Technical Ignition switch relocation

[Ken Pole]

I’m contemplating relocating the ignition switch in my NTM ‘78 spider from its position adjacent to the steering column to somewhere central. It will involve longer primary wires, etc. but having completely rewired a 28’ sailboat, it shouldn’t be a relatively straightforward job in the car as part of an extensive refurbishment. Has anyone done this? I never liked the location on my original ‘69 but did nothing about it. Has anyone done

 

[348azeus]

Hi I’ve done this on other cars but same principle. I used a switch from a Fiat 600 and also a Lucas push button starter but you can use anything.
You will need to remove the steering lock unless you are keeping it as a security feature.

 

[Ken Pole]

Hi I’ve done this on other cars but same principle. I used a switch from a Fiat 600 and also a Lucas push button starter but you can use anything.
You will need to remove the steering lock unless you are keeping it as a security feature.

Many thanks from Vancouver Island.

 

[Ken Pole]

Hi I’ve done this on other cars but same principle. I used a switch from a Fiat 600 and also a Lucas push button starter but you can use anything.
You will need to remove the steering lock unless you are keeping it as a security feature.

I neglected to say that I plan to install a marine battery on-off switch in the trunk so no issues wth removing the steering wheel lock. Grazie Mille.

 

[Mike1alike]

That's an interesting idea, relocating the ignition switch.
And of course, you can do it without any problem.
I never did that.

 

[Twink80]

I’m contemplating relocating the ignition switch in my NTM ‘78 spider from its position adjacent to the steering column to somewhere central. It will involve longer primary wires, etc. but having completely rewired a 28’ sailboat, it shouldn’t be a relatively straightforward job in the car as part of an extensive refurbishment. Has anyone done this? I never liked the location on my original ‘69 but did nothing about it. Has anyone done

I have done this and there are a couple of different ways to do the wiring. Bear in mind the ignition switch dwitches large currents so either use relays or 25A capable switches
One other important consideration is to remove the steering lock
If you separate the ignition and cranking functions away from the key to switches and a button, you can start the car with the steering lock engaged. Similarly if you are driving along the lock could re engage without warning (normally the key would cut the ignition before the steering lock engages
You vould also do a hybrid solution retaining the key to power up the ignition circuits and then a push button starter, its just more of a faff to fire up the car