when the ignition switch is plugged in, every time it's operated the two red/white tracer wires have voltage, as well as the run/accessory red/black tracer wire.
the orange start wire is hit and miss.
the reason i used white grease inside the ignition switch is because that was what was in it when it was taken apart. i thought that was kind of odd because i expected di-electric grease.

as to the ignition switch connector, it is in perfect condition. the old switch was melted inside [luckily] and not the connector.
i think i might have an ignition switch around here to try. if so, i'll make up some jumper wires and plug into the switch connector to try it first before i cut the wires and wire it permanently.