AP_70_Cougar 0 Report post Posted June 12, 2018 The car = 1970 Cougar, Base model, 351C 4v, 4 speed transmission. Approx. 200 miles on engine rebuild. The only modification is a Pertronix. It still has the stock coil. I've been thoroughly scouring the internet for answers to my question and I have found 99% of the answers on Mustang forums. For sakes of typing here is a link to my post on the Cougar forum detailing my problem: http://www.mercurycougar.net/forums/showthread.php?119738-No-crank-from-ignition-Will-crank-from-solenoid My MAIN question is: In all of my searches for a 70 ignition switch replacement I have found that one for a 71 will work BUT, no one has posted a final answer on this. Can a switch for a 1971 Mustang work for a replacement for a 1970? IE: Number of wires match? I know I have to splice the pigtail from my old one on to the new one but do the wires match and does it actually work? I know it's a Cougar but take the body off and it's basically a Mustang so I was hoping for a little forgiveness.. :( Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RogerC 136 Report post Posted June 12, 2018 Don't get why you want a 71 switch? 70 cougars & mustangs use the same switch, same lower dash, steering column, pedals & components. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AP_70_Cougar 0 Report post Posted June 12, 2018 It's due to the following: No aftermarket column available with the key in the column, West Coast Classic Cougar being "out of stock" for an OEM part that costs too much ($115 compared to $20 something), to name a couple. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Midlife 814 Report post Posted June 12, 2018 From a wiring point of view, the Mustang 70 and 71 ignition switch plug is identical. Since Cougars rarely deviate from standard Mustang items when there's no reason to change, I suspect the 70 and 71 Cougar ignition switches follow the Mustang paradigm. Won't swear to it, but highly suspect it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AP_70_Cougar 0 Report post Posted June 12, 2018 Whew! This is what I was looking for. A confirmation about the wires themselves on the 71 switch. I don't care if the wire colors are different as long as the number of wires is the same. Anyone actually use a 71 switch in a 70 (or close) and have had good results? Thank You!! Paul Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheRktmn 15 Report post Posted June 12, 2018 There is a detailed post about this 'restomod' on the Classic Cougar Network Forums. 1970 Ignition Switches for under $20 BRAND NEW! https://classiccougarcommunity.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=8943&p=91633&hilit=1970+ignition+switch#p90134 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Midlife 814 Report post Posted June 12, 2018 3 hours ago, Midlife said: From a wiring point of view, the Mustang 70 and 71 ignition switch plug is identical. Since Cougars rarely deviate from standard Mustang items when there's no reason to change, I suspect the 70 and 71 Cougar ignition switches follow the Mustang paradigm. Won't swear to it, but highly suspect it. Nope, I was wrong. That's what I get by going from memory; sorry 'bout that. The 71 and 72 ignition plugs are the same; 68 and 69 are the same, but 1970 is unique to that year. I do not have a 1971 Cougar underdash in stock. The 1970 Cougar ignition plug is the same as the 70 Mustang. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Midlife 814 Report post Posted June 12, 2018 3 minutes ago, TheRktmn said: There is a detailed post about this 'restomod' on the Classic Cougar Network Forums. 1970 Ignition Switches for under $20 BRAND NEW! http:// https://classiccougarcommunity.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=8943&p=91633&hilit=ignition+switch#p91633 Bad link. Try this: https://classiccougarcommunity.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=8943&p=91633&hilit=1970+ignition+switch#p91633 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AP_70_Cougar 0 Report post Posted June 12, 2018 25 minutes ago, Midlife said: Bad link. Try this: https://classiccougarcommunity.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=8943&p=91633&hilit=1970+ignition+switch#p91633 That's EXACTLY what I was planning on doing - Splicing in my old pigtail on to the 71 switch! Again, Awesome news!! Thank You! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
barnett468 418 Report post Posted June 13, 2018 11 hours ago, AP_70_Cougar said: It's due to the following: No aftermarket column available with the key in the column, West Coast Classic Cougar being "out of stock" for an OEM part that costs too much ($115 compared to $20 something), to name a couple. ummm...$115.00 doesn't seem like too much to me for a very rare part like that, and I for one would gladly pay that if I needed one and would also be extremely grateful to whomever had it for sale. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
barnett468 418 Report post Posted June 13, 2018 14 hours ago, AP_70_Cougar said: I've been thoroughly scouring the internet for answers to my question and I have found 99% of the answers on Mustang forums. My MAIN question is: In all of my searches for a 70 ignition switch replacement I have found that one for a 71 will work BUT, no one has posted a final answer on this. Can a switch for a 1971 Mustang work for a replacement for a 1970? IE: Number of wires match? I know I have to splice the pigtail from my old one on to the new one but do the wires match and does it actually work? http://www.mercurycougar.net/forums/archive/index.php/t-56887.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AP_70_Cougar 0 Report post Posted June 23, 2018 On 6/12/2018 at 5:14 PM, Midlife said: Bad link. Try this: https://classiccougarcommunity.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=8943&p=91633&hilit=1970+ignition+switch#p91633 Midlife and everyone else - It WAS the switch and this link was the answer!! My son and I rewired the new switch and just got it installed tonight. The Cougar turned right over and fired right up!! Thanks for all the help!! :) :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
