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'65 ignition switch problem

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Old Mar 29, 2013 | 10:52 AM
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Default '65 ignition switch problem

Is there a trick to taking the colar on and off the ignition switch?

I recently re-wired the entire car and needed to take the dash panel out. I thought the process would be easier if I took the ignition switch out. I have read on here about how to insert a paperclip to take the lock cylinder out but did not do that since I didn't think I needed to.

By looking at the switch and housing, I thought I could just unscrew the collar and the whole switch would pull out from the back. Apparently I thought wrong.

The collar unscrewed effortlessly until it got to the end. Now it will not budge in either direction. I no longer need to take it off - I would be happy tightening it back down but I can't get it to move in either direction and don't want to force things.

Any help would be appreciated.
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Old Mar 29, 2013 | 10:57 AM
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You do need to remove the lock cylinder before the collar will come out!
Don
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Old Mar 29, 2013 | 11:01 AM
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If I remember correctly the threads bind up on the front of the lock cylinder when it is not removed. That stops it from coming off. Take a small screw driver and find one of the slots that you can get to. Insert it into that slot at the an angle to tap the collar clockwise. It should move so that you can tighten it up again.
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Old Mar 29, 2013 | 11:04 AM
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The problem now is that when I try to remove it, nothing happens. Correct me if I am wrong but:
  1. put key in and turn counter-clockwise
  2. insert paper clip into hole
  3. key should turn further counter-clockwise
  4. lock cylinder should remove

My issue now is that the key does not turn further after inserting a paper clip as far as I can. What am I doing wrong?
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Old Mar 29, 2013 | 11:09 AM
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Did you tighten the collar back up?
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Old Mar 29, 2013 | 11:13 AM
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That's the problem. I no longer need to take the lock cylinder / switch out. I was able to re-wire without taking it out. All I want to do now is tighten the collar back up.

It won't budge.
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Old Mar 29, 2013 | 11:20 AM
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Originally Posted by 66BlkBB
If I remember correctly the threads bind up on the front of the lock cylinder when it is not removed. That stops it from coming off. Take a small screw driver and find one of the slots that you can get to. Insert it into that slot at the an angle to tap the collar clockwise. It should move so that you can tighten it up again.
THANK YOU! This worked. I did just as you said and gave it a firm tap and it moved enough so I could tighten things back up.

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Old Mar 29, 2013 | 11:20 AM
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Oh, got you now, misread initial post. Like 66BlkBB recommended take a screwdriver in one of the slots and gently tap it to get it going or if that doesn't work you may need to get the correct tool for that at LIC or equivalent to be sure you don't strip the threads.
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