Ignition Switch
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
To replace the ignition switch on a 1971 Vette, you need to drop the steering column down from the dash to gain access to it. Starting in 1969 the ignition switch was placed on top of the steering column, down under the dash.
Just to be sure about our terminology. The IGNITION SWITCH is just an electrical switch box. It is mounted on top of the column down under the dash to make it more difficult for thieves to hot wire the ignition. It is actuated by a rod that extends down from the column head.
On GM vehicles (1969 and later) the IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER was placed in the steering column head. It is purely mechanical and it is the part that accepts your ignition key. When you rotate your ignition key, you rotate the lock cylinder which rotates a small plastic gear. That gear moves a small die cast rack that moves forward and back. This motion moves the rod that is attached to the ignition switch. If you need to replace the lock cylinder, you do not need to drop the steering column.
I have quite complete instructions on replacing the ignition switch as well as the ignition lock cylinder on the C3.
Go to: www.corvettefaq.com
Click on: Jim Shea's Steering Articles
Click on: Corvette Steering Papers
Scroll down to the Standard Steering Column Section
Down load the papers and pics.
Good luck,
Jim
Just to be sure about our terminology. The IGNITION SWITCH is just an electrical switch box. It is mounted on top of the column down under the dash to make it more difficult for thieves to hot wire the ignition. It is actuated by a rod that extends down from the column head.
On GM vehicles (1969 and later) the IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER was placed in the steering column head. It is purely mechanical and it is the part that accepts your ignition key. When you rotate your ignition key, you rotate the lock cylinder which rotates a small plastic gear. That gear moves a small die cast rack that moves forward and back. This motion moves the rod that is attached to the ignition switch. If you need to replace the lock cylinder, you do not need to drop the steering column.
I have quite complete instructions on replacing the ignition switch as well as the ignition lock cylinder on the C3.
Go to: www.corvettefaq.com
Click on: Jim Shea's Steering Articles
Click on: Corvette Steering Papers
Scroll down to the Standard Steering Column Section
Down load the papers and pics.
Good luck,
Jim
