Is there a simple way of changing a ignition key switch on a 73 tilt column?? probably a stupid question when I say simple--anyway--mine still works but is very loose--thks

 

i replaced the ignition switch in my 80 tilt/tele and to do it right you have to disasemble it the right way.

jim shea will more than likly post in later and talk to you about this,he is the guy to talk to about this.his steering column information papers and pictures are the best for this fix.

 

I concur...i did my switch a few months ago...the best way is to remove the steering column. Believe me, I tried everything else, I did not want to do that because I just had my steering box rebuilt and everything reconnected. It is not hard, just be carful with the turn signal, and tilt levers, as they will hit the seat cushion when you start to pull the column out...I broke mine.

 

I agree - Jim Shea is THE guy! Search archives for his posts & diagrams.
I can't imagine getting thru this without these (at least the first time, and hopefully the last!).
Good to replace yours now while it is just sloppy/loose. My springs "sprung" and mucked everything up, jammed up, hard to remove, etc.

 

You do not have to remove the column to change the lock cylinder. Just pull off the streering wheel, horn parts and move the turn signal cam out of the way. use a small screw driver to depress stop and pull out. Jim Shea's papers have the details and pictures.

 

Some people get confused between the ignition switch and the ignition lock cylinder. The ignition switch on 1969+ Vettes is located down under the dash attached on top of the steering column jacket. Difficult for thiefs to hot wire, difficult to reach for service. Some people may replace the switch by just loosening all the steering column attachments and working under the dash with the column dropped down. I really urge you to remove the column from the car in order to have good access to switch.

I suspect that you really want to replace the ignition lock cylinder.
The ignition lock cylinder is the thing where you insert your ignition key. It is located in the steering column head. You need to remove the horn cap, horn parts, telescope lock, steering wheel, hub, and locking plate. Then you will need to pull the turn signal switch far enough out of the column head to reach the tab that secures the lock cylinder in place. You do not need to drop or remove the column to perform this lock cylinder swap.

You can find all of the instructions for your tilt & telescoping column at the following location:
Go to www.corvettefaq.com
Click on Jim Shea's Steering Papers
Click on Corvette Steering Papers
Scroll down to the Tilt & Telescoping 69-82 Steering Column Section
Download Tilt & Telescoping 69-75 Steering Wheel & Horn Parts
Down load the T&T 69-82 Disassembly & Repair Paper #1 to replace the lock cylinder (Notice: most papers are available in word.doc and pdf format)
Download T&T 69-82 D&R Pic #1 for some visual help.

If you are going to tackle the ignition switch you will need the above as well as some further papers.

Download T&T 69-82 D&R Paper #2
Download T&T 69-82 D&R Pic #3
Download T&T 69-82 D&R Paper #3
Download T&T 69-82 D&R Pic #2

The above is a lot of reading but I can assure you that they are very complete. You just have to become familiar with the terminology.

Further help is always available right here.

Jim

 

thanks guys--Jim your right it's the ignition lock cylinder that's loose --again thank's great forum

 

Be carefull here. Two weeks ago I started to change my lock. I noticed the sector gear was bad so... I figured I may as well pull the column and put it on the bench where it will be easy to work on and then I can put a new switch on it too. And then, since it was out, I may as well replace the lower bearings and replace the rag joint. So... I am now rebuilding the entire column. Good thing I told my wife the lock was less than $40.