Ironcross

the scenario is a ignition key is broken off in my 1968.....what are the alternatives as it must be a bitch to get the switch out of the dash. My warehouse was broken into an the bastard intentionally broke the key off and part of it is still in the switch......I had removed the battery an he couldn`t start it...Any opinions on how to proceed rather than removing the dash and using a new switch?.......or do I have to bite the bullet....

if so where do you start?

Lupigiato

I'm Italian and live in NJ. I'd start with the d-bags knee caps if I found him! Sorry to hear about this!

Smadoo

I'm sorry to hear that.
Can you reach the bit of key with some needle nose pliers?

STINGRAY1WORD

Harbor freight sell these stainless steel picks that might just do the trick http://www.harborfreight.com/6-piece...set-93514.html.
But first try using a small paper clip with a small 90 degree bend to fish it out.

72LS1Vette

I would imagine a locksmith would be able to get the key out easily and make a new one.



Rick B.

garage-ghost

Yep...I've seen them do it.

Lemans Blue 69

On a 68, the ignition is mounted on the dash and I assume you can't rotate the cylinder plug. If the broken key can't be extracted. the best way is to drill the side bar which is located on the left side of the keyway. This will allow you to rotate the cylinder plug to the ACC position with a flat head screwdriver. There is a small hole on the face cap and if you insert a paperclip or similar object in the hole, it will depress a spring loaded retainer and will allow the cylinder plug to rotate another 15 degrees counter clockwise and the cylinder plug then can be pulled out. A new one can be installed and keyed to your original key which also operates your door locks. Suggest you call a real locksmith to do the job for you if you don't have the knowledge. Drilling to deep will dystroy the entire switch.

Duane4238

STOP! Before you drill or take anything apart, try this. I had the key break off in the ignition switch of my '67 Camaro. I took a regular pin that has a head, not a needle. Put a very tiny drop of crazy glue on it. Instead of putting the glue onto the head, put some glue on a piece of paper and then touch the head of the pin to the glue. Then, hold the pin with a small pliers and put the head end into the ignition and just touch the end of it to the key. Hold and count to 60 seconds or so. Then let go with the pliers and give the pin another 5 minutes or so to completely dry. Then carefully grab the pin with the pliers, again, and withdraw the broken key piece. This absolutely worked for me. Also did it on a freezer that had a broken key. Good luck, and let us know what you finally do to solve the problem.
Duane

Ironcross

'1 WORD and 'Blue 69, one of these two ideas sounds like the best solution without tearing a 'virgin' dash apart. I have a key machine that punches the keys with the codes, { for the 50,60, and 70`s} but I have to get it out....I know of the paper clip to remove it and rotating counter clockwise...Though I`d ask for some forum help first....My wife dug out her computer tools and there is a tweezers style tool with a narrow forceps .....I`ll try tomorrow and let you all know how it turns out.... thanks everyone.....

WJK

Ok, Duane, I`ll try that idea first...I have a 67 Camaro too.....

Jim Shea

Try the technique with a modified hacksaw blade outlined in this paper to remove the broken key.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...actionTool.pdf

Jim

Ironcross

No change in the key dilemma, looked for a new hack saw blade to trim down and will have to get it done tomorrow....I`m going to try the saw blade as its least likely to screw up my switch....

I was thinking that since the broken half is in the switch, should`t I be able to turn it to the accessory location with a pin in the small hole and remove the cylinder?

Mark G

Instead of using a pin head, might as well bend a paperclip, or use some thin wire out of a wire feed welder and bend a 90 deg with a 1/4" bent section. That is basically the length of the key. Then try the krazy glue trick. Using the wire it will have a lot more surface area then the head of a pin. Good ideas tho..

Mark G

68/70Vette

The key was broke off with the key portion still in the switch?

Take a screwdriver and push the broken part of the key into its furthermost position in the switch. Now rotate the switch plate face to the ACC position. ...maybe use screwdriver to do this. If you can get to the ACC position, you're home free. Get a large size paper clip (had to make a special trip to an office supply store for this one!!), push it in the hole on the ignition switch plate. Now you can pull the entire ignition core piece out.

With the paper clip wire in the ignition switch plate, if you can't get "purchase" to pull the switch core out, you have an option of turning the outer ring bezel. To do this you need special tool, which I think may be still available from some Corvette vendors. This tool will most likely be available from a car locksmith.

Note: turning the outer ring bezel is useless unless the core of the ignition switch is free to be removed.

uncleo

Greetings from Long Branch,NJ Americas first seashore resort and 7 time US summer capital....Good Luck with getting that broken key out of the lock....I broke the door lock key on my '70 and the part with the number on it has been lost....can your key machine make me a new one?
Lee

Ironcross

To make an attempt to punch out a replacement key without the codes I would have to have the broken section to decode it...however if you have the two halves a local hardware can or could cut a good serviceable replacement on their grinding key machines. The difference would be very close to an original except if would be a copy of a worn key and not one with the OE cut.....

after about 2 hours of attempts to extract the broken piece I met with success..I want to thank all the suggestions and support submitted by you fine people ....and I used all of them except the glue and did not want to get into the damn dash but finally had success.......
with a couple of 'Blue Moons.......

A note on the Silver 62 in the Detroit Autorama Ridler contender....the car was not finished and the hardtop had no provisions to attach it, plus a long crack was in the fiberglass by one of the wheel wells....its a tough show and I`m personally responsible that a car must be road worthy as its shown...everything must work and be attached to the car or your eliminated from the Ridler award......long story and heated discussion and I lost

relic1864

We sell some tweesers that are VERY thin and pointed that might reach in enough to grab the broke key and pull it out. Check Forestry Suppliers online Catalogue

0Willcox Corvette

Wally-

The 68 has a dash mounted switch and if the key is in there, you may be able to use a paper clip and push in the plunger to remove the cylinder. You'll have to use something else to try to turn the cylinder to get it to release (small screw driver). But if you can get the cylinder out, then you can remove the tumbler retainer. When you do this the springs under it will release and then gently tap the cylinder on the table and the broken off key section should fall out.

If you can get the cylinder out, a lock smith should be able to get the broke part out for you or if not.. send it to me and I'll do it..

Ernie

0Willcox Corvette

uggggggggggggg... I read all your post but the last one.. Good deal!

Ironcross

Ernie and friends if you need a key cut I can do it with my code book and code machine.......and I actually found a spare key too which i`m going to decode and write the information in the back of my code book so I can always make a correct key ....but anyway I want to thank everyone for your ideas and encouragement.....it helped

WJK.jr.

loup68

Wally, I am really glad that you got the broken key out. Lou.