I want to replace a standard column with a tilt I picked up at a swap meet.
Both have the complete key switch assembly and keys.
I thought it was something kind of simple like turn to acc position and push / pull or something like that, but I could not get either to budge.
Anybody out there know how to do this?
I would like to keep the same key if possible.

 

It's been awhile since I've done this, but you have to take the s. wheel off, take the horn stuff off, then break away a spot on the inside casting (very thin and easy to do) and unlock the cylinder by depressing a locking tab. The service manual explaines it well.

 

I've replaced the ignition key mechanism four or five times in a variety of gm vehicles and a jeep cherokee. They all look to be about the same. My son has an unbelievably powerful thumb and instead of jiggling the steering wheel and then jiggling the key ... he just applies more and more force on the key until it turns!

You'll need a few special tools; to pull the steering wheel; to compress the spring; to remove the circlip; and a torq bit. Then you'll have to drop the steering column (if it is installed - sounds like its not) so you can pull the wiring out to make room to get to the screws, springs and stuff.

I can't write a how-to; there are too many steps. But, it will take several hours. The worse part is compressing the spring (looks like a valve spring) and removing and installing the circlip. Watch out for the high beam switch rod on reinstallation. When the column is completely disassembled and you have installed your new key tumbler ... you will have about twenty or thirty ... screws, clips, springs, washers, buttons and other parts to reinstall. Just keep everything in order starting from the first part removed ... horn button, nut, washer, ring, steering wheel ... etc and you will be able to get it back together. This is a fairly easy job to accomplish as there is no heavy lifting and only a little bit of grease to deal with.

 

The trick in removing the key assembly is using a thin small flat screwdriver to depress the locktab that holds the assembly in. As indiccated above, taking the steering wheel off is a bit involved, especially if it is also telescoping. Getting a manual helps.

 

This shows the slot, it's the long narrow one closest to thepost with the threaded hole. Depress the spring loaded lever through the slot with the key in the assessory position (I think it was in this position, if not rotate the lock until you feel the lever move down) the lock will come right out.

 

look up jim shea's papers. He wrote the book and designed the sterring

 

Well it looks like my weekend is planned.
Thanks for the responses.

 

Go to www.corvettefaq.com and click on Jim Shea's Steering Papers. Then click on Corvette Steering Papers in the right hand column. Both standard (non-adjustable) Disassembly & Repair Paper #1 and the T&T Disassembly & Repair Paper #1 cover removing the lock cylinder. You do not have to remove the steering column from the car to do the procedure.

Good luck,
Additional help in only a computer click away1
Jim

 

Jim,
That is a great paper. Your site has been bookmarked.

 

FYI, here is a link to a paper on dropping and removing the steering column from a C3. Standard (non-adjustable) and T&T columns are the same.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...2-20JA2006.doc

Jim