TR2/3/3A Ignition Switch

[RedTR3]

Over the last few months I have been replacing many of the old electrical components on the TR3 in order to prevent surprise failures. Now I come to the old 50+ year old ignition switch. Are these old units prone to failure and is it worth replacing in order to be safe? I do know that the new units have modern spade lug connections which may be more secure than the old screw connections.

Thanks, Tim

 

[trglory]

Actually, the original part with screw type connections may be a bit more reliable. Clean the back side up with a wire brush, wipe it down with an oily rag and it sould be good for another 50 years.

 

[CJD]

The only thing that can go wrong is if the bakelite cracks. But that is most likely from being mis-handled rather than through normal operation.

If you want to take it apart, the nut on the back is tacked with solder. You have to heat it with an iron before you unscrew it. The nut is actually an adjustment, so don't just tighten it back down on reassembly. It gets tightened just enough to allow normal operation with the lock cylinder in place...and then tack it with solder to prevent it from unscrewing.

 

[sp53]

Thanks John did not know that

 

[6TTR3A]

I agree with Joe, the screw type are virtually bulletproof. It tends to get a little busy on the screw connectors if you tend to use them for accessories, so I solder multiple spades onto the screws.
Frank