Hey, thanks for that info, Ed.
I remember the ignition and the internally fused headlight switch on our 1984 Pace Arrow (GM drivetrain) were both problematic. The ignition was always loosey-goosey, as is the one in our Monterey that gave me fits in 110 degree Nebraska heat summer before last; it educated me that super warm ambient heat (& ridiculous humidity) can mess up standard wiring/connections, not just electronics. Jiggling the key or underdash wires often resolved starting problems then, but I never have problems with Monty's ignition in more normal temperatures. Heck, even the front TV would go on by itself, and would only stay off if I tripped its breaker in the powder room. Ken and the guys at BCS were even scratching their heads on that one. Just too much heat buildup in the east-facing front cap methinks - the TV's internal switch plastics and metal contacts couldn't handle it. But it all had me believing in poltergeists.
Hopefully they've improved the build quality of the old standard headlight and ignition switches over the years and/or they aren't made in China nowdays. I used to just go to a wrecking yard and save by pulling replacements myself. They worked fine, except the headlamp switch would melt down when I tried getting more high beam using them new fangled halogens back in the early 90's. I should have used relays and rewired with heavier guage, but was more ignorant back then than I am now (if that's possible) about circuitry.
Appreciating your post,
Joel
