Correct ignition switch
 

Can someone tell me if the ignition switch below would be correct for a 1960 GMC? The switch works but based on the pictures of the replacements, all if them have 5 spades. Mine only has 4. I'm trying to tie in the radio and although the wire from the panel is marked radio ign, I'm getting no no power. Fuses are good .

Re: Correct ignition switch
 

My 61 has 4 spades as well. Here are a few pics and it looks to be like yours.

Re: Correct ignition switch
 

There are only 4 terminals. Brown-Acc, Red-Batt, Pink-Ign and Vio-Sol. As you can see on Funky61 switch, there is supposed to be another wire on the same terminal at the Pink Ignition wire. This is the resistance wire for the coil. I always just use a ballast resistor.

The radio picks up power from the 4A fuse on fuse panel marked "radio", should be BRN. Radio should have a ground wire or metal to metal.

Wire the 5 terminal just like the 4 terminal per above. The Ground terminal is not used on the fiver.

Re: Correct ignition switch
 

I'm using an E-Z wiring harness and connected the wires as directed. I have a wire from the fuse block labled Radio Ignion, so I would think it draws power from the fuse panel. the fuse is good.

Re: Correct ignition switch
 

I am not sure what the questions is. You said "I'm getting no no power." You have a radio question and a proper ignition switch question. Did the ignition switch question get answered?

No power where? Do you mean you have hooked up the wire from the fuse panel to the radio and the radio does not work? We really need more info from you. Does the wire have power?
There are two ways to wire a radio for power. "Always on" and "only on with ignition". Is this the problem? We need the whole story to help.

Sometimes we can think a radio is not working when it's the speaker that is not working. If you can see the dial light, it must be getting power.

Not knowing what the actual complaint is, I will offer suggestions.
1. Get an ice pick style lighted voltage tester.
2. Attach the alligator clip to a known good ground.
3. Start at the fuse panel, check both sides of the radio fuse for power, ignition on.
4. Check the end of the wire from that fuse just before it attaches to the radio...or at the radio connector contact, for power.
5. Report where you find no power.

FYI: Many Fuse panels have sections of fuses (banks) that are always on and sections of fuses that are only on with ignition switch

Not being rude asking for more/better info. You can see that without it, I take up space with TMI, trying to cover what I think you are asking. I am sure with all these questions I asked and info given, you have found it already.

Re: Correct ignition switch
 

Thank You AZ,

I should have been more clear in my post.

I have the ice pick tester and will probe around this weekend, this should be a simple hook up. The radio is newly rebuilt and upgraded and the fuse block has a wire marked Radio Ign.(main radio power), it also has a secondary wire for constant power for memory, but I believe I do not need that as the radio has no memory functions or clock (its a dial tune - no pushbutton).

I suspect I should be getting power, but did not check with meter. I used a set of alligator clips to temp connect both the power and the ground, its possible I do not have the ground.

This weekend I'll walk/work from the fuse panel. Thank You for giving me some pointers.

Jake

Re: Correct ignition switch
 

Jake, you have helped a lot of people. Just returning the favor.

Re: Correct ignition switch
 

ken, if you look at a gmc wiring diagram you will find that the resistance wire is in the engine compartment side of the front end wiring.

Re: Correct ignition switch
 

Yes, when I redid my harness, I took it all apart to copy the wires. The resistance wire was in there. It needed to be so long to create proper resistance that they had to fold it back on itself. I guess they thought it was more "modern" than a ballast resistor. I think Chevy stayed with the ballast. Anyway I find it much easier to add a ballast to the firewall or inner fender, albeit not original. I do have a 1960 wiring diagram and it does show the resistance wire as you say.
If a person does not have that wire anymore, it would be difficult to find and to know how long it needed to be.

Re: Correct ignition switch
 

Just when I thought I was gettin bored. Pretty good reading.