Destroyed ignition switch

[SoCalDunkman]

Anyone have an idea how I can replace my switch cheaply? I destoyed mine on my 71 bus trying to get it to work. I mean really destroyed it!

[ratwell]

You mean the lock cylinder or the switch below it? Both are still available: the lock cylinder is from brazil and inexpensive, the switch runs $20-$50 depending where you buy it and who makes it. I'd get it from CIP1.
_________________
'78 Westfalia CDN
'76 Doublecab
Read the Baywindow FAQ

[dstefun]

And here's some info on how to replace it....hopefully you mean the electrical part as it is fairly easy. But don't be in a hurry.

http://www.type2.com/library/electrip/igbay.htm

http://www.specialpatrolgroup.co.uk/spooky/barrel/barrel.html

http://www.type2.com/library/electrip/ignwire.htm
_________________
~~~~~~~~
Radio Questions R Us - what'cha need to know?
"Out! Out! You demons of stupidity!"
Remember - You are required to get older but you are not required to grow up!
62 SC & 66 Bus

[thenexttownshend]

my Ignition switch on my '73 bus wouldnt work ( i dont think i was givin the right key) so my way of replacing it is... I bought a cheap ignition switch and push button starter switch, they go for about 3 bucks apeice at wal-mart. If you remove the secton taht has your odometer and other gauges, you can easily get at the igniton wires...A $5 12v testor will show you which wire has the current from the battery, and you can follow the wires from the starter, and you can hook it all up. You dont have to get the push button. thats just my choice, itll be so i turn the key, then ill have to push the button to get the starter to crank. And instead of taking the old igntion out, im putting the new one in the hole of the cigarette lighter, i dont smoke anyways. youll probaly also have to buy some extra wire. All togeather i spent $18 bucks. Cheap enough for you?
_________________
Steve

-1973 Bus Type II

[OrangeWesty'73]

A friend has a similiar setup on his 69 westy. Instead of a cheap ignition
however, there is a toggle and a pushbutton. Flip the toggle, push the button to start. Got to remember to flip the toggle when your done though.
This was all done with spare parts. very cheap. ugly.. but cheap.
_________________
-------------
'73 Westy

[Bookwus]

Hiya SoCal,

Know this before you start in on this project.............

The ignition switch in your VW Bus is actually a group of three components contained in a cast cylindrical housing. From the driver's seat the first component starting from the right is the ignition keyswitch. This unit is very hardy. Difficult to screw up (but, hey, anything IS possible). The second component in the switch is the column steering lock. There's just about no way you're going to "break" this lock. Lack of proper lubrication and dirt can jam it up - but that can be undone with a little TLC. The final component is the electrical contact switch. This is the part which most often fails.

I would recommend that you disassemble the entire housing to see just where the trouble is. Then simply purchase the part you'll need to fix it. For example, the keyswitch can be had for about $13US, the electrical switch is about $25US. Or you can fast, cheap, and dirty as others have suggested.

Mike

1970 Bus - The Ruptured Duck

[SoCalDunkman]

OHH YEA that was a very tough switch; I took a hammer,a drill, then a grider with a cut off wheel to it. And it's still undefeated. I will try to fix it the right way- Thanks for the link to those very detialed instructions. What kind of satanic man created the mounting method of that switch?

[dstefun]

I think they called it tamper proof. The idea was probably to have you buy a new bus every time the switch broke. Or at minimum promote dealer service. Good luck, most of the time you still need it even with the instructions. I really sympathise if you tried it without pictures or book!
_________________
~~~~~~~~
Radio Questions R Us - what'cha need to know?
"Out! Out! You demons of stupidity!"
Remember - You are required to get older but you are not required to grow up!
62 SC & 66 Bus

[Bookwus]

Hiya All,

Actually it is a VERY tough and exasperating job the first time around and that's a good thing (read on). I've heard others say that it took them hours just to crack the ignition lock housing. I know that was the case for me.
But once you've figured out the procedure, it's a snap. It's so easy, in fact, it's a bit scary. For instance, it would take me less than a minute (probably 30 seconds) to remove your keyswitch, insert mine, and drive away using my key. Just proved to me that all busowners should be thinking of good backup security system for their rides.

Mike

1970 Bus - The Ruptured Duck

[ratwell]