Trying to cleaning up 8N wiring

I want to "clean up" some rewiring on a 1950 8N that I am refuburbishing. The tractor had been converted to a 12-volt system with a one-wire Delco alternator and it runs well since I finished rebuilding the engine. However, I want to clean up the messy wiring job the previous owner had installed when he simply "hung" an on/off toggle switch beneath the hood and when he installed a "rubber-headed" push button starter switch under the dash where the standard "keyed" 8N ignition switch normally goes. The pic is how the wiring is currently done. My questions are, can I replace the toggle switch with the normal keyed on/off 8N switch, can I simply remove the rubber-headed push button and use the original push-button starter grounding switch on the top of the transmission case and how would I reconnect an amp gauge into this circuit? All help greatly appreciated.

I am familiar with the advantages of a 3-wire alternator over the 1-wire. I have already decided that, if the 1-wire alternator that came with the tractor proves to be no good once I hook up the gauge, I plan to change it out for a 3-wire alternator. Thanks for the reply. Ron

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I like your Oliver restorations.

• Here's a bit of my own work.

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Not sure why that didn't cross my mind. Sure. That will work. I'm obviously electronically challenged but I think the wiring will go like this. What do you think?

Even 50 years ago, they were safety-concious enough to put that safety switch there!

Does it matter that the solenoid 8N11450 is for a 6-volt system? I too like the idea of getting the tranny-top "lock-out" push-button switch back on the tractor.

Also, regarding the ignition you mentioned as being SS-559, is that the standard 2-position 8N ignition switch? If so, I have this part already and would only need the solenoid.

Ron

"Standard Ignition" is the corporate name of a company that makes generic ignition and electrical parts which are sold by a variety of auto parts stores.

The number given, "SS-559" is THEIR part # for the correct starter solenoid.

Here's a little drawing showing the internal connections of that solenoid:

So, I listed the OEM #, the Standard Ignition part #, and the NAPA part number for the correct placement starter solenoid.

Whatever auto parts store you frequent should be able to cross at least one of those part numbers to the brand they carry!

It is unlikely the 6-Volt solenoid will ever cause you any problems on 12-Volts. However, here is a way to use a certain style of 12-Volt solenoid with this system, if you feel you need a 12-Volt solenoid. Do this only if you understand the circuit, and be sure to (safely) verify the neutral start function is working as it's supposed to!

I'm slowly learning about the electronics on these little red-bellies but each one has been a little bit different.

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Since the old tractor did not have the amp gauge hooked up, I'll probbaly be lucky if the alternator actually works. Always something with these old Fords but they sure are fun to work on. Thanks for the help.

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