70 Ignition switch question

[Mach1-70 4]

One off year so I can't replace it.  The ground wire came loose from the plastic box housing.  I'm afraid to open it to reattach, as I've heard horror stories of things spilling out easily.

I read somewhere that the ground was added to prevent theft when the car is in the OFF position.  So logic would dictate that if I simply deleted the ground, the only problem I'd run into is if someone tried to steal it down the road (which can be cured with an alarm system).  But is that right?  Or should I ground the wire to the body?

I'm in the reassembly phase and want to make sure I do this right the first time.

THANKS

[Midlife 814]

Ground MAY be there for proof-out circuitry, but that's only speculation.

1970 shared the ignition switch with the 1971 Mustang/Cougar.

[Mach1-70 4]

With your experience, what would you do in my scenario?  Delete it and go without the proof out circuitry?  It's not critical to overall performance, I can live without it.  Or ground it somewhere accessible and ... see what happens?

Or get the 71 switch.  My understanding is there are some differences, splicing of wires.

[aslanefe 333]

9 hours ago, Mach1-70 said:

With your experience, what would you do in my scenario?  Delete it and go without the proof out circuitry?  It's not critical to overall performance, I can live without it.  Or ground it somewhere accessible and ... see what happens?

Or get the 71 switch.  My understanding is there are some differences, splicing of wires.

I used 71-72 Mustang switch on 70, spliced the wires/connector from 70 to 71-72 switch a few years ago as it was cheaper. The repop 71-72 switch is not of high quality, had to add a spring so the key will return back to run position itself after start position. You can open the 70 switch, clean and solder the loose ground wire. There are a few moving contacts inside but not too complex. Will be cleaning/repairing the original 70 switch and put that back when I get a chance.

[Vicfreg 771]

I have also taken apart a '70 switch.   I would try and solder repair the ground.   The ignition switch is one area where you don't want ground problems.  Or, find a '70 Maverick somewhere, I think same/similar ignition switch.  They are not impossible to find.    

[Rich Ackermann 174]

I picked this up a few years ago. Not sure how different a '73 Mustang switch is from a '71-72 switch. My understanding is Sorensen was an OEM manufacturer for these switches. Should be better quality than the repros.

 

[Mach1 Driver 560]

I can't speak for the 70, but the ground on the 69 is prove out for the dual brake warning system.

[Midlife 814]

1973 has a very different connector than 70-72.  Proof circuit for brakes is basically the same as 69, just different connector to harness.