Early Cj5 Correct Ignition Switch And Keys 1950s

Just to be clear, my 58 would have been a 12 volt and should have had one like yellow pic above and should have accessory position?

 

I have an NOS set of lock cylinder & keys I picked up somewhere along the way that I've wondered about.

The keys are the Briggs & Stratton octagonal-head type, but do not have the Kaiser Jeep logo on them - so I'm guessing they may predate the year when the Kaiser Jeep name began to be used, which I believe was in 1963 or 64.

Here they are pictured next to a corresponding original 4-terminal Aetna-Pollak ignition switch with the hex threaded bezel. The switch has ACC, OFF, ON, and START positions, and I believe it dates from around the same time frame.

Are these in fact pre-Kaiser jeep?:

 

I have two Willys wagons ('60 & '62) that both have the same ignition switch pictured above, including the octagonal "Jeep" B&S keys, so these keys seem too pre-date Kaiser. I can't attest as to the originality of the switches to these trucks, but the connections on back look unmolested, each on unrelated trucks.
My '66 CJ5 has a similar Pollak switch, but it has spade connectors on the back, with a modular plug on the dash harness. It also has the octagonal "Jeep" B&S key.
I used to have some C101 Commandos years back that used the later spade type Pollak switch, only having a spring-loaded retaining bezel instead of the chrome screw-on retainer nut. They have an added "appendage" on the side of the housing.
There seem to be a lot of variations of the Pollak switches, and the "cool" factor of Jeep embossed keys is a great detail!
-Donny

 

Donny, that's interesting that the ignition switch on your '66 CJ5 has spade connectors. Do you think it's original?

The reason I ask is that the ignition switch on my '67 CJ5 (which was built in Aug. 1966) has threaded terminals, and is exactly like the switch in my post above except that it reads Pollak, as opposed to Aetna-Pollak. I still have one of the original Kaiser Jeep logo keys for it. My jeep was purchased from the son in law of the original owner, who had driven it since his father in law passed away in 1970. In one of my subsequent conversations with him, he told me he had never replaced the wiring harness or ignition switch.

Kaiser actually bought Willys in 1953, but kept using the Willys name until '63-64, when they renamed the company as the Kaiser Jeep Corporation. I had thought they started using the Kaiser Jeep logo keys at that time, but based on what you've found, that may have occurred earlier.

Incidentally, I replaced the wiring harness last year with a new one from Walcks', and the new harness came with the same threaded-terminal type connectors. I also rebuilt the original ignition switch (as shown here: Refreshing/ Rebuilding An Original Jeep Ignition Switch) Here's an image of an OEM ignition switch as shown in the 1966 Universal Jeep Parts List, and the newly rebuilt OEM ignition switch:

 

So do we any agreement on bezel style by year or year range? Convex, concave bezel or chrome hex?

 

Maury, I have no provenance regarding my '66, and it certainly is not stock. From the paint/bodywork condition, and the paint scheme, I would say it had a major "update" sometime in the 1980's. The dash wiring could have been "updated" at that time.
As to Mikeykelly's question, I'm used to the chrome hex nut from about '63-up. I had a '57 many years ago with a flat retaining nut with 4 notches (every 90 degrees) for a spanner tool to remove it. I've never seen the concave nut with "starter" before.
The C101 Commandos had a spring loaded twist on retainer with "starter" though.
-Donny

 

My '67 has threaded terminals and chrome hex nut. My 69 has spade connectors and chrome hex nut. There is no evidence of either one being modified.

 

How do you tell which B&S key blank you need, or they all the same?

 

If I'm not mistaken, all of the B&S keys used in civilian jeeps dating back to the 40's were the GRV-3 (Groove 3) type. Key blanks matching the GRV-3 were also made by a number of other manufacturers, though those keys had names other than GRV-3.

Here's a photo of some original mid-1960's CJ5 Briggs & Stratton GRV-3 Kaiser Jeep logo ignition and glove box keys:

 

I have read all the posts and not sure what to think. My 1969 cj5 had the spring and bezel type switch shown in the photo with B&S keys. I always thought they were OEM,but the jeep had a checkered past so who knows.

 

There was one like this on ebay might still be there for like 26$ plus shipping, my understanding was this style was original to the wagons. I am primarily concerned with what came on pre 60s CJ5s... Seems it may have been the concave bezel with starter printed on it like on the previous photo from the yellow jeep. Still not sure if we have a consensus on this. Since that style seems to be unobtanium its kind of a moot point anyway but would be nice to know in case i stumble upon one someday..

 

I just bought one of that style from Mid West Willys for $25 but without key. Took to locksmith and got keys made for $15. Key was not B&S brand which is why I'm looking for proper blank. By the way, my 55 wagon has the same concave style. I don't know if it is correct for the CJ, but that's what I'm going with.

 

If the keyway in your switch's lock cylinder fits the B&S GRV-3, you may be able to get original NOS GRV-3 blanks from Jesser's Classic Keys. Here's a pair they had for sale fairly recently:



You might give Jesser's a call to see what he has in stock, but be aware that he is proud of the keys he's got, and they are priced accordingly.

Sometimes the B&S blanks can be found on eBay as well - Here's one that is listed as a B-5, which is the code used by some other manufacturers for their matching blanks (but as this one is made by B&S, it's technically a GRV-3):

BRIGGS & STRATTON Octagon B-5 KEY BLANK Fits JEEP, INTERNATIONAL, FORD Model A, | eBay

 

Here's a link to a pair of blanks of the round-head Briggs & Stratton GRV-3 key:

(2) NOS Briggs & Stratton Key Blanks Willys Jeep 1946-1975 | eBay

 

I gave up and bought the one from Walcks. It looks pretty good.

 

Mike the photo of the starter switch you post came out about 1973.