putting a key in to start the bus

[johnjem]

what is the best way to put a key switch in to replace the toggle switch to start my bus, has any 1 done this yet,would like to add this to my bus for the so know 1 can just get in and start playing around or steal it thanks john   1970gmc 4905

[Dallas]

John,
A key switch isn't hard to do.
All you really need is a universal ignition key switch available from most auto parts stores or JC Whitney.

Make sure it's heavy enough to handle your 24V system, if it even matters.

Here are some universal switches form Napa:

http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=430&Keyword=ignition%20switch&KeywordCat=Ignition+Starter+Switch+-+Power+Equipment&VehCode=N

[jjrbus]

 About 4 years ago I bought a key switch to replace the pushbutton start. My idea was to put the keyswitch in the dash and relocate the pushbutton to an unseeable place.
Now I have decided to not wire in the key switch, just install it in the dash and relocate the pushbutton. Why add something else to go wrong to the system?
It's only been 4 years, so maybe in another 4 years I will get around to doing it. I have the switch, I have the bus its just a matter of time.
On a side note, i was told never, never ever walk away from my bus with the battery switch left on! This not only prevents battery drain, but also from someone jumping on and starting bus. HTH Jim

[TomC]

Personally I am not going to put a key switch in.  They are incredibly easy to jump start-they just keep the honest people honest.  What I have is a double lock on my engine compartment door (one on each side) and when parked in a questionable place simple turn off the circuit breakers and nothing works then.  Unless you're familiar with buses, they will never figure it out.  Good Luck, TomC

[belfert]

When my bus was parked at home I just left the keys in it all the time.  Someone would have to be pretty knowledgeable about buses to turn on the batteries, find switch to open the door, start the bus, release the brakes, and shift into drive.  Yes, I do have a key switch from the factory.  No start button.

If they managed to start the bus they would still have to get the bus down the driveway without hitting my house or going off the driveway.  My driveway has a concrete retaining wall along one side and there is only 9 feet of clearance past the roof over the front door.

[Barn Owl]

On the 4106 one would have to know what they were doing, it's not all that intuitive. What was GM thinking when they installed those screwy knobs? Also if they got by the lock for the door then they will probably have no trouble hot wiring the switch. So far my best defense has been; who in their right mind would want to steal that ugly thing?

[DavidInWilmNC]

Instead of adding a key switch, I installed an Intellitec 'Big Boy' latching relay / solenoid as a master disconnect for my bus.  It's rated for 200 amps continuous and 1200 amps for 30 minutes and requires no power other than to engage / disengage.  I still have the original manual disconnect installed, but it's been relocated into the 1st bay on the passenger side with the batteries.  I have a semi hidden momentary switch up in the driver's area to activate this solenoid.  You can sure hear it engage or disengage - CLUNK!  It would take a while to find this switch, as it's not labeled and is mounted discretely.  I just turn off the engine, hit that switch, and the bus is (fairly) secure.  I have a small Bosch relay installed that will disconnect power to the coil on the solenoid when the engine switch is on to prevent alternator damage.  If the solenoid fails, it about a 10 minute job to connect the two cables together and rely on the manual disconnect.  A key switch could be added to the disconnect for security, if one needed.  Using this solved two issues for me: 1) an easier than pulling the factory manual disconnect and 2) acts as a security device, especially since nobody would see me using it like they would if I opened up a battery compartment door.  I got this new for a really good place on eBay, where I've gotten about half of the items I've used for the battery system.

David

[Buffalo SpaceShip]

Some good ideas here!

Another quick and easy tip is to leave the air discharge muffler valve open. No air builds, no brake release! Someone would have to know a whole lot about busses to do everything required to start mine, even w/o a keyswitch.

And even if they do... I have a $55k full coverage policy on mine, so would look at it as a "glass half full" opportunity to get an upgrade! 

[msheldon]

I like the idea of putting in a key switch, but not wiring it in. I'd run some dummy wires, maybe hook it up to some dash light somewhere. That might drive a potential thief crazy trying to bypass it.

Still, given that the bus has a rear engine start, etc, I think I'll put more effort into just keeping them out.

On the plus side, the typical thief these days can't drive a stick at all, let a lone a 4-speed non-sync.

[DavidInWilmNC]

On the plus side, the typical thief these days can't drive a stick at all, let a lone a 4-speed non-sync.

Maybe there is a benefit to my Spicer after all!   

[johnjem]

yes alot of good ideas  if i was to install this key switch  do i put in on the 2 wire eng on toggle or the engine start toggle with many wires coming off it ??

[CraigC]

Johnjem
I installed mine in series in the wire between the on-off toggle and the front electric locker.
Craig C

[steveggt]

Howdy,

You've received a lot of great ideas here.  One thing I've found that seems to work pretty well is (if your bus has it) to disconnect the wire from the fuel pressure switch which is usually mounted on the secondary fuel filter housing. 

On my bus I used to disconnect this wire and "tuck" it behind the air intake to the blower.  When your engine is running, the fuel pressure switch prevents accidental engagement of the starter.  If you disconnect the wire, the bus "thinks" the engine is running, and the starter won't engage.

Good luck - steve