ignition switch.
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Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: St. Paul MN
ignition switch.
Need help ..can anyone tell me how to replace the ignition switch on my 58 vette? It's been many years since I messed with this. When I turn key to lock, sometimes it doesn't want to unlock.Does it need to be replaced? Thanks...Bill.
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Army
Its quite simple to replace the switch however the new switch will not include the locking central cylinder -- which may very well be your problem. I would remove and pull out the central part and put the key in and look for worn spots, burrs, etc. If you have to get a new central cylinder then you should also change trunk/glove box locks too to match your new key and ignition tumbler.
To remove:
1) Disconnect battery
2) With key in switch place a paper clip in the small hole visible on the face of the switch
3) Turn key to the left and the central cylinder should come right out.
4) Take the connector off the top of the switch behind the dash.
6) Remove the face bezel with needle nose pliers (carefully -- don't scratch paint).
7) Remove switch from behind the dash.
To remove:
1) Disconnect battery
2) With key in switch place a paper clip in the small hole visible on the face of the switch
3) Turn key to the left and the central cylinder should come right out.
4) Take the connector off the top of the switch behind the dash.
6) Remove the face bezel with needle nose pliers (carefully -- don't scratch paint).
7) Remove switch from behind the dash.
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From: Charlotte NC
"DUB"
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From: Puget Sound
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From: Charlotte NC
Thanks for the info. I do not get a chance to work on many of the C1 Corvettes...so I ASSUMED that they did have an accessory position. I guess I will insert my foot in my mouth now and shut up. Sorry about the bad info.
"DUB"
"DUB"
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From: Charlotte NC
So was I correct in the procedure in removing the lock cylinder from the ignition switch? Even though it does not have an "ACC" position. Like I mentioned..I do not get many In my shop...and am just curious.
"DUB"
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Army
Yes. The "paper clip in the hole" and turning the key counter-clockwise does the trick in the C1s... Personally I always disconnect the battery prior to switch removal...might want to add that to your procedure. These old cars are NOT fused well and grounding battery voltage can result in exciting and anus-clenching fireworks and smoke displays...
There is a special tool to remove the ignition switch bezel but I have had good luck (and no paint scratches) by using that blue "quick release" tape to tape the jaws of needle nose pliers to the exact width of the notches in the bezel and CAREfully twisting the arrangement counter-clockwise.
There is a special tool to remove the ignition switch bezel but I have had good luck (and no paint scratches) by using that blue "quick release" tape to tape the jaws of needle nose pliers to the exact width of the notches in the bezel and CAREfully twisting the arrangement counter-clockwise.
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Apr 24, 2011 at 09:39 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Philadelphia Pa
My switch did the same thing last year. It got hung up and wouldn't turn at all, got jammed. I ended up having to put a screw driver in the key slot and twisting until the tumbler broke lose.
It's a pretty simple mechanism. What you will find is the tumbler has a rectangular keyway type metal piece that retracks when you insert the key, allowing you to turn the tumbler in the switch housing. These keyways wear, get loose and fail to retrack all the way and get jammed in the switch. All the parts are readily available and relatively cheap. Just make sure you get the proper shaped one for your year. Like the buttons on the Wonderbar radio, some ignition key slots are flat and some are curved. I can't remember which is which, but my 59 is flat.
It's a pretty simple mechanism. What you will find is the tumbler has a rectangular keyway type metal piece that retracks when you insert the key, allowing you to turn the tumbler in the switch housing. These keyways wear, get loose and fail to retrack all the way and get jammed in the switch. All the parts are readily available and relatively cheap. Just make sure you get the proper shaped one for your year. Like the buttons on the Wonderbar radio, some ignition key slots are flat and some are curved. I can't remember which is which, but my 59 is flat.
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From: Washington Michigan
It's easier if you first insert the key, turn it all the way to the left (counter-clockwise), THEN insert the paper clip in the hole to depress the spring-loaded plunger and continue turning the key to the left until the lock cylinder pops out. 
