ignition switch dilemma. cb500t

[Benzo]

Heres the deal. Ive got a 76 cb500t with a broken ignition switch.

This particular ignition switch is next to impossible to find, as it has a fork lock on it as well. Originals are rare on ebay and go for 60+ with or without keys :-\

There are new units on ebay advertised to fit the cb500t but I'm almost certain they won't work because the mounts are totally different. Plus they are 60 bucks or more and come from the UK. Returns would be a nightmare.

The indicator cluster? (neutral, high beam, signals) are located on a panel that mounts to this switch. see pic

So essentially i have to keep the bad switch there so i still have a mount for my cluster :-\

Here are my options as i see it, unless someone else has some suggestions. Keep in mind i want to get this on the road asap.
1) wait and buy an original if i can find one (may take forever)
2) take a chance and buy a "new" one which I'm sure won't work.
3) relocate a second ignition switch (i have an extra) somewhere along frame like a cb450. Or possibly hide it somewhere?

Any ideas or input?

 

[SONICJK]

Put a cheapo ignition switch under the tank.
That will get you back on the road.

Then it should be easy enough to take that gauge cluster apart and make up some sort of bracket to hold it without the ignition in it.

 

[Benzo]

id rather just leave that switch there, plus it serves as a dummy switch.

I guess another option would be to eliminate the keyed ignition switch altogether and have some sort of hidden toggle somewhere.....

 

[crazypj]

It's a stock mid 70's Honda switch.
Look for CB750F1/F2, CB550F1/F2/K4, CB400F2, you may have better luck

 

[Benzo]

It's a stock mid 70's Honda switch.
Look for CB750F1/F2, CB550F1/F2/K4, CB400F2, you may have better luck

Ive checked them all out. None of the switches have the same mounting points. Seems this thing is cb500t specific, hence the whole dilemma.

 

[crazypj]

It's very very rare that Honda doesn't use same electrical and cycle parts across several different models.
Are the European ones the same as the one you have as they could be market specific. (I only have experience of the European 4's)

 

[Benzo]

This is an original

this is what every other one i can find looks like.....

the mounting points are different, plus nothing to mount the light cluster too.

 

[crazypj]

Hmmm, to be honest, I've never seen one like that before and I have worked on quite a few CB500t's (must have as I have a service manual for one and only sold cam chain tool a couple of years ago - then they got popular again : )

 

[Kanticoy]

I would just aboit swap the cluster to a 750f cluster and moint everything to.that. Theyre nearly identical in appearance and the new switch you posted a pic of is correct for that model. Your gauges should mount up to that bracketry as well.

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[Benzo]

I would just aboit swap the cluster to a 750f cluster and moint everything to.that. Theyre nearly identical in appearance and the new switch you posted a pic of is correct for that model. Your gauges should mount up to that bracketry as well.

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thanks, ill have to look into that. Ive got it wired up to a hidden toggle at the moment. Not my first choice but it gets it on the road until i can figure something out.