1939 Chevrolet VC (1.5 ton) Truck Electrolock...

[Philippe Jeanneau]

Hello again,

It is proving to be a bit of a challenge to find original part numbers for some of the original components...

I am trying to confirm that the following information is correct for this truck... I am also interested in period aftermarket options, if they can be found...


1- Electrolock, or Ignition switch with protective casing and coil cover/cap...

GM 1116278 or GM 1116263?

DELCO REMY E-5895

2- Ignition Coil, single wire...

GM 1915427

DELCO REMY 536-D?

Additional Components:

1- Coil cover/Cap...

GM...?

DELCO REMY 1863090

2- Ignition switch mounting Bezel. Not quite sure how it mounts, since the outside of the barrel is not threaded...

GM...?

DELCO REMY...?

Pictured, please see the DELCO REMY E-5895...

[Paul Singleton]

In my book the Electrolock part #116278 fits 1937-40 all commercial except COE.
The coil is part #1915427. The same from 1933-40. This is from the GM catalog 1929 to 1952. Interesting is that I have a Canadian Chevrolet passenger catalogue that list the coil in use up to early 1947.
The other numbers in your post aren’t in my books. Hope that this helps you.

[Philippe Jeanneau]

Hello Paul,

Thank you for checking your books on this... It appears that the bezel was never sold separately, so if a set is missing it, you're up the creek!

Have you ever taken one apart? Still to figure out how it is set...

[Paul Singleton]

The ignition switch in your last photo is missing the lock cylinder and key. That’s the way it was sold according to my parts book. In my parts book the lock cylinder fits from 1935 up to 1952. Is that what you were asking? To remove the lock cylinder you need to turn the key so that the brass pin lines up with the hole in the face of the lock cylinder. Push the pin in with a paper clip and continue to rotate the key and lock cylinder and then it will pull out.

Paul

[Philippe Jeanneau]

Hello Paul,

I wasn't asking how to remove the cylinder, but it is very useful information, thank you.. I was asking about the removal of the bezel that holds the switch to the dash... It must require a special tool since the bezel has dimples...

[Paul Singleton]

There were a variety of sockets used by the dealer to remove the bezel. I think if your truck has dimples in the bezel it would probably be threaded. Many people just used pliers to remove them. If you are careful and it’s not too tight it would come undone without damaging it. I have twisted the switch from behind the dash to break it loose and then unscrewed the bezel. I have seen some really old ones with a set screw holding the ring on also. It probably depends on the year.