Technical START push button on a 1939 Ford

Sounds like a simple question - but will the START push button that was original to a 1939 Ford in the dash - function well for a new 12V wiring system ? I plan to keep the original banjo wheel and column and on / off switch - and change out the steering box to a 525 GM or Vega. This car has a 327 Chevy engine. Other street rods I have built - I just change out to a tilt - GM column with key lock and start.
Want to keep to original look of the START button and the original banjo wheel and column.

Thanks

 

Use start button to ground a relay that will power the start solenoid. Those buttons don't like many amps. Some one will chime in with diagram if you need it.

 

Yup we do that same as AngleDrive suggests, run a relay.

 

If you use a insulated base 12v starter solenoid in the place of the stock one you'll be fine. For added protection I used a relay under the dash so the car won't crank with the ignition toggle switch off, like everyone says the push button completes the ground so if the wire ever came off and landed on the dash it will crank.

 

I do not really have any wiring on this car - just straight wired to crank it. Is a 1970's ford starter solenoid good to use? I was going to use a ford solenoid with the chevy engine anyway.

 

The '70's solenoid is not an insulated base.

 

Older post:
FWIW ST56 is the NAPA Echlin 12V direct replacement...insulated base to use with original dash button, actually a replacement for Early Ford 12V bus. If you want to go to grounded base hot wire actuate, practically any 12 V Ford one. If you want grounded base pushbutton...STB 10 is replacement for '52 type Ford truck switch...STB 1 is regualar Ford switch for insulated base solenoid, ST53 is ugly plastic replacement for 6V Ford solenoid.

 

I used a Standard Ignition SS-587 and a HR-117 for the relay under the dash (this one is up to you).

 

Good info here

 

Thanks for the part #'s - SS587 is single pole starter sin. and HR-117 is for horn relay - I like this set up - any basic wiring diagram would be great. My weak area wiring - I can weld any thing but a busted ass, wiring is not my strong point! Thanks.

 

The SS-587 is wired up normally, battery cable in (B) and starter cable out (M) with the single pole on the front being ground from your push button. If you wanted to use the horn relay HR-117 ( could be any relay, I just used that one for looks and ease of wiring), there are 3 poles and they should be numbered. #2 will go the the ign switch ON terminal, #3 will come from your push button switch and #1 will go to the starter solenoid post. This will insure that the car will not crank over with the ignition switch in the off position.

BTW you can cross reference those part numbers to Napa parts or any good quality parts.

 

Thanks for the detailed help. I have wired a few street rods - but did the premade fuss panel and typical GM column, GM light switch - and follow typical wiring diagram. Thanks again!