INMYBLOOD

I am trying to get my ignition switch out. I have the key in and have turned it to the left--then put in a small drill, but it will not turn any more to the left. Is it possible my key is not hitting all the tumblers correctly?

Thanks Gordon.

66jack

push in "drill bit" or use a paper clip.

PUSH IN FIRST then twist.

jack

INMYBLOOD

Still not working. I'm no idiot but can't seem to get this switch out

midyearvette

it can be frustrating but try the paper clip instead of the drill bit and go left and a wiggle jiggle seems to help sometimes.....

oldsarge

Good idea, sometimes you got to wiggle and turn back and forth a few times, be patient, it should work.

Donald #31176

Besides the above suggestions try spraying some WD4 or a graphite lube into the lock cylinder. One of the tumblers could be stuck not allowing the wafer to drop.

TheSaint

I used a paper clip and it came right out.
Try turning the key both ways a little bit while pressing on the paper clip
I am sure it will come out

narlee

Keep poking, it'll come.

INMYBLOOD

Guys, I've done all that today except the paper clip. I'll look around for one and let you know.

I'm installing the SPW wiper system, so I cleared out as much as I could under the dash. I also have the heater box out. I figure I'll clean everything up and route it all pretty in the end.

Thanks

54greg

I've take out more switches than I can remember and the last one in my 56 had me completely frustrated. A paper clip wd40 or pb blaster and a lot of wiggling. Some are just really stubborn. Push in the paper clip and turn the key to the left. I probably have a few hours of lubing and wiggling before it let go

Good luck

jdk971

there is a brass button you push. maybe the hole is not directly over it.
try putting the clip to right and left side of the hole. jim

AdamH65

Digging up an old thread....

Going to send my cluster off for restoration and I am trying to get the ignition switch out. First question - the threaded colar around the switch itself - should it be loosened before I try the paperclip method? I have tried all ways I can think of and cannot get the switch out. I do have the key.

Thanks,

gschlarman

I just did this but don't recall if the order makes a difference just have to do both to get switch out.

5thvet

You take the ignition tumbler piece out first and that give you access to the collar for removal.

AdamH65

so the tumbler will come out through the front of the cluster correct?


Will it literally pop out or will I need to turn the cluster on it's face for it to fall out?

JohnZ

You'll have the key in it. Turn the key as far as you can to the left (counter-clockwise), then insert the paper clip and push against the spring pressure, and turn to the left again - after a few degrees of additional movement, the tumbler will come out.

AdamH65

still no dice. I somehow managed to get the collar unscrewed all the way to the end but it stoppped and now I can't seem to tighten it back up. Does that matter when trying to get the tumbler out?

JohnZ

You CANNOT remove the chrome bezel until AFTER you remove the tumbler - the hole in the bezel is smaller than the outside diameter of the face of the tumbler. If you have the bezel unscrewed, it has bound up the tumbler so the tumbler won't rotate - you need to screw the bezel back in to take pressure off the tumbler.

AdamH65

It's out! Thank goodness. Funny how the little things can give you so much trouble

Thanks for the help everyone!

Zoomin

How do you remove the switch if you don't have the key? Are you SOL?