applications for this early Oval Beetle ignition switch

[BulliBill]

Howdy all,

I just dug this early Oval ignition switch with a "Z" key code from my stash of switches. Looks like the one in my June of 1955 Sunroof, except that one is a "SG" key code. This has four screw-terminals on it. You turn the key to the "on" position then push inward on the key a little and then turn further clock-wise to the "start" position. But this key/switch will NOT turn further to the "start" position. Is this normal, for instance for an "off/on" only Zwitter or Barndoor Bus type switch that would have a separate starter button, or perhaps it is broken? Nothing feels sloppy or broken when rotating the key, so I'm wondering if it is supposed to be only an "off/on" versus a "off/on/start" switch? Can anyone shed a little light on this switch and it's correct applications. Thanks!

Bill Bowman
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I'm looking for these license plate frames for my fleet:
Coeur D'Alene - Lake Shore Volkswagen
Mission VW - San Fernando
Thornton VW - Stockton

Thanks for any help!

[56Cabrio]

Hey Bill how are you ? I found a thread on a similar switch like yours. The bracket is shorter but the nose is longer to make up for the short bracket.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5494850&highlight=#5494850
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1956 Rag Top owned since 1988
1956 Convertible owned since 2000
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RIP Dad 4/20/1951 - 2/4/2023

[EverettB]

Z code, would that be Bus?
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[motofly196]

I'm fairly certain that switch is a 58' only bus ignition?

[BulliBill]

Yep, I'm thinking it is perhaps a Barndoor Transporter or a little later era ignition switch, although I find it odd that this big switch could fit on the dash pod of Barndoor Bus. VW lists it that way. I thought Barndoors used a small "on/off" "P" key code switch?

Also in further looking at the correct switch mounted in my '55 Deluxe Sunroof Beetle, the body of the switch and four terminals are identical, but the mounting tang on the Beetle is longer, the shorter tang on the switch in question is quite a bit shorter like most Bus mount tangs usually are. Also the Beetle switch is a "SG" key code, and the switch that I asked about is a "Z" key code. So I found and dug out my VW dealership Key Code binder...

...and the "Z" key code was one of several key profiles used for Transporter ignition locks from 1950 through Feb 28, 1954 in a four tumbler version, then from March 1, 1954 thru Dec 31, 1954 in a five + one (???) tumbler and 13 mm diameter of lock cylinder version and then finally from Jan 1, 1955 thru Dec 31, 1963 in a five + one (???) tumbler and 12 mm diameter of lock cylinder version.

I still am wondering about my switch in question only seeming to have the "off and on" positions and apparently no "start" position (unless there was a separate starter button - or perhaps the switch is just messed up)?

Bill
_________________
I'm looking for these license plate frames for my fleet:
Coeur D'Alene - Lake Shore Volkswagen
Mission VW - San Fernando
Thornton VW - Stockton

Thanks for any help!

[nlorntson]

Bill the ignition switch in our 55 oval window is that "push in to start" style.

Is that the case with your (only a little bit later) 55 as well? Could buses of the same era have similar normal function?

[motofly196]

Can you push the key in, then clockwise to the start position? I have a 58' only bus ignition in my Single cab that looks identical to your switch.

[EverettB]

The Barndoor Bus Z-code above is the doors, not the ignition.
You posted the line from the section titled doors.
You are correct the Barndoor Bus ignition is like a Split Bug - the small A or P-code style.

I'm not sure why people said Bus '58 only but it could exist?
I'm not aware of such a thing.
Bus ignitions for at least 55-58 do have to be pushed in to turn to the start position.
This is probably what they mean.
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[BulliBill]

[BulliBill]

[motofly196]

I'll have to check when I get the Single cab out of it's winter hibernation spot. I had that ignition re-keyed by Justin (steelersbus) to match my door and treasure chests. I'm positive it's still stamped with the original code though.

[54 Oval]

This helps me too. I have this used switch SG 240 (S is there but faint) which now seems to be for a 54-59 Oval Beetle and a 55-66 Ghia. I don't have a key, but could I get one cut based on the code?

[EverettB]

I haven't done an SG key but I have definitely had other air-cooled VW keys cut by code only and they worked
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[Bruce]

[54 Oval]

Thanks Everett and Bruce.