How to Install a Push Button Start in Your Classic Car Using Digital Guard Dawg

Installing Push Button Start in a Classic Car Isn’t Complicated — If the System Is Designed Right

One of the biggest misconceptions in the classic car world is that modernizing the ignition system requires a degree in electrical engineering or a willingness to completely gut the original wiring harness. This fear keeps many owners stuck with worn-out mechanical tumblers and keys that stick, break, or simply offer zero security. The reality is that push button start classic cars are not just concepts for high-end SEMA builds; they are practical, attainable upgrades for any vintage vehicle.

The difference between a nightmare installation and a straightforward Saturday project usually comes down to the hardware you choose. Cheap, universal kits are often just a box of relays and vague instructions, forcing you to figure out the logic and load handling yourself. A properly engineered aftermarket keyless ignition installation from Digital Guard Dawg is different. We approach the problem from the perspective of the builder. We know you don't want to run new high-current lines if you don't have to. We know you don't want to cut your dash unless absolutely necessary. By designing systems specifically for the unique architecture of classic vehicles, we turn a complex modification into a manageable, logical process.

What Makes Classic Cars Different from Modern Vehicles During Installation

To install a system correctly, you first have to respect the platform. Classic cars—specifically those built before 1998—operate on electrical principles that are fundamentally different from modern vehicles. Modern cars use low-current data signals to tell a computer to start the engine. Classic cars use high-current switches where the electricity for the starter solenoid, ignition coil, and accessory circuits actually flows through the key switch itself.

This distinction is critical for classic car ignition wiring. You cannot simply take a low-current push-button switch and hook it up to a 1969 Camaro ignition harness. The switch would melt. The system needs to be robust enough to handle the amperage that pre-1998 ignition systems demand.

At Digital Guard Dawg, we account for this heavy lifting inside our modules. Our systems are built with 4oz copper circuit boards and onboard 60A high-current relays. This means our module acts as the bridge. It takes the low-current signal from the start button and the RFID authorization, and it handles the high-current switching internally. For the installer, this simplifies everything. You aren't building a relay bank; you are simply connecting the heavy gauge wires from your old ignition switch to the heavy gauge connectors on our module.

Why System Design Matters More Than Installation Tricks

You can find plenty of "tips and tricks" online for hacking together a start button, but true reliability comes from engineering, not shortcuts. An installer friendly keyless ignition isn't just about color-coded wires; it's about eliminating failure points before the box is even opened.

We design our systems to eliminate the need for external relay wiring. In many lesser kits, you spend half your install time wiring up external automotive relays to handle the starter load. This creates a "rat's nest" of wires under the dash—multiple crimp connections, more potential for shorts, and a messy look that professional builders hate.

By integrating everything into a professional push button start system, we provide a cleaner path. We use heavy-duty power connectors with 12-gauge bus-grade wiring that matches the gauge of your existing ignition wires. This isn't an accident; it's a deliberate design choice to ensure that the installation feels like a direct replacement, not a piggyback. When the hardware is built right, you don't need tricks. You just need to follow the logic of the vehicle.

What a Typical Push Button Start Installation Looks Like — At a High Level

If you’ve never performed a push button start installation process, it helps to visualize the workflow. While every car is slightly different, the core logic remains the same across almost all vintage platforms. It isn’t about reinventing the wheel; it’s about intercepting the power flow securely.

Here is a high-level keyless ignition install overview:

Bench Prep: Before touching the car, you identify your circuits on the Digital Guard Dawg module. You’ll have outputs for Accessory, Ignition 1, Ignition 2, and Starter.
Access the Old Switch: You locate the factory ignition switch harness. On a classic car, this is usually a heavy plug on the steering column or behind the dash.
Connection: You unplug the factory harness. Using the mating connectors or direct splicing (depending on your specific vehicle and harness choice), you connect the heavy gauge power wires from the Digital Guard Dawg module to the corresponding wires in the vehicle's harness (Battery 12V, Ign 1, Ign 2, Acc, Start).
Grounding: You establish a clean, solid chassis ground for the module. This is vital for reliable operation.
Antenna Placement: You run the RFID antenna (or antennas, for iKey systems) to concealed locations—usually under the dash or headliner—ensuring they aren't blocked by metal.
Button Installation: You mount the start button in the dashboard, often in the exact hole left by the original cigarette lighter or ignition switch.
Brake Input: You connect a single wire to the brake light switch, which acts as a safety interlock (foot on brake to start).

