Pace Car Ignition Lock
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 1
From: Collinsville MS
St. Jude Donor '08
Pace Car Ignition Lock
I have to replace the ignition lock in my 78 PC. The book shows two types D1402B (20071252) for early 1978s and D1403B (7830380) for later 78s. The only difference is lock cylinder retaining screw for the later models but you have to tear down the column to tell if you have it or not. I dont want to tear it all down, then wait a week for the correct lock to come in. Since the wiring harness courtesy light is the later design (another changeover in 78 would I be correct in assuming that I need the second design lock? Or is that just wishful thinking? I remember hearing somewhere that all the pace cars were of the later design anyway. Anyone know for sure or do I just roll the dice?
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Gm was never any help with the 1978 cars. The only thing they ever told us was to ID the part by the retaining screw. I know of no other way to do this besides taking it out.
On a good note, most major brand parts stores carry both in stock. It’s a pretty common part that you can purchase on the fly.
Have you ever done this job? If so, then you know what you’re in for and if not email me at the customer service email address. Willcoxcustomerservice@willcoxcorvette.c om If you have a problem, I’ll be online tomorrow evening.
I will give you one suggestion; it’s a good idea to replace the insulator in the column when you do this. If you do not have one I would suggest getting one before you take it apart. Most GM dealers don’t carry this part any longer, and they always break when you take them out.
Willcox
On a good note, most major brand parts stores carry both in stock. It’s a pretty common part that you can purchase on the fly.
Have you ever done this job? If so, then you know what you’re in for and if not email me at the customer service email address. Willcoxcustomerservice@willcoxcorvette.c om If you have a problem, I’ll be online tomorrow evening.
I will give you one suggestion; it’s a good idea to replace the insulator in the column when you do this. If you do not have one I would suggest getting one before you take it apart. Most GM dealers don’t carry this part any longer, and they always break when you take them out.
Willcox
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
My records indicate that the screw retained lock cylinder was a running 1979 model year change. So I would think that you most likely have the lock cylinder with the metal tab. (Although I have been known to be wrong in the past!)
And yes, it is a good idea to purchase GM# 7808385 retainer before beginning work on your column. (The part is also readily available from Corvette suppliers as well.) The part may be called a retainer but another thing that it does is insulate the big telescoping spring from touching metal parts of the steering column which will cause your horn to blow continuously.
BTW, complete instructions on replacing the lock cylinder can be found in my T&T Disassembly & Repair Paper #1. It can be located as follows:
Go to: www.corvettefaq.com
click on: Jim Shea's Steering Papers
click on: Corvette Steering Papers
scroll down to the Tilt & Telescoping Section
download: T&T D&R Paper #1 and the T&T D&R Pic #1.
Good luck, and remember that additional assistance is only a computer click away,
Jim
Jim
And yes, it is a good idea to purchase GM# 7808385 retainer before beginning work on your column. (The part is also readily available from Corvette suppliers as well.) The part may be called a retainer but another thing that it does is insulate the big telescoping spring from touching metal parts of the steering column which will cause your horn to blow continuously.
BTW, complete instructions on replacing the lock cylinder can be found in my T&T Disassembly & Repair Paper #1. It can be located as follows:
Go to: www.corvettefaq.com
click on: Jim Shea's Steering Papers
click on: Corvette Steering Papers
scroll down to the Tilt & Telescoping Section
download: T&T D&R Paper #1 and the T&T D&R Pic #1.
Good luck, and remember that additional assistance is only a computer click away,
Jim
Jim
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 1
From: Collinsville MS
St. Jude Donor '08
Thanks Willcox and Jim,
I had already printed off Jim's steering papers last week, they are spread all over the hood. The information is priceless!! And I ordered the insulator also ahead of time as I read where it was prone to break. The other one broke as soon as I touched it. I will probably be posting back here tonight if I get to it today. Thanks to you guys for the assistance.
I had already printed off Jim's steering papers last week, they are spread all over the hood. The information is priceless!! And I ordered the insulator also ahead of time as I read where it was prone to break. The other one broke as soon as I touched it. I will probably be posting back here tonight if I get to it today. Thanks to you guys for the assistance.
