Ignition Key Switch Removal Help
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
Ignition Key Switch Removal Help
I'm working on a 76 model for a friend cleaning up the wiring etc and need to remove the ignition key switch. Can someone please explain how to get the bugger out?
So far I have removed the steering wheel, the telescopic mechanism, and i am down to the indicator switch. It has 3 screws holding it in which i have removed and pulled the switch out towards the drivers seat to where it is hanging out.
Where do I go from here?
thanks,
Brett.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
You are 95% done!
Removing Lock Cylinder
When removing the lock cylinder from the column, most shop manuals recommend inserting the ignition key and turning the lock cylinder to the “Run” position. However, the lock cylinder can also be removed without the ignition key being inserted.
The 1969 thru early 1979 lock cylinders are held in place by a metal spring tab that sticks out of the lock cylinder. This tab engages a narrow, rectangular slot in the column housing. Looking straight into the steering column housing, this slot is vertical, right on the centerline of the lock cylinder and located 1.75 inches from the underside of the chrome wings on the lock cylinder.
Removing Lock Cylinder
If the lock cylinder has never been replaced, there will be a thin metal membrane from the die casting process covering the slot. Keeping a thin bladed tool to the right side of the slot, break the housing flash. Now depress the spring tab. Also I have found that if you don't push the spring tab pretty much in the center it will not release the lock cylinder because it tends to rock side to side. Don't be tempted to pry on the lock cylinder wings to get the lock cylinder moving. The wings will pop off and can't be put back on. The lock cylinder should slide right out.
There is one method that is sometimes used to remove a lock cylinder that I do not approve. Some people screw a slam-puller into the lock cylinder and slam it out of the column (usually shearing the spring tab.) The slam-puller shocks are very hard on the column housing and your instrument panel.
Jim
Removing Lock Cylinder
When removing the lock cylinder from the column, most shop manuals recommend inserting the ignition key and turning the lock cylinder to the “Run” position. However, the lock cylinder can also be removed without the ignition key being inserted.
The 1969 thru early 1979 lock cylinders are held in place by a metal spring tab that sticks out of the lock cylinder. This tab engages a narrow, rectangular slot in the column housing. Looking straight into the steering column housing, this slot is vertical, right on the centerline of the lock cylinder and located 1.75 inches from the underside of the chrome wings on the lock cylinder.
Removing Lock Cylinder
If the lock cylinder has never been replaced, there will be a thin metal membrane from the die casting process covering the slot. Keeping a thin bladed tool to the right side of the slot, break the housing flash. Now depress the spring tab. Also I have found that if you don't push the spring tab pretty much in the center it will not release the lock cylinder because it tends to rock side to side. Don't be tempted to pry on the lock cylinder wings to get the lock cylinder moving. The wings will pop off and can't be put back on. The lock cylinder should slide right out.
There is one method that is sometimes used to remove a lock cylinder that I do not approve. Some people screw a slam-puller into the lock cylinder and slam it out of the column (usually shearing the spring tab.) The slam-puller shocks are very hard on the column housing and your instrument panel.
Jim
