@pbmorrison-2  Welcome to VCCA Chat! I'm no expert on those switches but I've heard/read of folks turning the lug around to get a "fresh" edge in play. New switches should be available from the vendors. I'm sure there will be more folks with great feedback along soon. I'll move your thread to a technical forum for you.

It wouldn't hurt to polish them up to bright shinny copper while you are there. Post a picture if you can. Lots of these switches are still available new or nos.

Dave 

tiny Great idea — it didn’t even occur to me to flip it around first. I’ve noticed it’s a pretty cheap and easy‑to‑find part, too

@david-dunton I’m new to the forum so I can’t post photos yet.

Does anyone know the name of the part on the starter body where the switch makes contact? The surface on mine looks scored as well. Is that a replaceable piece?

I don't know what the parts book correct name is but if you refer a starter switch "lug" most people will know what you're referring to.

@pbmorrison-2  You could probably turn the lug around but it would involve a complete disassembly of the starter. Unless it is pretty bad, you should be able to shine it up and try to create a surface where the switch will make full contact when pushed. A word of advice on switches. Some of the replacements, even from "back then", are pretty cheesy. You can always find original Delco Remy ones on eBay. They might cost a bit more but I think they are worth the extra $. The Chevy part number is 362941. If you search this on eBay, you should find one at a reasonable price. 

Mike

@35mike Thank you for the advice.  I'm thinking the starter may need to be pulled and at least cleaned but I'm taking things one step at a time.

Is there a recommended book(s) or web sites with part numbers and exploded views of the different components?  I just have the 1931 reproduction repair manual, its good to have but not overly detailed.

Hello pbmorrison,

When your cousin said 'a pain to start', was that referring to the starter specifically or generally about the whole car? Regardless, getting components operating properly is good strategy. Take a look at: 'chevy oldcarmanuanproject.com' website. By Keith Hardy. Scroll down to 'Latest Additions!". See on the right: 1929-1932... Click on to that. You'll see the index to component part numbers. There are exploded part diagrams, but not for everything. See: Electrical. Starting motor page 102, starting switch page 103 (Assembly 362941). I get pop-up advertising on this site which is a pain though. Anyway, this helps to identify parts by name and number. 1929=I, 1930=U, 1931=IND, 1932=C. I refer to this site often, you might also. What model body style is your 31?     

@harry-truppner  We have the AE Independence sedan.  I have to get in contact with the cousin I believe he was referring to the car in general, I'm afraid if I ask he's going to try to come over 🙂 found the site, slight correction 'chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com' fantastic site, thank you.

If original your starter would have a Delco-Remy tag on it with the number 714L. It may have been taken off over the years. In any case I am attaching the parts breakdown by part number for that starter. The parts have been obsolete from Delco for many years but I have had good luck finding original Delco parts on Ebay. The common replacement parts are available in other brands.

Good luck

Dave

It would help to know if the engine turns over as expected and takes a long time to start or if it cranks over slowly. Keep in mind that with todays gas it will evaporate from the carb quickly so when starting extra time is required for the fuel pump to get gas to the carb. Does it start quickly after it has been running and then re-started or does it start hard all the time? 

@steve-d I haven't been able to get it to turn over yet, it's about getting the time to put into it.  the starter seems to crank slow but it's been so long since I saw it run that I'm not sure if that is normal.  I also need to check the battery, it's new but I'm not sure it doesn't have a dead cell, the lights are not turning on.

@pbmorrison-2 I like having real parts books that cover all of my old cars. Most of them are Chevys, so that makes it pretty simple. That being said, I might have gone overboard a little since I have about 50 Chevrolet Master Parts Catalogs. My theory is that you can't have too many.

I recommend a parts book from about 5 years newer than your vehicle. This gives you the interchange info that can be very helpful when looking for parts. Original catalogs ore on eBay and priced from reasonable to ridiculous.

Mike

If the battery is OK but low I would slow charge it for 24 hours. Even though the leads look good I would remove and clean just to be sure. Also on a 6 volt system the battery cable needs to be the proper gauge- much heavier than 12 volt. I use 2/0 gauge. When starting the spark knob on the dash needs to be pulled out retarding the timing . Most owners of Chevys 29-32 vintage set the timing to 18 deg BTDC while the manual suggest 12. The difference is due to better modern gas. Once it starts push the spark knob back in. Lets us know how you make out or if you have more questions.