moving the key TO the dash?

I would really like to have a dash ignition. Do they sell a cylinder with the right hardware to do something like this? I imagine it would need some kind of bracing to fit right. Doing the metal work on the dash is something my shop can do no problem, so that part is not an issue.

 

I would think you would also want a 69 1/2 steering column to complete the look since any other steering column would have the ignition lock cylinder in it. I would also think you would need the proper wiring harness. I think it was bolted to the package tray to no metal work should be required. Best bet would be to have a 69 1/2 parts car and swap everything out of it .. Good luck ... I wouldn't mind that conversion either but with a 77 model car you don't have a package tray either.

 

dmhines: Here's my thinking. Get the bezel for the cylinder, then indent the curved portion of the dash for it, figure out the wiring and then make a new fiberglass trim piece for my now-empty column. I'm not concerned with the factory look vs. the custom look.

 

dan,

i put a package tray in my "73 and "77...frank...

 

Guys, I have a '69.5, and I could take pics of any of the things you need. Let me know.

 

Oh! I want to see pics of the coveted in dash ignition. Could you post some up Earl? I am considering moving my ignition to the dash like xpsnake because the stock one is broken anyways(won't lock even with the key out).

Thanks,

AC

 

Why could us late model guys not just put an early Ford key switch in our upper dash near the ashtray or on the lower near the radio?
Mustangs had in dash ignition till 69, so parts shouldn't be hard to get. Their switches were incorporated into the main dash panel (most any other Ford/Linc./Merc as well). It seems it would look more integrated as well if it was in the main dash rather than a pod on a tray. The factory way is not always the best way.
Dave

 

stock; I will post some up when I get a chance. Have a few irons in the fire, but it should be soon.

 

I would like to have mine on the dash also.. I don't really care if it looks stock i just like the look of it being on the dash and not colum

 

I wish there was room over by the headlight switch. Having the ignition there would look totally sweet. Im afraid that putting it over by the ashtray may be too far out of the way and look kinda stupid...

AC

 

On 60 something Ford/Linc/Merc products, you were liable to find the key switch anywhere on the dash within arms reach of the driver.
I have seen cars with them high, low, far left (by our lights), far right as the driver might reach, and any place between.
It would be more important to me to source a switch and maybe bezel that looks at home where I decide to put it.

Slightly off topic:
Has anyone ever fused their ashtray door into the dash?
Like it was never there... smooth surface to match the rest of the dash...
That is what I would like to do, gain more smooth dash close to the driver.
Dave

 

Hey guys, maybe something like this?

Also, Dave, that's not off topic, I was considering the same move myself, I will never, EVER use my ashtray, so why not remove it alltogether?

 

why not put the ignition switch where the cig lighter is. so you could have a "hidden" ignition when ashtray is closed? i was thinking of putting a manual choke there myself

 

I put my ash tray area to good use.

 

good point... but seeing hows my car will probably never need all that. (one can dream that it will)...i still like my idea