On my 77 I need to replace the ign key cylinder any one know any tricks to removing the old and installing the new? :cool: Larry

 

You should be able to borrow a steering wheel puller from your local auto parts store. You need to be careful working your way into the steering column. Most of the plastic parts are probably very brittle. You only need to loosen the turn signal switch enough to move it out of the way so that you can get a long screw driver down the column to depress the ignition switch's locking pin (hold the new switch next to the column so that you can get an idea of where the locking pin is -- it's kind of hard to see down that column). You may want to download the steering column DOC files on http://www.corvettefaq.com/ .

Hope some of this helps. Good Luck.

 

Just out of curiosity - why are you replacing the lock cylinder...? I noticed that your post heading indicates that you are replacing the ignition switch, but the body of your post states you're replacing the lock cylinder.... you do know that the lock cylinder is not the ignition switch, right? If you're having ignition switch problems, the ignition switch is a black plastic box located on top of the steering column, and you do not need to pull the lock cylinder out to get to it; you just drop the column down, remove 2 5/16" head screws, and the ignition switch comes right off.

The lock cylinder is nothing but a lockable actuation rod that activates the ignition switch. There are no ignition features in the lock cylinder. Unless your lock cylinder has somehow seized up or has worn out its tumblers, there is no reason to replace it.

To get it out, you must have the correct key for the cylinder, and you must turn the ignition to the "on" position. You then use a steering wheel puller to yank the steering wheel, carefully remove the horn ring, turn signal lever, and move the turn signal switch out of the way. If your car is "virgin" and has never had the lock cylinder pulled before, there will be a thin metal membrane covering the lock cylinder release slot. You have to break through this thin metal covering, and then depress the release button inb the cylinder with a small flat bladed screwdriver or a narrow feeler gauge. The cylinder then pulls right out.

 

Just some additional information to add to the above.

Terry Rudy's websight; http://www.corvettefaq.com has some literature that he has posted for me on disassembling and servicing Saginaw steering columns. Go to Terry's websight and look under Suspension and Steering. If you have a standard (non-adjustable) steering column look under the following:
Standard Column Blowup Picture
Standard Column Disassembly Instructions
Standard Column Disassembly Pictures #1 & #2

For the T&T Column look under the following:
Tilt & Telescoping Blowup Picture
Tilt & Telescoping Disassembly Instructions
Tilt & Telescoping Disassembly Pictures #1, #2, & #3

If you are replacing your ignition switch the following may help:
Adjust Dimmer and/or Ignition Switch - Also Dropping the Steering Column

 

yes it is the cylinder the key will pull out any position the tumblers are shot sorry for the confusion I was hoping not to have to pull the colum [sp?] apart so thankes for the info will takle later when to cold to drive [snow on the ground ] :cool: Larry