Ben Martin Rebuilt Ignition Switch

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D Stroud
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Ben Martin Rebuilt Ignition Switch

Post by D Stroud » Mon Mar 22, 2021 5:58 pm

Does anyone have any pictures/info on Ben Martin's switches. I picked up a very nice '20's era switch at Chickasha. It has a phenolic back, so I thought maybe a repro, but it has a #70key so I don't think it is. It seems to work very smooth and seems to be very good quality. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance, Dave
1925 mostly original coupe.
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Humblej
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Re: Ben Martin Rebuilt Ignition Switch

Post by Humblej » Mon Mar 22, 2021 7:05 pm

Ben uses only original parts that he flattens and embeds with glue. His work is top flight. If it looks like it might have new parts it would not be his.
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DanTreace
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Re: Ben Martin Rebuilt Ignition Switch

Post by DanTreace » Mon Mar 22, 2021 8:51 pm

Original switch backing is a laminated cardboard like insulator, the plastic is a modern reproduction.


26671 copy.jpg
26671 copy.jpg (57.41 KiB) Viewed 4415 times


Backside of a Ben Martin rebuild. The original laminate wafer terminal back is repaired and then sealed in clear epoxy.

IMG_0004.JPG
The best way is always the simplest. The attics of the world are cluttered up with complicated failures. Henry Ford
Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain. Henry Ford
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dmdeaton
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Re: Ben Martin Rebuilt Ignition Switch

Post by dmdeaton » Mon Mar 22, 2021 8:57 pm

Is he still around and doing these?
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John.Zibell
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Re: Ben Martin Rebuilt Ignition Switch

Post by John.Zibell » Mon Mar 22, 2021 9:13 pm

Humblej wrote: ↑
Mon Mar 22, 2021 7:05 pm
 Ben uses only original parts that he flattens and embeds with glue. His work is top flight. If it looks like it might have new parts it would not be his.
Actually on my switch (pin type) he used a quality reproduction I can't remember the source for the switch back but it is a very good part and will likely out last any original.
1926 Tudor
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Randall strickland
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Re: Ben Martin Rebuilt Ignition Switch

Post by Randall strickland » Mon Mar 22, 2021 10:10 pm

Ben Martin
7seven 0 nine 3 8 337six
four zero 4 789 six 3 five 0
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dmdeaton
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Re: Ben Martin Rebuilt Ignition Switch

Post by dmdeaton » Mon Mar 22, 2021 10:19 pm

Thanks Randall
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ModelTWoods
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Re: Ben Martin Rebuilt Ignition Switch

Post by ModelTWoods » Tue Mar 23, 2021 12:15 am

Ben is definitely still around. He's been advertising in the MTFCI magazine to buy rebuild able switches.
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TRDxB2
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Re: Ben Martin Rebuilt Ignition Switch

Post by TRDxB2 » Tue Mar 23, 2021 12:52 am

John.Zibell wrote: ↑
Mon Mar 22, 2021 9:13 pm
Humblej wrote: ↑
Mon Mar 22, 2021 7:05 pm
 Ben uses only original parts that he flattens and embeds with glue. His work is top flight. If it looks like it might have new parts it would not be his.
Actually on my switch (pin type) he used a quality reproduction I can't remember the source for the switch back but it is a very good part and will likely out last any original.
For awhile Langs was out of the switch plates there current online catalogue shows some descent looking ones versus the old phenolic back. May need to check if they have stock now
Attachments
switch back.jpg
The past is a great place and I don't want to erase it or to regret it, but I don't want to be its prisoner either.
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CraneJon
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Re: Ben Martin Rebuilt Ignition Switch

Post by CraneJon » Tue Mar 23, 2021 1:12 am

Ben Martin is the only place to go for a rebuilt T switch. Very pleasant to call talk to, fair prices, and HIGHEST quality. Cannot ask for more than that
Jon
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Novice
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Burnt Plastic

Post by Novice » Tue Mar 23, 2021 1:15 am

Old plastic reproduction switches would start to melt if a connection got hot. my 26 touring had one on it. first night I turned the lights on sparks flew out of the switch and it reeked of burnt plastic. replaced it with a Ben Martin switch. and installed a inline fuse holder on the hot wire coming from the starter switch at the firewall terminals.
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Darin Hull
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Re: Ben Martin Rebuilt Ignition Switch

Post by Darin Hull » Tue Mar 23, 2021 9:07 am

Ben is doing good, I’ve spoke to him a few times recently. He said he’s still rebuilding switches but always on the look for components to keep up his rebuilds. Apparently that is an ever increasing struggle.

Ben has become one of the founding members of the Southern Peach T’s as our club seeks official recognition as the first Georgia MTFCA chapter.

Darin
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John kuehn
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Re: Ben Martin Rebuilt Ignition Switch

Post by John kuehn » Tue Mar 23, 2021 9:50 am

The reproduction switch back from Lang’s is what I used for my switch. It’s works fine and is a well made piece. It’s made of some sort of black material that’s not plastic I don’t think and is pretty durable.
Ford would have used this type of material if it was available I’ll bet.
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D Stroud
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Re: Ben Martin Rebuilt Ignition Switch

Post by D Stroud » Tue Mar 23, 2021 9:59 pm

Thanks guys. Dave
1925 mostly original coupe.
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