MTFCA Forum

Is there an extension on my starter switch? It is really high and takes a lot of effort to step on it. I saw some photos of some that had just a short button on top. If it does, how can I remove it without breaking the switch? I tried pulling on it a little but it didnt move.

John, it is an extension. It jams on over the top of the switch. You may be able to prize the extension at the splits in the side to open it up a little so that it may be easier to remove. Your switch is a reproduction. They are notorious for the plunger breaking free of the base cover, so you will have to be gentle with it.
There is nothing like a sturdy original switch. I would be looking for one as a replacement. They are rebuildable. They come up for sale from time to time on the parts forum, or you could advertise to buy one.

Allan from down under.

There is an extension on your repop switch, sometimes that universal fit footswitch isn't tall enough depend on your year, the 26-27 improved car uses a lower switch thru the floorboard, the earlier cars need the extension to go up thru the heel panel.



Ford original switch with extension.

I will look out for an original but in the mean time I will try prying the slots to loosen it up.

Starter switches get broken when using an extension BECAUSE people don’t push STRAIGHT Down but unknowingly at an angle. That’s a sure way to break a foot switch. And especially the after market cheap switch’s. Try to buy an original switch as they still are the best made and are rebuildable. They are well worth your time.

Try squirting some WD40 up into the switch and carefully move the extension back and forth.
You may have to remove the switch and try to remove the stuck extension.

John kuehn wrote: ↑

Sun Nov 03, 2024 7:25 pm

Starter switches get broken when using an extension BECAUSE people don’t push STRAIGHT Down but unknowingly at an angle. That’s a sure way to break a foot switch. And especially the after market cheap switch’s. Try to buy an original switch as they still are the best made and are rebuildable. They are well worth your time.

Try squirting some WD40 up into the switch and carefully move the extension back and forth.
You may have to remove the switch and try to remove the stuck extension.

Totally agree!!!
The top of the switch should just clear the floor board to make contact - about 1/2 - 3/4 inch. Pushing down on an angle will cause the front contact to touch & not the rear, then one presses harder and more bend in the metal base.

I used to own a 26 touring. It had no extension.

NOTE: The extension is optional. Only need the a minimum of the top of the switch to be above the floor board.

I will try tonight to pry it off with a shot of WD.

Disconnect the battery. Be gentile.
On a good day those repop switches dont need an excuse to blow apart, much less prying off an extension.

I see they come with the extension, someone put it on whether it was needed or not but its way too high.

I owned a 1927 that had that switch extension.

The extra length provided leverage to separate the rivet on top and let the switch drop down.

I happened to kick the extension while driving and the rivet separated those parts that let the starter engage.

My only option was to pullover and turn off the ignition.

That was the end of my tour that day!

A case where a Master switch would have worked wonders.

I had to mill the sides of the extension until it was really thin in order to pull it off, but I got it!