Need help w/ignition switch, finding grommets

[Barsteel]

Hello!

 

I'm almost done with a complete rewire of my '52 Plymouth, but I have a few questions.

 

The ignition switch has an armored cable that comes from the back of the switch and extends through the firewall.  Out of that armor is a wire that attaches to the ignition terminal on the horn relay.  The insulation has completely disintegrated from that wire, so it has to be replaced.  Any idea how I can detach the armor from the ignition switch to get at the cable?

 

Also, I'm in need of a firewall grommet set, and the grommet that protects the dashboard wiring harness as it passes through the driver's side kick panel into the engine compartment.  Bernbaum does not have it, neither does Steele Rubber products.  Anyone know where I can get those grommets, or some other application that may have a grommet that fits my Plymouth?

 

Thanks...

 

Chris

[pflaming]

Neither my 52 B3B nor my 53 Plymouth had anything like that. I just protect at the firewall for anti rub wear/cut. 

[rumble48]

Harbor Freight has collection of different sizes in a container for about $5.  I needed both grommets and plugs; I found a 125pc assortment for about $10.

 

google search: firewall grommets

 

craig

[suntennis]

With the ignition wire, to replace it you have to disassemble the switch. I just replaced the switch and attached a new ignition wire. You might see if you can get some shrink wrap tubing that will fit inside the grommet.

[suntennis]

Try using electrical shrink tubing not shrink wrap.

[Dave72dt]

Any number of hardware stores carry grommets. Measure the size of the hole it needs to fit into and how much roomyou need for items to pas through and go from there.

[ptwothree]

Use a later model switch from a '53 or '54.  They are identical but they don't have the armored cable.  Just run a wire from the coil terminal on the switch to the coil.

 

Grommets....I'm still looking.  Haven't found exact replacements.

[Barsteel]

Thanks to everyone for their replies.

 

I ended up removing the plastic insulator, breaking the crimps off of the ignition housing, and removing the back of the ignition switch to get at the wire.  I then clipped off the wire but left about 3/8 of bare copper wire remaining, soddered on the new wire, and protected the joint with heavy duty heat shrink tube.  To reassemble, I held the back on then gently peened over the edge of the wire to reseal the back of the switch.

 

Worked like a charm, although it was a pain.

 

As far as grommets go, the grommet is HUGE, about 2" around, and has a relatively small opening for the wiring harness.  I have the box of grommets from Harbor Freight, but they're all way too small.  I'll check around some of the smaller hardware stores to see what they have.

 

Chris

[Phil Martin]

I took ignition switch lose. Pushed thru firewall a little and cut off a couple inches of the cable so I could put an end on wire then pulled back in place

[deathbound]

Do you have a pic of the old grommet or where it goes? Is it the type that looks like a chunk of rubber with holes held to the firewall with a metal retainer?

[1950 Special Deluxe]

I got my set from Roberts Motor Parts

P33 Firewall Grommet Package

Category: Cars - Dust, Air Seals & Related Parts Trucks - Dust, Air Seals & Related Parts

39-50 Cars & Trucks $19.50

Edited January 16, 2014 by 1950 Special Deluxe

[Barsteel]

I'll call Roberts Motor Parts tomorrow, although I didn't see what I needed on their website.

 

The grommet I'm referring to is located on the driver's side kick panel, basically next to your left foot, but a bit higher up under the dash.  It protects the dash wiring harness as it passes through the body at the kick panel into the engine compartment.

 

Chris

[JerseyHarold]

Use a later model switch from a '53 or '54.  They are identical but they don't have the armored cable.  Just run a wire from the coil terminal on the switch to the coil.

 

^^I did the exact same thing with my '52 Cambridge.  Works fine.

[BobT-47P15]

This is supposed to be a 52 Plymouth firewall...............grommets look like basic round style.