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Hi all you SS experts. I have had my SS for 35+ years and am now doing the BIG upgrade. My question is, why do the instructions say to use my current switch rather than install the new switch that is in the kit?
(page c-15) My existing switch is a cobbled up 2 terminal automotive toggle - after 35 years I have worn out several switches. The switch in the kit looks like it could do the job so why do the printed instructions tell me to "Set aside the Switch that was provided with your Upgrade Kit."?
Any and all assistance is greatly appreciated. Until this issue is resolved, I am at a standstill in the reassembly process.

I have neither a PowerPro nor have I done an upgrade, but could it be because you have a type "B" headstock with a toggle switch, and not a type "C" headstock with the red rectangular safety key switch that was introduced in 1991? From the "History" section of the Mark 7/ Mark V page:

1991 -- “C” Headstock

1991 Mark V Models were introduced with the “C” Headstock featuring a Red Safety Key Switch.

EDIT: I just looked at what is included in a self-install upgrade kit, and I think I now see your delimma. The short video does not specifically mention a switch as being included, but it sure looks like a toggle switch in the picture. I will have to defer to someone with first hand experience.

Thanx br549.. I have a type "B" headstock. The kit includes both types of switches but the instructions say to put aside the kit switch and use the old one - which I cannot do - it is no good.

I would replace the switch. When I did my Power Pro upgrade I used the "C" headstock switch that came with the upgrade. I do not know why the instructions would tell you not to use the new switch. It is provided along with other new parts (i.e. drive sleeve, quill, etc.) used with the Power Pro upgrade that are already used with the standard motor/headstock assembly. I do not recall the instructions saying that when I did my upgrade.

My manual clearly says "You Should install the new Power Switch(provided) at this time."
Ed

Very interesting! My manual is different - it says to install a new power switch if you have a Type A headstock. For a B or C headstock, use the existing switch and set aside the switch provided in the kit - page C-15.My manual is Rev. A dated 10/10

I assume the instructions also depend on you having a good switch. Since yours is bad, why the dilemma and why the standstill? Regardless of what the instructions say, if you don't replace the switch with the one in the kit, your new PowerPro will never work.

Thanks folks for your input - new switch is in and the project is moving on.

I gotta say that decision was a nobrainer regardless of what the 'instructions' stated.

No they do not make sense to me either.

br549 wrote:I have neither a PowerPro nor have I done an upgrade, but could it be because you have a type "B" headstock with a toggle switch, and not a type "C" headstock with the red rectangular safety key switch that was introduced in 1991? From the "History" section of the Mark 7/ Mark V page:

1991 -- “C” Headstock

1991 Mark V Models were introduced with the “C” Headstock featuring a Red Safety Key Switch.

EDIT: I just looked at what is included in a self-install upgrade kit, and I think I now see your delimma. The short video does not specifically mention a switch as being included, but it sure looks like a toggle switch in the picture. I will have to defer to someone with first hand experience.

Just a curious anomaly in the upgrade photo.... Zoom the picture to examine the splines on the quill. I have always found it odd they didn't use a photo of the poly-v version of the assembly and actually used an old Gilmer drive quill assembly in the photo for what's in the Power Pro upgrade.

Sorry for the diversion.

Everett