StangNut

Why not have a dash mounted ignition like a 60's Mustang? (I say "dash mounted" because I'm not sure how else to describe it) For anyone who's ever owned or driven an old Mustang (as well as many other old cars & trucks) remember where the ignition was located? It wasn't on the column. It was on the dash.

After a few days of driving my '05, once it FINALLY came in, I got in my '65 and went to crank it up. Reaching up there to turn the the key was a unique aspect of the car because it was like no other car I had owned. I never realized how distinctive of a feature this was until I got the '05 and noticed the difference since there were so many similarities.

I'm not sure what all years had the ignition located there, but obviously at some point they stopped. But hey, if they can do this in the Lincoln LS, why not the "retro" '05+? IMO, it would go a long way to adding to the "feel" of driving an old Mustang.

So if anyone from Ford actually reads these TMS threads, please, at least consdider it. (worried about the keys hitting people's knees? Newsflash: They already do)

V10

I like the dash mounted key on my LSs.
The problem with putting it in a Mustang is that it's more expensive. The steering wheel lock is by a solenoid, not a simple mechanical lock that's part of the key switch.

Glenn

I like thge idea!! Something you can see with out tilting your head to see where the key goes

Knight

i've always loved the dash keyspot like my old 65 had.

future9er24

i need to try this whole "key in dash" deal. never seen it in my life

TJ4Cam

I agree totally with you on this, it should be done, at least on the upcoming reskin. I have always preferred the dash switch too.

Galaxie

I know a lot of the GM cars (Malibu, GrandAm) were doing this in the 90's

I think it is a cool touch, I think that many would complain that it is overly retro

dhg2496

Keys? I wonder if the next mustang will even have a keyed ignition. Everything is going to keyless w/push button start, which is really nice.

hi5.0

Wouldn't want keyless. Just makes things more complicated and expensive than it needs to be if it needs replacing or wanting back up copies. Not exactly inexpensive with the current crop of keys with chips/transponders in them.

neil07gt

at least it's not like a Saab, on the center console near the emergency brake.

TomServo92

Yesterday in our safety meeting at work, we were discussing driving safety. My boss related a story about his Corvette. The C5 have the key on the dash and uses a solenoid to actuate the steering lock. The C5s had a problem where the solenoid wouldn't actuate leaving the car undrivable (this happened to him one time with his Vette). He said there were also claims by some that the lock would actuate when it shouldn't (like while driving down the road @ 70 mph! ). Chevy eventually issued a safety recall to fix the problem. I hope the LS I just bought my fiancee doesn't do this!

HOTLAP

Tom - shouldn't be an issue. I had an LS and never had problems with the dash mounted key (kind of cool acutally) and was a forum participant at www.llsoc.com and don't recall ever seeing anyone having issues or TSB's/recalls addressing the dash mounted key.

TomServo92

Thanks for the info and especially the link. I was going to start looking for an LS forum.

viza

I used to have a '63 Mk II jag (back in the late 80's, early 90's) and it had a dash ignition key. It was extremely cool 8). It also had a push button start. The key just turned on the ignition system. It was nice because if you happened to stall it out, you just pushed the clutch in and hit the button. No need to turn ignition off then back on.

If they did that on the mustang it would be outstanding. A very nice touch of old school class. Like make it a key in the dash, with big fat button next to it to start the monster. They could put a latching solenoid in for the wheel lock.

Now you've got me thinking about a mod kit design >8).

Now I miss that car. Thanks guys 8*(

-Viza

StangNut

A lot of guys have done the push button start on these cars. They use the one from the Ford GT and put in the power outlet in the center of the dash.

codeman94

yep....both my '65 and my GrandAM have it....kinda wierd in the grand am though....not something you expect in a new car.