1919 Coil Box ignition switch wires

Discuss all things Model T related.
Forum rules
If you need help logging in, or have question about how something works, use the Support forum located here Support Forum
Complete set of Forum Rules Forum Rules
User avatar

Topic author
PaladinBirdy
Posts: 23
Joined: Tue Aug 17, 2021 10:11 am
First Name: Josh
Last Name: Hollingsworth
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1919 Touring Pickup
Location: Nashville, TN
Board Member Since: 2021

1919 Coil Box ignition switch wires

Post by PaladinBirdy » Mon Nov 15, 2021 11:01 am

Having trouble understanding how the magneto and battery posts wire up to the switch. I have the magneto wire running from the post in the back of the coil box, running under the base plate, and running through the slot cut in the front. Now I'm unsure how they're meant to reach the switch, as i see the holes for wires outside of the box. Is there a proper diagram for this kind of coil box?
Attachments
IMG_2768.jpg
A 'youngin.

User avatar

Oldav8tor
Posts: 2246
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:39 am
First Name: Tim
Last Name: Juhl
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1917 Touring
Location: Thumb of Michigan
Board Member Since: 2018

Re: 1919 Coil Box ignition switch wires

Post by Oldav8tor » Mon Nov 15, 2021 11:49 am

The wires are brought out thru the holes in the front of the box and attached to the switch. From what I can see, it looks like your wires are of a heavier gauge than what is usually used, making it harder to fit them in the space available.

The switch connects to the bottom strip of the coil box, connecting either the Mag or Batt post depending upon position. The wires run thru slots in the underside of the bottom wood piece. Look at the attached drawing from Martin Vowell and the illustration from a period maintenance guide.
Coilbox_1.jpg
box.jpeg
1917 Touring
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor


speedytinc
Posts: 4729
Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2021 12:24 pm
First Name: john
Last Name: karvaly
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 14/15 wide track roadster. 23 touring, 27 roadster pickup, 20ish rajo touring
Location: orange, ca
Board Member Since: 2020

Re: 1919 Coil Box ignition switch wires

Post by speedytinc » Mon Nov 15, 2021 12:12 pm

Looks like all the coil contacts were replaced with new. They are known to be softer & may add grief down the road.
Keep those original contacts for future use.

User avatar

Steve Jelf
Posts: 7238
Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2019 9:37 pm
First Name: Steve
Last Name: Jelf
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1923 touring and a few projects
Location: Parkerfield, Kansas
Board Member Since: 2007
Contact:

Re: 1919 Coil Box ignition switch wires

Post by Steve Jelf » Mon Nov 15, 2021 12:42 pm

IMG_5369 copy 2.jpg
The wires on the left and right come across the bottom of the box from the magneto and battery terminals on the back of the box. The middle wire (green arrow) goes to the strip in the bottom of the box, taking current to the bottom contacts of the coils.

I don't understand the point of period illustration showing loose wires.
The inevitable often happens.
1915 Runabout
1923 Touring

User avatar

DanTreace
Posts: 3813
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 10:56 am
First Name: Dan
Last Name: Treace
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: ‘12 open express,'23 cutoff, '27 touring
Location: North Central FL
Board Member Since: 2000
Contact:

Re: 1919 Coil Box ignition switch wires

Post by DanTreace » Mon Nov 15, 2021 12:56 pm

Couple more pics to show relation, after you run the wires under the lower box wood, place tape over to protect from metal bottom. Wires pull thru the holes, note which holes to use.


IMG_4621.jpeg
IMG_4623.jpeg
IMG_4625.jpeg
Labeled term .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

User avatar

Topic author
PaladinBirdy
Posts: 23
Joined: Tue Aug 17, 2021 10:11 am
First Name: Josh
Last Name: Hollingsworth
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1919 Touring Pickup
Location: Nashville, TN
Board Member Since: 2021

Re: 1919 Coil Box ignition switch wires

Post by PaladinBirdy » Mon Nov 15, 2021 1:22 pm

The point of the attatched image is just to show which wire I want to go where.

Turns out I couldn't figure it out because someone previously brazed the coil box to fill in the while holes. I'll have to cut new ones.
A 'youngin.

User avatar

Oldav8tor
Posts: 2246
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:39 am
First Name: Tim
Last Name: Juhl
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1917 Touring
Location: Thumb of Michigan
Board Member Since: 2018

Re: 1919 Coil Box ignition switch wires

Post by Oldav8tor » Mon Nov 15, 2021 1:27 pm

Hah! I can see where the lack of holes would be confusing.....one has to wonder why they would do that?
1917 Touring
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor


John kuehn
Posts: 4433
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 8:00 pm
First Name: John
Last Name: Kuehn
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 19 Roadster, 21 Touring, 24 Coupe
Location: Texas

Re: 1919 Coil Box ignition switch wires

Post by John kuehn » Mon Nov 15, 2021 1:29 pm

It’s best to use the original contacts in the coil box if possible. The originals have a bronze content which make them a little stiffer and springy. Haven’t seen the reproductions lately but as noted the repos are to soft and don’t retain their springiness like the originals.
You need good contact on the coils all the time to keep from having any ignition issues.

Post Reply Previous topicNext topic