1966 El Camino Ignition Switch

643 Views 22 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Vdv8, 23 d ago

MarioDC13

Discussion Starter · 2 mo ago

Hello I am trying to find an ignition switch for my 66 el that will plug into the attached picture. I have found some that say they are compatible but the male connections are in a totally different pattern. Has anyone had any luck finding one or has anyone made “pigtails” to run from the OEM female end to the aftermarket male ends? Also new member here not sure if this is allowed but anyone know where I can get a free wiring diagram for this car too?

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Old Bear

· #2 · 2 mo ago

There is a "Sticky" Article in the Articles - Electrical Systems.
Note that there are two pages of diagrams for the 1966 El Camino.

Wiring Diagrams 59-60, 64-88 | El Camino Central Forum

Vdv8

· #3 · 2 mo ago

MarioDC13 said:
Hello I am trying to find an ignition switch for my 66 el that will plug into the attached picture. I have found some that say they are compatible but the male connections are in a totally different pattern. Has anyone had any luck finding one or has anyone made “pigtails” to run from the OEM female end to the aftermarket male ends? Also new member here not sure if this is allowed but anyone know where I can get a free wiring diagram for this car too?

IThis one doesn’t fit?

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Old Bear

· #4 · 2 mo ago (Edited)

I think this links to a different set of images for the "Standard Motor Parts US-43".
Standard Ignition Starter Switch US-43 | O'Reilly Auto Parts (oreillyauto.com)

It appears to need a 5 way connector.

Old Bear

· #5 · 2 mo ago

Here is an old link for a '65 on CHevelles.com that is similar.
1965 Ignition switch woes | Team Chevelle (chevelles.com)

Old Bear

· #6 · 2 mo ago

Welcome @MarioDC13

Check this link out and download the GMHERITAGECenter Archive Documents in Adobe PDF.
1966-Chevrolet-El-Camino.pdf (gm.com)

Old Bear

· #7 · 2 mo ago (Edited)

Does your connector look like this 62-67 GM 6 Way Ignition Switch Wire Wiring Harness Connector Pigtail Plug Socket.
62-67 GM 6 Way Ignition Switch Wire Wiring Harness Connector Pigtail Plug Socket | eBay

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Old Bear

· #8 · 2 mo ago

I rotated, resized both images and set them side by side.
Hopefully that may help.

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Reactions: 1

MarioDC13

Discussion Starter · #9 · 2 mo ago

This definitely helps it appears it's matching 6 way ignition connector but the one in my car is missing some of the connections (unknown if factory like that or missing a couple of the small metal tabs) but to me it still doesn't look like it would mate up to the summit pro connector right? Since it's a 5 way also the top two in the summit pro pic run off set but parallel if that makes sense but the connector has them parallel but flush?

Vdv8

· #10 · 2 mo ago

Your harness is getting pretty beat up. May I suggest putting a new one on?

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62-67 GM 6 Way Ignition Switch Wire Wiring Harness Connector Pigtail Plug Socket | eBay

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MarioDC13

Discussion Starter · #11 · 2 mo ago

I agree sir and I definitely will be putting a new one on. But I still am having trouble finding that 6 pin male connector

Old Bear

· #12 · 2 mo ago (Edited)

@MarioDC13 Possibly the EBay sellers in the links above (post #7 & #10) will know how to source the 6 way ignition switch.

It is possible someone swapped it out from the 1966 5 way set.

The missing connectors might be from features like "Key In Buzzer" or maybe "Seatbelt Buzzer".

Sometimes the maker of the connections has the connector names stamped on the plastic part.

Here is a link to a 6 way 1968 Camaro/Pontiac switch, yet the image does not seem to match the connector locations..
1968 Pontiac Firebird Parts | G8116 | 1968 ACDelco Ignition Switch | Classic Industries

Old Bear

· #13 · 2 mo ago

You can also get the 6 way pigtail or just the black connector piece at this online shop.
They may be able to tell you were to get the switch, tumbler to go with the pig tail.
Chevrolet 6 Way Ignition Switch Connector Housing 1966-67 – Jurassic Classic Auto Parts (jcaparts.com)

They also list the connector for '66 El Camino.

Reactions: 1

Karadjgne

· #14 · 2 mo ago

The 5way ign switch (US43) should work, the only difference being the hole that's off center isn't used, it's empty slot. Most likely it's a single connector that fits a couple of applications, like for trucks/cars or couple different years/models.

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MarioDC13

Discussion Starter · #15 · 2 mo ago

Awesome thank you gentlemen I have a plan now with your help I'll be trying out some of the suggestions

Vdv8

· #16 · 2 mo ago

I have a box of ignition switches in the garage. I’ll see if one of mine looks the same when I leave work.

MarioDC13

Discussion Starter · #17 · 2 mo ago

Vdv8 said:
I have a box of ignition switches in the garage. I’ll see if one of mine looks the same when I leave work.

Awesome thank you

Vdv8

· #18 · 2 mo ago

MarioDC13 said:
Awesome thank you

I rummaged everything in the garage, and can’t find those switches. I did however notice that my 64 has the same switch with one of the tabs missing.

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Vdv8

· #19 · 2 mo ago

2

MarioDC13 said:
Awesome thank you gentlemen I have a plan now with your help I'll be trying out some of the suggestions

Hey, I found my box of ignition switches. I can send it to you if you want. I found the one you need.
It fits, it works, it’s free.

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RET423

· #20 · 2 mo ago

I think the 6th pin is for the accessory position, some cars had the "accessory" position before the "run" position and some just go from "off" to "run".

I think either connector will attach to either switch but if you use a 5 pin switch with a 6 connector harness you will no longer have the accessory position, a 6 pin switch with a 5 pin harness will have the accessory position but it won't do anything.

It's been awhile since I rewired an early A-Body dash but I think that is how it worked.

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