1968 vs 1969 Charger Ignition Switch Confusion

[davidd113]

Hi All!

We have a 1969 Charger. We were 100% sure it is a 1969 as we have the original title, spec sheet, monroney etc....

This car has the ignition switch in the dash, factory cut out in dash and the dash pad has the hole for the switch and bezel. Steering column is non tilt.

What I have found out today is the '68 was non tilt and ignition in dash and it swapped to tilt and ignition on column in '69. I could be wrong as I am FAR from an expert!

We ordered a new full set of locks for a '69 from Classic and discovered the ignition switch issue. We can buy the correct '68 switch and have it keyed to match the other set of locks so it is not the end of the world but confusing.

Was there some carry over in dashes and columns from '68 to '69? If there was no carryover could it have been re-titled prior to sale as a '69?

Just wondering what the deal is.

Thanks!

​

 

[mobileparts]

1969 Ignition Switch and Tumbler is a —- 1 year ONLY —-
1969 —- ALL —- ONLY —-
and is 50 % Larger than the 1960 - 1968 …..

The 1969 Ignition Switch and 1969 Ignition Tumbler have been non - existent on Planet Earth for decades….

I reproduced them five or so years ago , and I have them in stock always , now , of course…..

P.M. me , as per forum rules , if interested….. Craig…..

 

[dadsbee]

There was NO ignition key in the column in '69. Also dash, but a '69 ignition switch is ONE year only! I have one OE in my spares, but with two '69's in front of me it's going nowhere.

 

[mobileparts]

As Dadsbee states above , 1969 was the “ Big Boy “ in the dash…..
Column mounted Switches and Tumblers started in 1970….

 

[davidd113]

Thanks! This makes sense.

The initial wrench in the plan was parts in hand simply don't match up.

I believe we have a '68 switch as the hole is much too large

Truly appreciate the info

 

[pnora]

Thanks! This makes sense.

The initial wrench in the plan was parts in hand simply don't match up.

I believe we have a '68 switch as the hole is much too large

Truly appreciate the info

You are correct. the 68 thread diameter is smaller than 69.

 

[QuickBpBp]

Also there are 2 '69 Only Ignition switches... One for A/C and one with-out.

 

[pnora]

Also there are 2 '69 Only Ignition switches... One for A/C and one with-out.

Not true. 1 switch all 69 models 2864463

 

[QuickBpBp]

Not true. 1 switch all 69 models 2864463

View attachment 1769281

TRUE!! I parted out a few 69 cars over the years. They have 5 and 6 Lug ignition switches. I still have a few. I sold one recently at Carlisle and the Gentlemen who needed it said the extra lug was for an A/C equipped car whether that is true or not I don't know but just that there are in fact 2 switches.. One has an extra ground.
Here is a 5 lug

Here is a 6 Lug

 

[QuickBpBp]

Better yet here is an old ad of mine with the 1969 ONLY Switches showing them better..

FOR SALE - 1969 Ignition switches

 

[jdt40]

Anyone have an idea why that extra ground lug would be needed for an A/C car only? Given that the parts list shows only one number, I'm guessing it makes no difference and they are interchangeable.

 

[QuickBpBp]

Anyone have an idea why that extra ground lug would be needed for an A/C car only? Given that the parts list shows only one number, I'm guessing it makes no difference and they are interchangeable.

I would guess a solenoid of some type maybe for dieseling when shut off. The current reproduction switches all have 6 Lugs so they work on a 5 lug ignition plug harness since the ground is not needed and if it is used then it's there on the harnesses that use it. I know that is a basic part BUT parts books honestly are never 100% but 99.9999% accurate. Could be a mid year change and that is an early parts book..
Look at the illustration of what hoods you could get on a 73 Road Runner and Satellite in my parts book…

 

[pnora]

Anyone have an idea why that extra ground lug would be needed for an A/C car only? Given that the parts list shows only one number, I'm guessing it makes no difference and they are interchangeable.

There is only the one part number for the service replacement switch. It will have the ground terminal. Its most likely possible that the assembly line had two switches and used them as required for the application. Just about all car lines do not use the ground terminal. It is not for air conditioning. Just look at the FSM and you will see. As I recall the ground was only used in some C-Body applications. It was triggered ground for some type of bulb self check. Again as I remember. So yes you will find two switches and they will interchange as long as its not some C-Body. Again it has nothing to do with the A/C system.

 

[QuickBpBp]

There is only the one part number for the service replacement switch. It will have the ground terminal. Its most likely possible that the assembly line had two switches and used them as required for the application. Just about all car lines do not use the ground terminal. It is not for air conditioning. Just look at the FSM and you will see. As I recall the ground was only used in some C-Body applications. It was triggered ground for some type of bulb self check. Again as I remember. So yes you will find two switches and they will interchange as long as its not some C-Body. Again it has nothing to do with the A/C system.

Ok Thanks. As far as the A/C I was only repeating what the gentlemen told me why it was there… I can ask on FCBO so we all know why there are 2 switches.

 

[dadsbee]

Jesus, now you guys have me needing to go look at my spare switch.. LOL

 

[pnora]

Jesus, now you guys have me needing to go look at my spare switch.. LOL

With or without the ground it will still be correct for just about any 69 model. Seems to me there was a discussion a while back on the ground. I believe someone had posted a wiring diagram and it was used on the high line C-body Chrysler and Imperial. I do not have a 69 C-Body FSM to look at.

 

[QuickBpBp]

Jesus, now you guys have me needing to go look at my spare switch.. LOL

lol. No worries Wayne as even the reproductions put the ground on. So whether it’s needed or not it will work..

 

[pnora]

Ok Thanks. As far as the A/C I was only repeating what the gentlemen told me why it was there… I can ask on FCBO so we all know why there are 2 switches.

Ok I found an Imperial wiring diagram. The harness would have two black wires on that terminal. One came from the brake valve switch and the other went to the cluster brake warning light. One reason if there was a brake malfunction and the switch on the brake valve tripped it would complete the ground to trigger the light. Second reason was a bulb self check. As long as the switch housing was grounded to the dash when in the crank position the switch ground contact closes and the clusters brake warning light comes on. Like I said it seems to only be used on the High Line C-Bodies like the New Yorker and Imperial.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

Same reason 70 and lates got that extra ground feed for some applications (now being part of the generic replacement and needed to match with your car when replacing)… C bodies testing system for warning signals.

That ground is an output taken from chassis, not an input to feed the switch