[Ecklund]

While trying to get the '65 Tempest Custom back on the road a couple years back I noticed that the ignition switch and the plug or connector had both melted some.

I was able to easily find the replacement switch and use my barrel to keep my original keys.

However, I have never been able to find a replacement for the connector/plug at the back of the ignition switch. I used individual connectors for each blade at the back using the old plug to see what color went to which blade. Iv'e used tape as an insulator to avoid a problem if there would be some kind of contact. Not the best answer.

Has anyone begun to reproduce these connector plugs with the wire pigtail for the '65 Tempest?

perhaps an import part? Or a connector from another GM vehicle with the same blade/wire orientation?

Just seems odd that the '65 would be the year that is not reproduced.

Thanks.

[Bill Hanlon]

Just a thought in case you cannot find a new or useable plug. Instead of tape, use heat shrink. Much more secure and permanent.

[stevep]

The plugs fit many years/models

[b-man]

You could always inquire with M&H Electrical or American Auto Wire and see if they’ll cut loose with a connector.

I once had the same issue with a ‘70 Chevy C20 pickup I used to own and found a connector and pigtail online from a random vendor.

[Ecklund]

Originally Posted by Bill Hanlon

Just a thought in case you cannot find a new or useable plug. Instead of tape, use heat shrink. Much more secure and permanent.

Had hoped to find a plug to make a permanent repair, but well taken. As it appears there is no ignition plug available the heat shrink would indeed make things safer.

Thank

[Ecklund]

Originally Posted by stevep

The plugs fit many years/models

Have tried a number of other Pontiac A-body from models close in year/s. No go yet.

I have thought of buying an ignition switch with a dedicated connector/plug pig tail from another year/model if I could swap in my barrel/key.

May I ask, would you know which year/model with the same plug as the '65 Tempest? It appears fairly unique.

Thanks

[Ecklund]

Originally Posted by b-man

You could always inquire with M&H Electrical or American Auto Wire and see if they’ll cut loose with a connector.

I once had the same issue with a ‘70 Chevy C20 pickup I used to own and found a connector and pigtail online from a random vendor.

Sounds right. I'll contact both this week.

Thanks

[Carl S]

Do you happen to have a picture of it? If it's the same as a 66 full size I have one.

[Ecklund]

Originally Posted by Carl S

Do you happen to have a picture of it? If it's the same as a 66 full size I have one.

Thanks for the offer but no, the old one os long gone.

[Carl S]

When I get a bit more time I'll search and see if I can find a picture of the ignition switch to see if it might match. Something tells me the Lemans connector and the full size don't resemble each other.

[Ecklund]

Originally Posted by Carl S

When I get a bit more time I'll search and see if I can find a picture of the ignition switch to see if it might match. Something tells me the Lemans connector and the full size don't resemble each other.

Agreed.

Even different years of Tempest have different switch connectors.

The back of the plug has the blades in very different orientations.

Seems they are fairly rare as one of the Pontiac used parts places lists a used on with one ear missing for $60?

When 65 Tempest parts cars are listed I try and see if they have one in the car.

[Carl S]

Yes, I just did the comparison and the one I have is totally wrong, sorry.

[Ecklund]

Originally Posted by Carl S

Yes, I just did the comparison and the one I have is totally wrong, sorry.

Thanks for looking.