab-over style ? Pin type much easier to work on. Not much to them unless the the key cylinder has issues.

i don't know what style, but i gave the owner a link to this thread to comment. he may have to create a login