I'm installing an ignition lock cylinder for the first time.

Removal of the old one went fine. ( reason for removal: didnt spring back from the start position and car would start without any key )

Installation of the new lock went ok I thought, until I tried to remove the key it would not come out in the off position.

Then I noticed that key would not return all the way back to where LOCK is stamped on the steering column.

While trying to get the key out, the lock rotated all the way beyond the starter engage position and now wont move back at all!

 

You didn't mention the year of your Vette nor the type of steering column. I'm going to guess that it is a 1969 through 1976. I don't think that the type of column is not all that important (in this particular case.)

Starting from full clockwise and rotating CCW, all GM ignition switches and lock cylinders have the following positions;
START (spring return), RUN (detent), OFF, blocked until shifted into PARK or REVERSE to reach OFF-LOCK, must push the key and lock cylinder toward the column head to reach ACCESSORY.

Open the hood and look down under the brake master cylinder. You should see the end of the steering column sticking out from the dash. There should be a lever sticking out from the column pointing toward the engine. There should be a cable connected to it.

When you shift into PARK (auto trans) or REVERSE (manual trans), the lever should be pushed to the UP position by the cable. If you could look down the column from the driver position, the lever should be roughly in the 1 o'clock position.

That lever must be UP in order for you to be able turn your ignition key from OFF to OFF-LOCK or ACCESSORY.

I am betting that you will find the cable disconnected, jammed, corroded, etc.

Jim

 

Thanks Jim thats a great help.

Any idea on how to get the key from it current position?

Its currently somehow beyond the engage starter position and wont come back..

Should I remove the lock and start again?

 

Braineo,
I have never heard of overtravel past the START position. I just don't think that the lock cylinder will let you turn past START. I guess that you might have hung up the plastic sector on the small die cast rack in the column head.

You didn't mention if you had a standard (non-adjustable) column or a T&T. They both have plastic sectors and racks, but they are of unique designs for each of the columns.

I would remove the lock and see if the key is now free to rotate or not.

Jim