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Tips on removing ignition switch

K

Kats66Pny

Active Member
I've got a brand new everything for the ignition yesterday so I want to remove the old one. For 2 reasons. New Chrome is pretty :thu and because the old cylinder & assembly is loose and spins which was a real pain when you want to put the key in to start it. Anyway...

I tried following the how to articles to remove the cylinder that say put the key in and turn to ACC, stick a paperclip in the hole, but that's all I can do. The key will not turn counter clockwise any farther than the ACC position. The assembly isn't attached to anything behind the dash either. It just spins in a circle. Is it suppose to be secured somehow so it doesn't just spin? I had my husband try to hold the assembly while I turned the key, but that didn't work.

I also tried removing the bezel by holding it, and pushing in from behind the dash and turning the assembly.... again, not working. It's as if that spring is too tight and you can't push hard enough to get the bezel released.

Is there some other trick to getting the ignition switch out that I'm just not reading about? :shrug


On the brighter side of things I have the new wiper & headlight chrome on. :yah
 
Hold the switch so it does not turn. Then while in Acc, push in on the paper clip and turn the cylinder more towards the left....not a lot. That is all there is to remove the cylinder. After that, the rest of the switch can be removed. The cylinder MUST be removed first.

Next option...drill out the switch cylinder and then get a new one and a new key (which will be cut different).
 
As AZPETE said, push in on the paper clip and turn. Do Not stop pushing IN! You MUST push the paper clip in and turn at the same time. Also try holding the back side with a vise grip instead of by hand, and if necessary, allow the vise grip to turn until it collides with something so that it will naturally hold the cylinder and you will not need your husband to hold it.
 
I was doing all that and still didn't come out. Hmm I guess I'll have to keep trying and if it doesn't work... well I have a new cylinder and set of keys and a drill. :roll
 
"Kats66Pny" said:
I was doing all that and still didn't come out. Hmm I guess I'll have to keep trying and if it doesn't work... well I have a new cylinder and set of keys and a drill. :roll
Click to expand...

how timely I just took mine out today ! I had to spray a little WD40 around and fiddle with it for a few minutes but finally came apart as described above.
 
I got it out. Figured out what I forgot to do to make it come out... I forgot to use as many curse words as possible. Sure enough, I start up the bad language and it came out.

Now I have a nice pretty dash with all new chrome and stuff. :yah I even got some of the under dash harness hooked up!
 
Ok ok.. sheesh.. here's a picture! :nut

IMG_5043.jpg


I just ordered a new heater control panel and knobs as well as turn signal lever to finish up the bling. Now I just need a new glove box door (next payday) and I'll have new everything on the dash. :thu

Well almost. I need a radio. lol I have the original one that I removed. I may or may not reuse it. It doesn't work, but I like the idea of keeping it and getting it looking good again so I can keep a piece of originality in the car and hide an aftermarket one in the glove box or in the console I want to make. Until then, that hole will remain empty.
 
The dash is painted. :part It use to be black. Now its Gun Metal Metallic. My steering column is also painted to match.
 
"Kats66Pny" said:
He didn't need a radio to drive the car down the track.
Click to expand...
How the hell did that thing ever pass tech the way he had it all rigged up? Scary.
 
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