rocker switch panel

[sinister7.3]

hey guys wondering if ya'll can help me...... i'm putting a rocker switch panel is my 89 f250 7.3l and was wondering what it takes to tie in ignition to a toggle switch which wires and so forth..... your help would be appreciated thanks in advance
greg

[Big AL]

Are you trying to get several switches to work from one panel (like the outfitter switches)? If not, what exactly are you looking to do?

[sinister7.3]

basically i want toggle switch to do what turning the key to on position would do eliminate key lock cylinder

[Big AL]

OK - I see.
Come on electrical guys - help me.
I'm thinking you need either a 3-way switch or 2 - switches.
3-position switch:
1st Position = Power off
2nd Position = Power on
3rd Position = Ignition (Crank)

2 switches:
Switch A, Position 1 = Power off
Switch A, Position 2 = Power on
Switch B, Position 1 = Power off
Switch B, Position 2 = Ignition (Crank)

Somebody (electrical) should help with this. They will be probably be able to help you with tracing the wires also.
(I hope I ain't too bad off course on the above).

[sinister7.3]

well i know i can just do a 2 way cause i already have starter button.... but what wire goes where is gonna have a lot to do with it.....

[Big AL]

OK - good.
What I would do is get into the steering column wiring and the existing switch (with battery disconnected - to keep from short-curcuiting something). When I had the wires/switch where I could get to them safely, I'd connect the battery. With a tester, find the hot wire to the switch. Then, with a jumper wire, jump from this wire to whichever one lights up everything and note the colors of the wires. Trace back down the column, cut the 2 wires & run them in & out of your 'rocker' switch.

[sinister7.3]

so you would do it after the switch?

[Big AL]

Actually it would be taking your old switch out of service and putting a new one in service (your rocker switch). The hot wire that feeds the old switch would go to the 'inlet' of your rocker switch. The wire that 'lights' everything up would be the 'outlet' of your rocker switch.
Another method:
If you could find the wire that 'lights' everything up, then you could make that the outlet of the new switch, and then just run a wire (that's always hot) from your fuse box to the inlet of your new rocker switch.

[sinister7.3]

thanks for your help Al

greg

[sinister7.3]

what if i set the switch to the on position....... find the constant hot .........and break there with the toggle switch.....pretty much just complete the circuit