Ignition switch on column

[thistle3585]

I am replacing the steering column on my '79 AMC 304 V8 CJ5 , and am putting in a used non-tilt column. The key cylinder had been pulled out by the PO and he put in a keyed switch on the dash. He cut all the plugs off the end of the wires going to the ignition switch, so I am trying to figure out what goes where. I have found two photos on various websites showing the placement but they are both slightly different. Is the ignition switch wiring different between a V8 and I6? Is there a difference between a manual and automatic ignition switch? I have a total of eight loose wires that were attached to the ignition switch that the PO had installed and have figured out a few but am unsure of a couple. Is there anywhere to source the plugs?

Also, I have a plug with two wires going in to it. One is white with a black line and the other is red. It goes directly in to the main harness and I don't know if that's part of the ignition or not. It wasn't plugged in to anything before the swap.

 

[BusaDave9]

It doesn't matter if you have a V8 or a I6. The wireing is the same. What matters is the year and '79 is unique.
I have an excellent wiring diagram from Prospero's Garage. Check out this link: PROSPERO'S GARAGE Presents:  11" x 17", Laminated, Full Original Color Wiring Diagrams for Motorcycles & Vintage Sports Cars!

 

[thistle3585]

Yes, '79 is unique. It was built Dec. of '78 which fell right in the middle of some changes, so it has been difficult to find the right parts. I have a color coded diagram but it doesn't show the white with black wire/ red wire plug.

 

[BusaDave9]

I have a color coded diagram but it doesn't show the white with black wire/ red wire plug.

Same here.
If the PO moved the ignition switch to the dash I doubt he simply cut the wires at the steering column and rerouted them. I bet he cut wires in the column and cut again under the dash or in the engine compartment and rerouted wires to the new dash switch.

I highly doubt that those of us on the internet can answer your questions about what wire goes where good enough to fix this mess.

I strongly recommend getting a wiring diagram from Prospero's Garage.
Don't mean to be pessimistic but I see that as the best option.

 

[thistle3585]

Here are the two photos I have. My problem is I don't have any of the stock plugs, so I need to make sure they are going in the right slots. It looks to me like the PO had pulled the switch off the column and cut the wires because the switch is gone. He didn't do a very good job with the wiring job as the engine would start in two different key settings.

 

[BusaDave9]

Your pics look like my diagram

Also, I have a plug with two wires going in to it. One is white with a black line and the other is red. It goes directly in to the main harness and I don't know if that's part of the ignition or not. It wasn't plugged in to anything before the swap.

Do you mean One wire is Black and the other is Red with a white line. That would match up with my drawing and your pics.

Yes that would go to the switch.
The red wire with a white stripe goes to the fusebox.
The black wire goes to a switch to see if the brake pedal is all the way up. If not it turns on the brake light.

 

[thistle3585]

Your pics look like my diagram

Do you mean One wire is Black and the other is Red with a white line. That would match up with my drawing and your pics.

No, its white with Black line.

 

[BusaDave9]

No, its white with Black line.

Doesn't sound like factory wiring.

 

[thistle3585]

Just wanted to say thanks for the help. Here is the final solution. The plugs were missing but I used some blade connectors for each wire. I got it in and everything on the column worked great. I still do not know what the extra wires I have are for but will try and track them down. I attached the final wiring diagram in case it helps anyone in the future.

 

[CJ]

That is one heck of a tach wire!

 

[thistle3585]

That is one heck of a tach wire!

Yeah. I am guessing that the PO swapped wires and plugs when he did his rewire. That wire is only about four inches long but it has the correct plug to go in to the tach. I am guessing the correct one is somewhere else, but haven't been able to find it yet.

 

[BamaCJ]

It doesn't matter if you have a V8 or a I6. The wireing is the same. What matters is the year and '79 is unique.
I have an excellent wiring diagram from Prospero's Garage. Check out this link: PROSPERO'S GARAGE Presents:* 11" x 17", Laminated, Full Original Color Wiring Diagrams for Motorcycles & Vintage Sports Cars!

I just ordered this today. I am thinking of starting the tub off project so she will be ready for spring/summer weather. (I am a little nervous to stay it for some reason)
Thank you for sharing this link.