MTFCA Forum

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

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.

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




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

Is he still around and doing these?

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.

Ben Martin
7seven 0 nine 3 8 337six
four zero 4 789 six 3 five 0

Thanks Randall

Ben is definitely still around. He's been advertising in the MTFCI magazine to buy rebuild able switches.

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

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

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.

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

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.

Thanks guys. Dave