Getting my 75 Vette Ignition Switch Out...

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Jan 16, 2012 | 06:51 PM

Rick Crunelle

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From: Valencia CA

Getting my 75 Vette Ignition Switch Out...

OK, I'll start by saying that I did a search, I've done a lot of reading, printed out pics, and I STILL can't get the ignition switch (the tumbler that the key goes in, not the switch mounted on the column under the dash) out of my 75 vette.
Here is the situation: The column is a tilt/tele and is currently out of the car. I've got all of the guts out of it. I've removed 2 screws that I thought could be locking it into place. I've got a replacement to compare to. I've tried putting a small screwdriver down into the slot where the release should be. And after all of that that, I still can't get it out.
To add to the problem (the reason I'm replacing it), the key isn't exactly right, and it can be removed from the switch in any position. So I've got nothing to pull on when trying to remove it. Also, that other chrome piece that you use to actually turn the key, has pulled off.
Can someone tell me if there is a trick to doing this? I'm at the point where I'm planning to put the column back in the car and use a slide-hammer on it...

Thanks!

Jan 16, 2012 | 08:43 PM

TimAT

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From: Gladstone MO

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If you have the column apart, there are 2 ways GM held the lock in there- one- a screw and two, a tab down in that slot at the end of the lock cylinder. If you have the column apart, on the left side is a gear that operates a rack and the link down to the switch- pull that gear and the cross pin that connects it to the lock, stick a screwdriver in the left end of the lock, release the tab and push. If you get the tab pushed in it's got to come out.

Jan 16, 2012 | 10:27 PM

Gitiup

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Locksmith for over 30 years. On your 75 it has the retainer type ignition lock. Screw type didn't come out until 77. Look at replacement cylinder and find retainer push down retainer and while holding pressure pull out lock with some type of pliers, needle nose would be preferable. Don't pry on faceof column you will gouge or possibly break off face on column. There is a plastic tab at the bottom of lock cylinder for the key buzzer. If the key is in the cylinder it will protrude down to activate key buzzer so key will need to be out of when removing. Or you can remover buzzer assembly in column if plastic tab is stuck onlock cylinder. You dont have to remove anything in column past turn signal indicator to access for lock removal. Hope this helps...

Jan 18, 2012 | 12:39 PM

Rick Crunelle

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From: Valencia CA

Thanks for the responses. My plan is to reinstall the column in the car this weekend. I'm thinking that by having it back in the car it'll be a little easier to work on.
Like I said, I've got it gutted, basically down to where the turn signal switch is hanging just out of the way. I've got the new cylinder to compare, and I can see the little spring loaded tab that is supposed to be depressed to remove the cylinder on the NEW cylinder, but when I look down into the column, it is not easy to see that tab on the old cylinder. I'm sorta blindly putting a small screwdriver down into the slot in hopes of hitting the right spot. (sorta sounds like a problem my wife keeps telling me about... is that too much info?)
Anyway, I guess I'll give it another go and see what happens...
Thanks,
Rick

Jan 18, 2012 | 06:03 PM

noonie

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From: Florida

Here is a thread with some pictures and diagrams

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...im-shea-2.html

Jan 19, 2012 | 08:31 AM

Jim Shea

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From: Saginaw Michigan

I hope that the above link allowed you to locate the correct location of the slot to depress the tab on the lock cylinder.

Someone mentioned that my 1.75 inch dimension calling out the location of the slot is incorrect.

Although the above picture is from a Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual, I think that the arrow calling out the slot to release the tab is incorrect.

I ended the postings by asking for someone to provide a better dimension so I can correct the picture. No one has responded with a more correct dimension.

I would appreciate a new dimension from someone.

Jim

Last edited by Jim Shea; Jan 19, 2012 at 08:33 AM.

Jan 19, 2012 | 10:43 AM

Rick Crunelle

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From: Valencia CA

I've looked at these posts before, but was still unable to remove it. So last night I tried again. Like I said, I was able to remove the key in any position, and the little chrome tabs that you use to turn the key was pulled off. So there was no easy way to grab ahold of the tumbler and pull on it.
So last night I took a screwdriver, stuck it in the key slot and whacked it with a BFH. That wedged the screwdriver in, and gave me something to pull on. Then after a few attemps to push in the little spring loaded tab I managed to get it out.

I'm not at home right now, but I'll have a look at my column again tonight and give you a measurement of the lock.

Rick

Jan 19, 2012 | 11:13 PM

Rick Crunelle

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From: Valencia CA

Jim - The 1.75" is pretty close. It looks to me to be between 1 11/16" and 1 3/4". I'll note that the internals of the column on mine (75 with tilt/tele) was similar to your pic, but not exact. There are 2 slots separated by a thin wall. It was the slot to the left that gave me access to the tab.

Rick