Hey everyone, hope you all had plenty of Vette time over the weekend!
I think I am getting closer to figuring out some electrical problems, and may have it narrowed down to my ignition switch. How hard/expensive is it to replace? Mine's an '81, tlit-tele yada yada. HOWEVER, previous person put on what appears to be a steering column theft-prevention looking collar deal (at least that what it looks like). It's a large black metal collar, wrapping completely around the column, and covering the ignition switch, as a matter of fact the keyway is screwed onto it and comes loose from time to time LOL. Don't have any idea how it comes off even. Has anyone had any experience with this, because I think I need to replace my ignition switch and it looks like this mess has to come off first!
It's damn ugly, daaa-mn ugly...

 

We need to get our terminology correct. The ignition switch is down under the dash on top of the steering column. The ignition lock cylinder is where you insert your key and is located in the head of the steering column.

You just mention that you have electrical problems. So I am guessing that you want to replace or adjust the switch down under the dash. So you probably don't have to mess with the anti-theft collar that is sorrounding your ignition lock cylinder. That is the good news.

The bad news is that you will have to drop your steering column in order to gain access to your ignition switch. It is easiest to work on your T&T column switch by first taking the entire column out of the car.

There is a chance that you might be able to drop the column out of the dash far enough to gain access to the two or three nuts that hold the dimmer switch and the ignition switch onto the steering column. Also you need sufficient access to unhook the two electrical connectors from the ignition switch. Just remember that you will need to adjust the new ignition switch as well as the dimmer switch before you reinstall the column back up into the dash.

CAUTION: Be sure to remove the plate (out under the brake booster) that holds the lower end of your steering column to the floor pan before you remove the two vertical bolts that hold your steering column up into the instrument panel. You do not want your column to hang there cantilevered by just the lower end attachment (this can ruin the lower steering column bearing).

Complete instructions on dropping and removing your steering column as well as replacing and adjusting your ignition switch is available at this corvettefaq.com websight:
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...rAdj19JA06.doc

Good luck,
Just remember, additional help is only a computor click away!
Jim

 

let me know if ya need a hand J

been there done that