an idea on an ignition switch.....

[John McIntire]

I have been brainstorming on an idea to utilize a "push to start" button, but also find a way to go keyless, and have a smooth column with no keyed ignition.
What i thought about using was a Harley Davidson ignition switch. For those of you that arent familiar with one, it looks like a knob or a dial, and the face of it flips open to reveal a circular type lock. You dont have to leave the key in there, you basically unlock the switch to use it, and then you can lock it up when your done, so it has a nice clean look.
What I was hoping to do was build a costom console, and have this switch next to the "push to start" button. I think that with this switch, I can wire it for an "off" position, a "acc" position, and finally a "run" position, where i would then use the "push to start" button to start and kill the car.
All I would reall have to do is figure out the wiring of the switch and adapt it to the car. I am already using a remote solenoid, so i dont think that there will be that big of a current running through the switch. And I dont think that it will be a problem with just running the accesories, such as the radio, or the power windows, etc.
What do you guys think? They're all over Ebay, for around 30 bucks, you can even go to your Harley dealer and get a key made with a skull as the fob! I got this idea from my buddies Road King Custom!

[FASTRC5]

When I was in high school I did this to my Corvair using a solonoid disableing security system and a push button where the key used to be. I had the keypad in the glove box, and Green/red Led in the dash to indicate if the system was armed. It was not as trick as the harley switch but it worked well and I never had to carry keys. You've got me thinking that I might do it to my 68 Camaro now.

[jp455]

Talk about resurrecting a thread! Ive been thinking of something similar and so looked in the electrical forum to see if there was any mention of it. Im thinking of going with a Woodward column with no ignition switch so was thinking of putting some type of keyed switch and a start button. I had no idea Harley used a switch like this so I think this just solved my problem. Did you get this installed in the end John?

[JustJohn]

You might also look here:
http://www.digitalguarddawg.com/

[cornfedbill]

It sounds like the old locking ignition switch in my '55 Belair. You can lock it with a key for security. When it is unlocked the key can be removed and the car started with out it.

[octane speed shop]

Ron Francis (I think that's how you spell it) sell the keyless ignition, just requires a fob as a proximity switch.

[scott_fx]

would you be interested in a fingerprint scanner for an ignition start button? you may be able to put the sensor behind a tinted piece of plexi (would have to test), but if not, you could just have the sensor flush mounted. you could also use rfid as a key. that can be hid behind 1/4" plastic w/o any issues.
here is the newest version of the fingerprint scanner:
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11836

here is just something i was playing around with that could start you off in the right direction
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8Bk4siFAhQ&feature=share&list=PLBB1QmITOH 7frgzZqQhL9mN_OM6V90pBl

[colin204]

would you be interested in a fingerprint scanner for an ignition start button? you may be able to put the sensor behind a tinted piece of plexi (would have to test), but if not, you could just have the sensor flush mounted. you could also use rfid as a key. that can be hid behind 1/4" plastic w/o any issues.
here is the newest version of the fingerprint scanner:
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11836

here is just something i was playing around with that could start you off in the right direction
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8Bk4siFAhQ&feature=share&list=PLBB1QmITOH 7frgzZqQhL9mN_OM6V90pBl

Very interesting, would be interested if you could get it working.

[scott_fx]

it's all pretty easy... and fun.
I've done most of the things i've mentioned in one for or another. Here was part of the 'smooth' capacitance touch panel i made for my old corvette (unfortunately i dont have any pics of it in use :\)

there are two panels. one that is just smooth and backlit (the color on the piece is from the white paper) and one that has buttons cut out.

if i were to do it again, I'd put a piece of black tint behind the panel in order to make the piece light up when the led's got powered up and to be 'stealth' when the led's were off