Reproduction Ignition Switch for Chief

[motorpickle]

I have a couple of questions about Chief switches. Are the OEM units rebuildable? If so are there parts still available? I am in the process of wiring a 1950 Chief and I can make the lights flicker by moving the key in the lock tumbler. The switch is OEM. I think this will be a problem when on the road. Can anyone rate the reproduction units now on the market? I see one listed by Starklite. I am more interested in function and reliability than a cosmetically perfect reproduction. As always input is appreciated.
DonDz

[stan]

You may need to open your switch up and check the contacts. They can come apart. I doubt you will find any repair parts. If you take it apart, do it inside a plastic bag, as things will fly when the bottom is removed. It isn't hard to see where things go when you put it back together. I have heard the repops made by some are not too good. Maybe someone else will give information on that. Stan

[marsh1915hd]

I have rebuild many of them, Starklite has the internal parts. I shorten the springs by one turn, makes them work better.

[knucky]

I just replaced mine with a repop. Stark and Greer offer the same one AFAIK and they are historically accurate. Once I put the new one in I took the old one apart to see what was going on - I think the nylon stops were just worn down. Mine came apart and went back together easily and nothing flew across the room - not sure why they have the reputation for that. It's a very simple layout inside and I think that unless a component is downright broken or worn out, it looked very simple to repair/adjust. The difficult part is getting the wire connections from the bike on/off and reattaching them in the same order and in the same locations so be sure to take pics first, label the wires, etc.

[exeric]

The difficult part is getting the wire connections from the bike on/off and reattaching them in the same order and in the same locations so be sure to take pics first, label the wires, etc.

That is a good point. On my Chief, I would paint all the wires, and the terminal with Testors model paint. Of course, use a different color for each terminal. I think Indian color coded the terminals on their replacement switches.