Once these connections are made, the module takes over the job of the key. It manages the power distribution exactly like the factory switch did, but with digital precision and security.

Matching the Right Digital Guard Dawg System to the Vehicle

Success starts with selection. We offer different systems because different builds have different needs. Choosing the best push button start for classic car applications depends entirely on what else is in the vehicle.

If you buy a system with features you don't need, you're paying for complexity you won't use. If you buy a system that's too basic, you'll be frustrated by the lack of integration. Understanding your keyless ignition options is the first step of a successful install.

PBS-I: Straightforward Installation for Clean Classic Builds

The PBS-I is the workhorse for the purist. If you are building a '32 Ford or a '69 Charger and it doesn't have power door locks, power windows, or shaved door poppers, this is your system. The PBS-I installation is the most streamlined because it focuses solely on the ignition.

It is designed specifically for push button start without power locks. You don't have to worry about wiring door actuators or trunk releases. You are simply replacing the ignition function. The module is compact, the wiring is direct, and it fully emulates the traditional keyed ignition sequence (Accessory > On > Start). It is the definition of "do one thing and do it perfectly."

PBS-II: Installation Considerations When Power Accessories Are Involved

If your classic has been upgraded with modern conveniences, the PBS-II is the logical step up. The PBS-II installation involves the same ignition wiring foundation as the PBS-I, but it adds a layer of accessory control.

This system is built for push button start power doors integration. It has five programmable output channels controlled by the RFID fob. During installation, you will have additional wires to run to your door lock relays, trunk solenoid, or window modules. While this adds a few steps to the process, it allows you to consolidate controls. Instead of having a separate alarm remote for your doors and a Digital Guard Dawg fob for your ignition, the PBS-II handles it all.

iKey Premier: Installing OEM-Style Passive Keyless Go in a Classic Car

For the builder who wants the absolute top-tier experience—where the car unlocks automatically as you approach—the iKey Premier is the solution. The iKey Premier installation is more involved because it requires the placement of dual antennas to create the detection zones.

To achieve that OEM keyless go classic car feel, you need to place one antenna for the "approach" zone and another for the interior "start" zone. The wiring also includes connections for the built-in alarm system, shock sensor, and siren. While it takes more time to install than a PBS-I, the payoff is a vehicle that behaves like a brand-new luxury sedan. You are installing a comprehensive ecosystem, not just a start button.

Where the Start Button Goes — And Why Placement Matters

The physical installation of the button is where the "custom" part of the build shines. Push button start placement is critical for both ergonomics and aesthetics. You want it to look like it belongs there, not like an afterthought.

We offer the largest start button selection on the planet to ensure you get an OEM style start button look. You can choose a billet aluminum button for a hot rod vibe, or a genuine OEM button modified to work with our system if you want a factory-correct look for a specific era or brand.

A common installation strategy is to mount the button in the original ignition switch location. We offer buttons designed specifically to fit over the original ignition switch holes, meaning no dash cutting required. This is a huge advantage for restorers who want to preserve the dashboard's metalwork. Alternatively, many builders utilize the cigarette lighter hole, which is often perfectly sized for our 22mm buttons. This preserves the ignition location for a stock appearance (even if the key is disabled) while placing the start button in a convenient, logical spot.

What Installers Appreciate About Digital Guard Dawg Systems

We have spent years listening to professional installers, and their feedback is baked into our products. What makes a product an installer preferred keyless ignition is predictability. Pros hate surprises. They hate opening a box and finding thin, cheap wires that can't carry a load. They hate vague wiring diagrams that don't match the colors in the harness.

Installers appreciate our heavy-duty connectors. They respect the internal MSD filtering circuitry that prevents electrical noise—common in older cars with aggressive ignitions—from scrambling the system logic. They value the 60A relays that mean they don't have to wire up external bosch relays to keep the car running.

