Ignition Lock Change - Need Pointers
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Gilbert, AZ, USA
Ignition Lock Change - Need Pointers
I'm going to be changing out my ignition lock cylinder this weekend and am looking for some pointers.
Anyone ever done this before? I have a '76.
HELP!
Anyone ever done this before? I have a '76.
HELP!
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Mentor Ohio
Re: Ignition Lock Change - Need Pointers (ZipperShrine)
Know how most older chevys work + my 68. If there is a little hole on the cylinder near the key slot, this procedure should work. Need the key and paper clip or small drill bit (or the like). With the key, set ignition to ACC, insert the paper clip into the small hole and jiggle the key while pushing on the paper clip. You should feel the paper clip disengage a spring loaded button. When it does, turn the key counter clockwise while tugging on the key and the cylinder should pop out in your hand. Be warned, mine took a lot of fooling around before the cylinder finally released. Good Luck.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
From: winston salem nc
Re: Ignition Lock Change - Need Pointers (rickales)
hmm on 76's I found no hole on my steering column, but haynes mentions getting to a spring by removing the turning signal and going at it with a screwdriver.
dunno,...
dunno,...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
Re: Ignition Lock Change - Need Pointers (1976C3)
76 doesnt have the release hole like the older cars. You will have to pull the steering wheel hub, and disassemble the column down to the lock cylinder. pull out the little switch for the key warning etc. Some cars of this era have a small screw that can be removed to release the cylinder, some do not. I dont remember whether the 76 has or not. If not you will have to take a screwdriver and a hammer and punch through the housing at the place where the release tab is located. You can look at your new switch to determine where that tab is.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,310
Likes: 1
Re: Ignition Lock Change - Need Pointers (ZipperShrine)
Check out the link in this thread http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=137676
I believe that it has pretty good instructions listed.
On, my '77, I was able to remove the steering wheel, horn assembly, and loosen and move aside the turn signal switch. At that point, I could take a long, thin, straight tip screw driver and press the release tab on the ignition switch (hold the new switch up next to the old one in the column to get an idea of where the tab should be). Once the tab is pressed, the old switch slides out and the new one slides back in. Hopefully, your '76 isn't too much different.
One word of caution, be careful with some of the old plastic parts under the steering wheel, but if you do break something, check with your Chevy dealer if you need the part quickly (and don't want to wait for a catalog order), there's a good chance they'll have them in stock.
Good Luck.
I believe that it has pretty good instructions listed.
On, my '77, I was able to remove the steering wheel, horn assembly, and loosen and move aside the turn signal switch. At that point, I could take a long, thin, straight tip screw driver and press the release tab on the ignition switch (hold the new switch up next to the old one in the column to get an idea of where the tab should be). Once the tab is pressed, the old switch slides out and the new one slides back in. Hopefully, your '76 isn't too much different.
One word of caution, be careful with some of the old plastic parts under the steering wheel, but if you do break something, check with your Chevy dealer if you need the part quickly (and don't want to wait for a catalog order), there's a good chance they'll have them in stock.
Good Luck.
