is it posible to take out the ingnition switch without the key, I am working on a 68 and the key that came with the car does not turn the ingnition,so I want to replace it,thats in advance.

 

You need to get the switch retaining ring off to remove the switch from the dash pad. That requires the key cylinder to be out of the switch to get the retaining ring off.

 

I believe you need the key to get the lock cylinder out (turning the key counter clockwise with pin pushed in the hole to release).
After the cylinder is out, then the retaining ring can be fully removed and the switch.

Not sure how to do this without a key. Perhaps another member can tell us.

 

Perhaps you might call a locksmith.

 

The tumbler must be removed before the retaining ring can be removed.

 

Locksmith would be your first course of action and then you can drill out the old lock cylinder (carefully) and replace it with a new cylinder and keys assembly.

 

First you must compromise the cylinder plug. To do that, you must have a basic understanding of how it works. The cylinder plug is the part that rotates if you had a working key. GM was very unique with their locks in those days. They incorporated a sidebar in each door and ignition plug which was a 1/2" bar that protruded into a slot in the cylinder shell preventing rotation of the cylinder plug. When the proper key was inserted in the plug, the sidebar would fall into the plug and allow it to rotate within the shell.

To compromise the plug, you simply have to drill out the sidebar. It is located on the right side of the keyway, midway between the keyway and right edge of the plug. Use an 1/8" drill bit to start and if you are on the money, the plug will rotate with a flat head screwdriver. If you miss, jump up a bit size or two. Caution: Don't drill any deeper than the length of the key blade.

Rotate to acc and with a small paperclip or thin piece of spring steel, push in the plug locking pin accessed through the small hole on the face of the cylinder plug and the plug will rotate an additional 20 degrees ccw and then you can pull the plug out. By a new ignition cylinder and I suggest you have it keyed to your existing door lock key. Someone else may have a better suggestion but that's how I do it.

 

Just call a locksmith. He can turn the part where you insert the key to the acc. position without damaging anything. Then you can just push the small pin inward with a paper clip and release the tumblers.

 

thanks for all the good advice, I did bring it to a lock smith and he was having a hard time with it so that is the reason for seeking advice, if he cant rekey it that I will drill it out as suggested and get a new switch.thanks

 

Unfortunately, GM side bar locks are rather difficult to pick unlike the Ford or Chrysler locks of the same vintage. Let the locksmith drill it. He or she will have it out in a minutes time. If you are going to attempt it yourself, buy the replacement cylinder first and use it as a guide with the information I posted above. You don't want to damage the switch itself. Don't forget, the replacement cylinder can be rekeyed to your door key.