1965 ignition switch
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 85
Likes: 9
From: Onsted Michigan
1965 ignition switch
Having a hard time finding a 1965 ignition switch. Seems like 63-64 are the same and 66-67 are the same leaving 65 by itself. It has been suggested that a buy a 66-67 switch which is supposed to have the same electrical connector and my question is will the lock cylinder from my switch fit (probably not) and if not can I swap the key code parts from my key cut to a 66-67 so I don't have 3 keys for one car. Thanks in advance for the help.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 8,913
Likes: 5,460
From: Richardson Texas
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 85
Likes: 9
From: Onsted Michigan
Thanks, Mike Klein
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,104
Likes: 1,362
From: New York New York
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 85
Likes: 9
From: Onsted Michigan
Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 673
Likes: 58
From: Calgary Alberta
Geez, I'm rich. IIRC, the '65 switch is unique to that model year. '63-4 switches allow you to remove the key in the run position. Also, the end of the '65 tumbler that fits into the matching pattern on the bakelite of the switch has a different form than '66-7.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 85
Likes: 9
From: Onsted Michigan
[QUOTE=midstyle;1594241387]Geez, I'm rich. IIRC, the '65 switch is unique to that model year. '63-4 switches allow you to remove the key in the run position. Also, the end of the '65 tumbler that fits into the matching pattern on the bakelite of the switch has a different form than '66-7.
[/QUOTE
So it sounds like I can only use a real 65 switch
[/QUOTESo it sounds like I can only use a real 65 switch
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 3,130
From: Shamong, NJ
65 is a one year only switch. Not only does it function a little differently, but the position of the terminals on the back, are unique to the 65 switch.
They were discontinued about 15 years ago, and no one has made a repro, but original ones still turn up from time to time. The going rate is $150-$200 for new ones, and they're only going to continue to go up.
If you want to chance trying a used one, Corvette Pacifica did have some ones, for around $135.
They were discontinued about 15 years ago, and no one has made a repro, but original ones still turn up from time to time. The going rate is $150-$200 for new ones, and they're only going to continue to go up.
If you want to chance trying a used one, Corvette Pacifica did have some ones, for around $135.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 85
Likes: 9
From: Onsted Michigan
Don't suppose you would sell one to me?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 960
Likes: 25
From: Middlesboro KY
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 85
Likes: 9
From: Onsted Michigan
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 85
Likes: 9
From: Onsted Michigan
Thanks again, David sent me a used switch that works great. The switch that I took out was not the original 65 switch. It lacked the 3 lock holes for the anti theft hardshell connector and the light circuit housing was an add on instead of being part of the die casting. The Corvette Forum has been a big help and thank you again to all of you that replied!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 8,913
Likes: 5,460
From: Richardson Texas
Thanks again, David sent me a used switch that works great. The switch that I took out was not the original 65 switch. It lacked the 3 lock holes for the anti theft hardshell connector and the light circuit housing was an add on instead of being part of the die casting. The Corvette Forum has been a big help and thank you again to all of you that replied!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,311
Likes: 223
From: Temecula CA
I first met David in the mid-eighties when he had a single spot at the Pomona Swap Meet. Humble beginnings! Got my first dated voltage regulator from him. Always a pleasure to deal with.
Fast forward a couple of decades and there's David on Boyd Coddington's TV show selling a '54 body shell.
Some great Pomona vendors in those early days: Rick Miller, Mary Jo, Joe Marquez, and my ol' buddy David C. from San Diego.
Just ain't the same these days.... But, what is?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 85
Likes: 9
From: Onsted Michigan
I first met David in the mid-eighties when he had a single spot at the Pomona Swap Meet. Humble beginnings! Got my first dated voltage regulator from him. Always a pleasure to deal with.
Fast forward a couple of decades and there's David on Boyd Coddington's TV show selling a '54 body shell.
Some great Pomona vendors in those early days: Rick Miller, Mary Jo, Joe Marquez, and my ol' buddy David C. from San Diego.
Just ain't the same these days.... But, what is?
Fast forward a couple of decades and there's David on Boyd Coddington's TV show selling a '54 body shell.
Some great Pomona vendors in those early days: Rick Miller, Mary Jo, Joe Marquez, and my ol' buddy David C. from San Diego.
Just ain't the same these days.... But, what is?
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 24
Likes: 3
I just replaced the switch in my 65 using the replacement switch and keys from Ecklers for a 66, 67. No the 65 tumbler and keys do not fit, but the easy solution is to order 66 ignition with keys and door locks. The set makes it an easy switch. They all fit. No modifications to the panel or wiring harness. The security tabs on the harness don't align with the slots in the 66 switch, but the plug fits fine. In my case the security tabs were broken off, so no issue there. The bulb housing is no longer there, but that is not a big issue since the bulb did not do a very good job of illuminating the ignition switch, plus you have to turn the lights on to even activate the bulb. I think most Corvette owners know where their ignition switch is.
