The green circles indicate where a spring could be mounted to keep the handle in neutral. The blue circle points out a cam position / detent that would also aid in a positive neutral resting place - if only a cam follower were present. I take it this is a reversing switch?
It looks like you're missing some parts of the detent mechanism in addition to the spring. Here are some photos I found, very similar to those I've seen before. Hope these help:
The detent bracket with roller:
View attachment 260065
The detent spring:
View attachment 260066
This switch might not be the same exact model as yours, but should give you an idea of how they commonly work.
Here's a picture which will suggest a way to refurbish your contacts. It worked for me.
Uh-oh, attachment is not working.
That motor only has a 115 v rating. But do you see a wiring diagram on the end plate under a cover or the box?
if may show that it can be wired for 220.
My 9A is wired for 115 and is fine. 220 is cooler running and less amps, but if it can't be don't sweat it.
Looks like your motor is 115v only Carl.
I've seen other South Bend lathes with 115 volt only GE motors, original equipment for sure
Mark
Hi. It seems that my browser was flaky. Here is the picture on the anvil of my vise. I hope it is self explanatory. That is a piece of junk copper tube which I found in the street on a walk. The pipe was sawed off, opened, and slipped over the burnt contact. It then was soldered with nice strong silver bearing solder. I think I used acid flux, so it might eventually corrode and lose contact . But, then, I use my lathe too much, so it will probably just self clean and keep working.