Has anyone replaced in their Kirk built VS the ignition switch with a 356 Porsche ignition switch that fits 1956-1965? I'm in the process of comparing the similarities or differences in the wiring hook-up.
Thank you for any feedback,
Michael
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Here is Teds old post.
https://www.speedsterowners.co...-new-ignition-switch
To install the Bosch classic switch installed in many 356 and our cars. ( same switch and key shape minus the Porsche logo on the key.. sold at NLA, Stoddard, Sierra Madre, and most local NAPA/ Oreleys, Autozone). http://www.bosch-classic.com/e...er_03423090xx_1.html
in short;
ALSO- size of the switch hole.
Chinese switch hole will likely be a little smaller than the hole you will need to install the new Bosch switch. Some light sanding by hand of the inside of the hole should be enough to increase the opening diameter of the hole. You can also use a small drimmel sanding tool- if you have a stray hand. I did it by hand with some light grid paper... I preferred to go slow — until I could easily slide in the new switch.
What to do;
VS wiring/ Chinese switch ( pictured top) to Bosch picture below)
30 goes to battery--- two thick red cables
15 goes to ignition-- thin black
50 goes to starter-- thin red cable
75 ... goes to radio/ lighter if you have one... the above VS Chinese picture picture does not have a wire connected/5th accessories wire not shown.
Hope this is useful.
cheers
Here is the part number, for reference.
http://www.nlaparts.com/store/...ch-bosch-p-1568.html
and if you want a specific 356 bezel, you can get that too,.. they sell early and late model bezels...
The other thing to add is you'll need to cut off the ring terminals and strip a short section to use the set-screw arrangement of the new switch. I tinned the very ends of my wires, I find this gives you a good place to set the set-screw, and prevent fraying.
Don't use too much solder, you don't want it to wick up under the insulation.
And put a towel down for when the solder drips and splatters, it doesn't come out of carpet.
I saw the title of the thread and got all excited to come share my knowledge. Someone beat me to it! 
I used the Bosch ignition switch from Sierra Madre with the more period correct bezel. You'll need the fancy C shaped wrench to tighten the bezel. I was pretty happy with the upgrade, plus it gave me an extra key in the process. 
@TRP posted:I saw the title of the thread and got all excited to come share my knowledge. Someone beat me to it!
I used the Bosch ignition switch from Sierra Madre with the more period correct bezel. You'll need the fancy C shaped wrench to tighten the bezel. I was pretty happy with the upgrade, plus it gave me an extra key in the process.
Same here.
@TRP posted:I saw the title of the thread and got all excited to come share my knowledge. Someone beat me to it!
I used the Bosch ignition switch from Sierra Madre with the more period correct bezel. You'll need the fancy C shaped wrench to tighten the bezel. I was pretty happy with the upgrade, plus it gave me an extra key in the process.
But have you drilled any holes in those keys- that is the question! 
@ALB posted:And we don't really have to wonder how you figured that out
To be fair, we all have oops! moments like that.
Learned that MANY years ago, my friend! My Dad taught me how to solder when I was ten, then sweat pipes a year later. Thanks, Dad!
He had me pumping the brake pedal when I was 5 or 6 and couldn't even see the top of the dash.
He had a 1974 Vega GT with a 4 speed. I shifted every time I rode with him, and drove that very car the first time I drove with my permit.
@dlearl476 posted:You laugh but that is the exact reason I wanted to upgrade that switch! Instead, I still have the key that looks like a padlock key.
Or a lawn mower.....
@dlearl476 posted:You laugh but that is the exact reason I wanted to upgrade that switch! Instead, I still have the key that looks like a padlock key.
You know I'm lovin' it!
@DannyP haha, I remember the "down.... up.... down.... up...." with my dad when I was a similar age. Had no idea what that did or what he was doing. All I know was that the pedal went from spongy to firm, and that was a 'good thing'!
Here's one to make ALB's drill hand quiver. As seen before.
A lawnmower or padlock key would be an upgrade compared to the cheap-kids-jewelry-box key that I have. The only good thing about it, is if anyone ever broke into my house, they'd never try to steal my car with it.
Hello,
This is just awesome, so much great info. Thank you everyone for you experience. This will make this upgrade very straight forward. Something fun to do over the holidays.
Wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving and be safe,
Michael
