Ignition Key

[Guest]

My wife ask me why was the key installed on the far left side of the dash, I told her that the car was build on friday 5 minutes before quitting time. Is there a better answer I can give her?

[bcomo]

You could tell her that in the late 50's, most people were left handed. What do you think -- will that work?

[JohnG]

Show her how you can take the key out with the car still running... that might buy you some time to research the original question...

[LuckyJay]

So that you can use your right hand for more important things...Ladies unmentionables come to mind. hint hint!

[Guest]

easy

the key is there so you can hold the shift lever with your right hand. They knew in advance there was going to be a problem

[Penelope]

I kinda like it there, it's different than any other cars!

[Anders]

Something that relates a T-bird to a Porsche.......

[protourbird]

Left Hand Key

OK folks here is the real reason the key is on the left side; Ford touted it as a safety feature so that the unrestrained kids in the front seat couldn't grab they key and shut off the car while you were out riding around. This was a feature on Fords from 1955 to at least 1968, I believe. It came out at the same time Ford was promoting safety with the dished steering wheel and padded dash and visors in 1955. A few other cars had it. My 68 Chevelle and I believe the 66 & 67 Chevelles also had it there but Ford was the first to promote it and stayed with it the longest.

[Guest]

Actualley my 51 ford has it there. Before that was a key switch and starter button. I like the holding the shifter one the best

[dgs]

Show her how you can take the key out with the car still running... that might buy you some time to research the original question...

They all do that?!? I though mine was just worn out.

[JohnG]

re: you can remove the key with the car still running... I have had a number of people tell me this was true (ya, I thought mine was worn out too). Anyone know the facts on this??

Here's a scenario for you: the car is running. You take the keys and get some stuff out of the trunk. You accidently set the keys down in the trunk and shut it. The car is still running. What do you do??

John

[tbird430]

re: you can remove the key with the car still running... I have had a number of people tell me this was true (ya, I thought mine was worn out too). Anyone know the facts on this??

Here's a scenario for you: the car is running. You take the keys and get some stuff out of the trunk. You accidently set the keys down in the trunk and shut it. The car is still running. What do you do??

John

Hope in and drive home to get the 2nd set of keys. LOL!!!

[GTE427]

Here's a scenario for you: the car is running. You take the keys and get some stuff out of the trunk. You accidently set the keys down in the trunk and shut it. The car is still running. What do you do??

John

Assuming the car didn't shift to reverse and run you over, pop the hood and pull the wire on the battery terminal of the coil or distributor side of ballist resistor if so equipped.