Looking for key'd electronic switch

[RenderMan]

I'm rebuilding a 1971 Dodge Demon (http://www.renderlab.net/projects/demon/)

I'm doing some customization and was looking at the ignition. I got to thinking that I don't need to use a stock ignition system or even a key for that matter.

This got me wondering if anyone has seen a key'd electronic switch that could use standard KIK cylinders or other such lock cylinders? I'm thinking it would be really amusing to have a medeco ignition in this thing.

Anyone ever see such a beast? Does'nt have to be column mounted or anything, just needs to be able to operate the ignition system to turn it over.

[jordyh]

A medeco ignition?
Poor poor automotive lockies.

[Squelchtone]

I'm thinking it would be really amusing to have a medeco ignition in this thing.

Anyone ever see such a beast?

Yes. I have seen such a beast. It was in a government fleet vehicle. I remember looking into this for my own car several years ago and it was available in the usual Ford and Chevy ingitions, I don't recall if there was a Mopar version available. It is a smaller Medeco key, like the kind used in file cabinets, I this was before keymark so i think it was bilevel/biaxial.

I couldn't google anything relative at the moment, but I'll go look. I did see a Ford one on ebay a while ago.

going searching, I'll email you later,

Squelchtone

[RenderMan]

A medeco ignition?
Poor poor automotive lockies.

When you build the car yourself, you are your own automotive lockie

[toomush2drink]

Kaba do keyed switches, now that would make it trick also.

[pip]

just needs to be able to operate the ignition system to turn it over.

do you think an " ademco " might work ?

[jgardhouse]

I switched the valet key (and the transponder) for our VW onto the fob for an alfa romeo... It looked absolutely factory and confused the heck out of the service guys at the dealership... Have fun with it man!

[Omikron]

I tried looking into doing this for my own vehicle but found that no replacement cylinders existed that would retain the level of function and security found in the OEM cylinder. Ultimately I think I'm going to have to custom mill a cylinder for my vehicle that can use a standard cam style cylinder. I'll let you know if I'm ever successful.

[Shrub]

Use a modern ignition switch, if you look around at things like GM you should fing that they have a slot in the middle that a tail piece from the proper lock uses, make your Medeco tail piece fit in that and work out how your going to conect the two together maybe just fiber glass it all together.

If you want some sort of picture explanation let me know and ill see what i can post in the auto section for you.

You would basically be useing the tail piece of the Medeco instead of the screwdriver bums use.

[maxxed]

Try a transponder / reciever set up. Working on a rice rocket with shaved handles, recievers mounted inside the mirrors. When the transponder comes within 4" of the reciever the door pops open. There will be a reciever mounted in the console so when the transponder comes close the car turns on, will use red push button to start

I do remember Medico ignitions being available, that was aprox. 20 years ago. I checked my Medico catalog and did not find any auto replacement locks

[maxxed]

just needs to be able to operate the ignition system to turn it over.

do you think an " ademco " might work ?

Ademco is an alarm manufacture and they frequently have their name stamped on the keys for the panels. I have several sets of tubular keys that are stamped ademco

[Wooderson]

Here's a BEST model I ran across on ebay that uses an I/C core.
View auction






Probably not the best choice for ignition since it doesn't appear to be momentary, but It'd make a cool switch to turn on your stereo.

[Shrub]

It would have to be a serious micro swicth or else the contacts would stick together the first time you started it

[maxxed]

The Best keyswitch is available in a momentary configuration, however to run an auto a maintained contact and a momentary ( starting ) are required.

http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?p=157745#157745

Relays can be used to operate the auto's elecrical system so the microswitches would last

[Shrub]

I would go for a key switch for the power and then a push start to start it.