CCrane65

Can anyone tell me how to replace the ignition lock in my '72?

Fstdraw

I've done it and it's not to hard. You'll need to pull the steering wheel and some of the column guts. A thin bladed screw driver is needed to push a release tab inside the column and the whole unit comes out of the column, as a key would. This is an over simplification of the process, but it's the way I did it on my '69. I would think your '72 is the same. If I'm wrong, someone will let you know. Check any good manual, should give better directions. I would say if you've never torn into the column before, give yourself at least 2 or 3 hours.

7t2vette

Thats exactly how it is done.

Duke94

Here's a picture of the slot referred to by others (it's just above the pin with the tape on it). You may not need to strip the column to this stage to get at the slot. Turn the key until you can see the tab in the slot then push down on it with a small screw driver and the lock will pull out. Also, here's a link to Jim Shea's step-by-step on lock removal.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...&R1-05JA06.doc

Jim Shea

You didn't mention if you had a standard (non-adjustable) steering column or a tilt & telescoping column. The link sited above takes you to the standard column disassembly and repair paper.

The ignition lock cylinders are the same. However, the disassembly of the upper end of the T&T steering column is a bit different from the standard column. Here is the link to the T&T column just in case that is the column that you have.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...&R1-30MY06.doc

BTW, there are a couple of other papers posted at the www.corvettefaq.com websight that might be of help. Once at the sight click on Jim Shea's Steering Papers
Then click on Corvette Steering Papers
Scroll down to either the Std Strg Column or to the Tilt & Telescoping Column sections.
There will be a download labeled Disassembly & Repair Pics#1 that also will help explain the disassembly procedure. There will also be another paper on the Steering Wheel and Horn Parts for your particular steering system.

Good luck,
Jim

CCrane65

Thanks everyone. I have the standard column and this is just what I need.

I love this forum!

Jim Shea

One word of caution. The above picture is very sharp and clear. However, it is backward! In other words you are looking at a mirror image of the lock cylinder housing.

Anyway, the slot that you want to use to unlatch the lock cylinder is the long narrow one closest to the tapped boss. It is NOT the slot next to it that is closest to the pin with the blue stuff wrapped around it.

Jim

CCrane65

Understood.

Thanks Jim.

Duke94

Jim,
just so I understand it, is this the BOTTOM side of the housing (looking up) as opposed to the TOP side that you would see when you removed the steering wheel etc.? I took this picture a couple years ago and don't recall.

Thanks

CCrane65

Wel, I was able to get it done thanks to the directions provided in Jim's papers.

Unfortunatley I had to disassemble the steering wheel several times because the key warning buzzer kept sounding even without the key in the ignition. It finally stopped and I was able to put it all back together.

Took quite a bit of jiggling to get the lock to come out of the hole but once it did it slipped right out.


Thanks again everyone for all your help.

cc

croaker

Since you brought it up, my key won't go into the lock postion anyone have some tips?

Jim Shea

Duke94, the picture was taken from the steering wheel side of the lock housing. However, it is a mirror image. Looking into the housing you can see the boss for the lock cylinder is on the left side.

Croaker, if you have a 1969 through 1976 column, you will need to make sure that the lower lever (out under the hood, down under the brake booster) is in the full UP position. There should be a cable coming from the transmission attached to it.

Here is a link to more than you ever wanted to know about the GM steering column/transmission shift interlock system.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...tems27JL04.doc

Jim

I'm Batman

If you have a 77-82, you have to push down on the little lever behind the key.

Fill out your profile!

croaker

Thanks! it's a 75

Danishbanker

I am trying to remove the ignition switch from my 68 dash, but I can´t get the trick with the paperclip in the little hole to work ¤#"(&%¤#("!%#

Any guidlines??

/Claus

Duke94

With the key in the ignition, push and hold the pin down with the paper clip then rotate the switch counter clockwise (as memory serves me) and it should come right out.

Danishbanker

Thanks Duke94, but I seem to have a little "problem" with the front ring. I can unscrew it, but not all the way of - is that okey or should it come off ??

Duke94

Well, I worked my way through collage as a locksmith, but that was 35 years ago so my memory is more than a little foggy. So I looked through my vast reference library and found this. It appears that 68' is different that all prior years and all after when it comes to removing the lock. This should get you there.

Danishbanker

Yep - it is #5 I cant get to work :-(

I know I should know this, but what possition is Acc??

Thanks / Claus

Duke94

ACC is rotated counter clockwise as far as it will go after inserting the key.