Thread: Blame - key start

They discontinued the button start in the 2as, before 1965 at least is all I'm sure of. Certainly, no negative earthed 2as or Series 3s were button start. It seems a bit of a loss really, when I see all these new cars fitted with "modern" push button starts!

It isn't hard to fit one if you know a tiny bit about auto electrics. I had a mid 90's barina where the ignition key was so worn it stopped working in the doors then in the ignition, so I removed it completely, fitted on on/off ignition switch and a safety switch for the starter so all you had to do was flick on 2 switches and push a button to start it. Looked great and worked a treat at only a few dollars and a couple of hours to fit. Then I added a single central lock solenoid to the drivers side front door with a concealed switch under the front guard, just a momentary toggle switch so when the lock was down, flick the switch and the door would unlock. To lock you just did it manually. I carried the key as a backup just in case the solenoid failed and I needed to get in through the rear hatch. It was great to jump in and not have to have keys for the car. Probably not roadworthy though - I think the subsequent owner would have had to fit a new ignition switch/steering lock which probably cost more than the car was worth.