School me on a 39 Ford Deluxe steering column...

Ok two green wires to small metal box just below key switch. I asuume power in and out? Now when to key is turned all the way forward there is a metal cylinder that moves up. Does this serve as a contact to make the circuit sending power to the starter?

Also does anyone have wiring diagram for the light switch in column?

 

The key is what locks the toggle switch from moving.

The toggle switch is what gives power to the coil.

So, if the key is unlocked, the car can be started and shut off, without ever touching the key again.

Yes, power in, and power out.


Edit; Oops, the key also locks the column lock

 

The pin locks the steering when it goes into the metal band around the shaft pictured here. The key unlocks this and allows the switch to be thrown supplying power to the car. You should not be able to power up the car with the key off.

 

Ok thanks guys! Any input on the wiring for lights?

 

Ignition switch by 1939 should have 3 wires, with extra one feeding instruments and stuff.
Light switch was at bottom of column worked by rod (containing horn ground circuit as well) from horn button...hig/low beams by 1939 had separate floor switch fed from switch on steering.
Easy way on lights is to switch to '46-50 dash switch. If you go with stocker, clean up the original and keep the contact plate fron an original harness, as repro switches and plates have a very poor reputation. Rod through columne needs to be straight and free moving, if anything is wrong it will bind on steering wheel and flick your lights on or off everytime you steer...
Switch should be easy to decode...one position would be off, no contacys happening. One click over, park and tail lights, next click juice to headlight dimmer. Tail and instrument will I think have a double contact setup so they are on in botn on clicks.

 

Thank you Mr Lancaster. You're a wealth of info!

 

Most hotrodders use a universal push/pull H/L switch. I kept my original 32 H/L switch but it requires you to get a reproduction H/L wiring harness for the rotary switch terminal plate inside the switch which is part of the harness. You only need the part of the harness that goes into the switch and then you can wire from there. It's not difficult but it is not as easy as adding a universal H/L switch. You will need a horn button also.