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1959 CJ5 Ignition Switch and Key?

jvk9728

jvk9728

New Member
Joined
Jun 3, 2026
I've been doing research on keys and ignition switches on my CJ5 trio. My goal is to try to get back to what they would've had from factory. All three have had their ignition switches and keys replaced at some point. It appears that my Sept 1964 manufactured Tux Park Mark IV has that hexagonal bezel, Pollak switch, and the Briggs and Stratton keys with the Jeep logo stamped on it (thanks to @Beach66Bum for your help on that!), and I assume (but please correct me if I'm wrong) that my manufactured Aug 1962 Tux Park III also carries the same setup. But I have a 1959 CJ5 Universal that I have no idea what the bezel, switch, and keys could be... Does anyone have any photos and/or information of what those are supposed to look like? I saw some threads on this site talk about the same subject but I'm still not 100% sure what a 1959 CJ5 would've had.
 
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@jvk9728 I did a search and found a very original Tuxedo Park Mark III. It has the hex bezel for the ignition.
IMG_7020.jpeg
IMG_7019.jpeg
 
From what I’ve seen, your ‘59 would have the knurled round bezel.
 
Off topic a bit, but I wish they kept the chrome speedo bezel for the Mark IV’s too! Was only on the II & III, and most likely the Mark I.
 
Beach66Bum said:
Off topic a bit, but I wish they kept the chrome speedo bezel for the Mark IV’s too! Was only on the II & III, and most likely the Mark I.
Click to expand...
Somebody put an early chrome bezel speedo in my Wagon. It's grown on me and now I like it...

BTW, this guy is really good with locks and keys for old Jeeps.
It'll come up as a body shop, but Mr. D loves old Willys and is a great resource for hard to find stuff, and he's great at re-keying.
 
I’m no expert here, but I usually see the chrome hex bezel on Pollak switches. I have NOS Pollak switch with Jeep logo key set that has the chrome hex bezel. I know my original ‘64 Tux had this combination when new. I also have a ‘57 Willys Wagon that has the Pollak switch with the chrome hex bezel, but I don’t know much prior history on this vehicle.
I’m used to seeing the knurled aluminum bezel on aftermarket switches, as I have purchased these through the ‘70s and ‘80s.
The 1957 model year had a lot of changes that occurred when Willys went to a 12V electric system. I wouldn’t be surprised if this it when the Pollak switch was made standard.
 
Beach66Bum said:
Off topic a bit, but I wish they kept the chrome speedo bezel for the Mark IV’s too! Was only on the II & III, and most likely the Mark I.
Click to expand...
Same! And those chrome steps were nice too! I also like the mark III's (and probably previously?) grill color being different than the body color. Lot of fun!

Tralehead said:
Somebody put an early chrome bezel speedo in my Wagon. It's grown on me and now I like it...

BTW, this guy is really good with locks and keys for old Jeeps.
It'll come up as a body shop, but Mr. D loves old Willys and is a great resource for hard to find stuff, and he's great at re-keying.
Click to expand...
Thank you! I sent him a message and hopefully he gets back to me soon.
 
Keys5a said:
I’m no expert here, but I usually see the chrome hex bezel on Pollak switches. I have NOS Pollak switch with Jeep logo key set that has the chrome hex bezel. I know my original ‘64 Tux had this combination when new. I also have a ‘57 Willys Wagon that has the Pollak switch with the chrome hex bezel, but I don’t know much prior history on this vehicle.
I’m used to seeing the knurled aluminum bezel on aftermarket switches, as I have purchased these through the ‘70s and ‘80s.
The 1957 model year had a lot of changes that occurred when Willys went to a 12V electric system. I wouldn’t be surprised if this it when the Pollak switch was made standard.
Click to expand...
How about keys? Does your '57 Willys Wagon have keys with the Jeep logo stamped on them? (assuming they are still original...)
 
I ordered a Jeep Universal Parts List book that was issued in 1959 from eBay. Found the page on the ignition switch and thought I scan it and upload it here. Seems completely different from the Pollak switches. Also, does anyone know the difference between Key Type Starter Switch and Ignition Switch? That part has me puzzled.
(sorry for the Imgur links, website wouldn't let me directly upload it here for whatever reason)
https://imgur.com/Ajk6WtO

Also scanned the previous page where it talks about foot starting switches at the bottom
https://imgur.com/t6XttSY
 
compostwerks said:
I can help with this. Just not tonight. I have a buddy with a very original 58' CJ6, and I also have a 58 CJ5 with the operational switch taken out on the shelf. I'll post pics when I get a chance....Pete
Click to expand...
Hey Pete, just wondering if you can still post some pics? I'd love to seem them!
 
jvk9728 said:
I ordered a Jeep Universal Parts List book that was issued in 1959 from eBay. Found the page on the ignition switch and thought I scan it and upload it here. Seems completely different from the Pollak switches. Also, does anyone know the difference between Key Type Starter Switch and Ignition Switch? That part has me puzzled.
(sorry for the Imgur links, website wouldn't let me directly upload it here for whatever reason)
https://imgur.com/Ajk6WtO

Also scanned the previous page where it talks about foot starting switches at the bottom
https://imgur.com/t6XttSY
Click to expand...
I don’t think I have ever come across the ignition switch pictured (item #4 illustration). The early C101 Jeepsters used the compressed-spring type retaining bezel, but those had spade lugs with a modular plug on the back.
All the early key switches I’m used to on CJs from the ‘50s and early/mid-60s used a threaded retaining “nut” and eyelet wires retained by a nut.
 
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