trying to get the igniton switch out of a 68. the bezel nut backs off only a few rounds and then stops, is there a trick? the key no longer turns the switch. I called paragon for a new one and they said they are not available. any leads on a used one? if not maybe a locksmith can fix this one.

 

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1736587

check the second post. this will help.
Waterplay

 

thanks, now if I can just get it to turn

 

You have two problems to contend with.

The original cylinder and key set won't operate the switch.

The only way to remove the cylinder and key is to turn it to the accessory position! Once in this position you can take a paper clip and push down the retainer that holds the cylinder and key in place. If you can not put the ignition switch in the accessory position then you can not remove it from the car.

The cylinder must come off the switch before the nut can be removed! This is your second problem. The nut will not pass over the ears for the key so you are in a dilemma.

You can drill out the cylinder and key but in doing so you run the risk of damaging the ignition cylinder! The trick is to drill out the tumblers in the key and not damage the cylinder. If the cylinder and key is not turning, the culprit is the brass tumblers being worn or the key being worn out! Either one will cause this problem.

To drill this out, you should start with a small drill bit, and then increase the size until the switch turns freely. The trick to this is to drill on the top side of the where the ignition switch key is inserted. You are trying to hit the tumbler springs and the tumblers. But you have to careful not to drill in to the switch assembly.

Should you drill out the center of the cylinder and key assembly, then of coarse you will need a new one! They are available!

http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...oducts_id=2151

The original switch had a cast number on it 1116697. If you damage this removing the cylinder and key they are quite expensive to find in a correct switch. However, there are replacement switches available too that will work just fine!

http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...oducts_id=2015 The difference is the lamp housing made in to the original switch. There are also originals available with the lamp and some have the part number some don't. But they have the correct design and lamp built in to them.

http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=24511


All the parts are available to repair this. But to keep from damaging an original switch, I would try to get the cylinder by either calling a lock smith and let them have a go at it, or by drilling out the cylinder.

Willcox Inc.

 

it already has a replacement switch in it so I may just drill it

 

Drill away then! You're not hurting anything. But the only way to get the nut off is to have the cylinder out.

Before you try drill trick, try whacking the key flange with a small hammer. Sometimes the flange will break loose and then you can take the nut off. But the flange has to be gone before the nut will come off.

Willcox Inc.

 

got it I tapped the key lightly with a small hammer ad apparently the tumbler fell in place. now s the time to change it while it still turns.

 

Great! Old trick that works about 1 in 100. But it saved you the switch....

 

Unbelievable !!! I was trying to get the ignition out of my 68 today and had the same problem. Thought I might have to it. Wow I come on the site tonite and the answer was here the whole time. I love this site

shmoky