Most importantly, they appreciate that we are a US-based company with MECP-certified technical support. If they have a question about a specific vehicle's wire color or a unique ground situation, they can call us and talk to someone who actually knows how a car is wired. This support network makes it a reliable ignition upgrade not just for the owner, but for the shop doing the work.

Common Installation Concerns — Answered Before They Become Problems

It is natural to have hesitations before cutting wires. Let's address the most common push button start installation concerns.

"Will it drain my battery?" No. Our systems feature Advanced Power Management Circuitry (APMC). The system goes into a deep sleep when the vehicle is stationary and only wakes up when it detects motion or a signal. This ultra-low current draw protects your battery, even if the car sits for weeks.
"Is it hard to reverse?" Because we use high-quality connectors and standard wiring practices, the system can be removed if you ever decide to return the car to 100% stock. You aren't destroying the steering column; you are bypassing the switch.
"Will it work with my MSD ignition?" Yes. Electrical interference is a major issue for cheap electronics. Our systems have internal filtering specifically designed to handle the noise generated by high-performance ignition systems and solid-core plug wires. Keyless ignition compatibility with performance parts is a standard feature for us.

Why Clean Installation Protects the Vehicle Long Term

A sloppy install is a fire hazard. A clean install is an insurance policy. When we talk about ignition reliability, we are talking about the integrity of the connections. Using a Digital Guard Dawg system forces a level of discipline in the installation.

By providing bus-grade wiring and proper connectors, we encourage you to make solid, lasting connections. Eliminating the mechanical wear of a traditional key switch actually improves long term keyless ignition performance. Mechanical switches arc, corrode, and wear down physically. Solid-state electronics and high-quality sealed relays do not suffer from this friction. A properly installed Digital Guard Dawg system will likely outlast the mechanical components of the engine itself.

DIY or Professional Install? Knowing When Each Makes Sense

Can you do this yourself? For many enthusiasts, the answer is yes. If you are comfortable using a multimeter, crimping wires, and reading a wiring diagram, a DIY push button start install with our system is very achievable. The PBS-I, in particular, is a favorite for weekend warriors because of its simplicity.

However, there is no shame in seeking a professional keyless ignition installation. If your vehicle has a complex, deteriorating original harness, or if you are opting for the fully integrated iKey Premier with remote start and window roll-up, a professional installer can save you time and ensure the logic is set up perfectly. We support both paths. Our manuals are written clearly enough for the DIYer, but our tech support is deep enough for the pro.

Installing Push Button Start Without Compromising Originality

For the preservationist, the idea of modifying a classic can be painful. We get it. That’s why we focus on classic car originality upgrades that are respectful. You do not have to smash your steering column lock. You do not have to cut a hole in your pristine 1965 dashboard.

By utilizing existing holes (lighter, radio knobs, original switch) and by intercepting the wiring harness rather than gutting it, you create a reversible ignition upgrade. You can keep the original key cylinder in place for appearances if you wish, simply disconnecting it electrically. This allows the car to retain its vintage look while gaining modern security and reliability. You are enhancing the function without erasing the history.

A Modern Start Experience — Without Making the Car Feel Modernized in the Wrong Way

The goal of a resto-mod is balance. You want the car to drive like a modern vehicle but feel like a classic. A modern ignition classic car upgrade should be subtle. It shouldn't scream "aftermarket gadget."

When you sit in the driver's seat, press the brake, and touch a billet button that fires the engine instantly, it feels substantial. It feels like the car was meant to work that way. It creates a factory feel keyless ignition experience that elevates the perception of the entire build. It’s not just about starting the engine; it’s about the satisfaction of interaction. It’s about building a car that respects the driver.

Explore Digital Guard Dawg Push Button Start Systems for Classic Cars

If you are ready to modernize your ignition with a system that is designed to be installed, not just sold, look no further. Whether you need the simplicity of the PBS-I or the luxury automation of the iKey Premier, we have the right hardware for your build. Explore our full line of Digital Guard Dawg push button start systems and see why the world's best builders trust their reputations to our engineering. Automotive keyless ignition systems are our sole focus, and we are here to help you get it right the first time.