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removing key switch

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Old Sep 4, 2010 | 07:15 AM
  #21  
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Jim Shea
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BTW it is always helpful to indicate what year and what type of steering column you have. I am quite sure that johnnygascon has a standard (non-adjustable) column because of his description of the retaining ring. The T&T column has a c-clip retained locking plate. Note the following picture.



This picture may be helpful in locating the locking tab slot in the column housing.


Jim
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Old Sep 4, 2010 | 11:06 AM
  #22  
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I dont have the key, hence the removal. That picture at least gives me a clue as to what needs to happen, thank you very much!
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Old Sep 4, 2010 | 11:46 AM
  #23  
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Originally Posted by Jim Shea
BTW it is always helpful to indicate what year and what type of steering column you have. I am quite sure that johnnygascon has a standard (non-adjustable) column because of his description of the retaining ring. The T&T column has a c-clip retained locking plate. Note the following picture.



This picture may be helpful in locating the locking tab slot in the column housing.


Jim
Jim, sorry if I didnt mention before but yes its a standard column on a 1971 4 speed. I just spoke to a lock smith who told me I have to have the key to get the cylinder out. SO, I`m gonna pull the door key and have it keyed after I`ve thouroughly malled me ignition
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Old Sep 4, 2010 | 03:52 PM
  #24  
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I can't believe a locksmith told you that on that particular GM vintage column you need a key to remove that ignition. That is absolutely false. Actually you can cause damage if a key is inserted in the ignition while removing it. I have pulled tons of them. When a key is inserted in the ignition, it causes a small plastic key buzzer activator to protrude from the ignition cylinder itself and it will help prevent the ignition from coming out. Always, and I'll say it again, always pull the ignition of that vintage column with no key inserted in the ignition. All Fords of that era to the present do require a key to properly remove the ignition. Later models GM columns require a key when they went from a single sided key to a doubled sided key.

Better change locksmiths
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Old Sep 5, 2010 | 02:58 PM
  #25  
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Actually you can remove the ignition lock cylinder with the key inserted as long as you rotate the key to the RUN position when extracting the cylinder from the column. The little white plastic tab does not extend in the RUN position.

You may note that opening the driver door with the engine running does not activate the key buzzer (key in RUN position). Opening the door with the key in the lock cylinder rotated to OFF, OFF-LOCK, or ACCESSORY will cause the key buzzer to sound.

Jim
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Old Sep 6, 2010 | 03:54 PM
  #26  
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woooo hooooo! Finaly got it out! and what an idiot I am, I punched out the wrong piece of casting. After I figured out where it was supposed to be it damn near flew out! Geeeez. Thanks for all the assistance fellows. Now on to the next project.
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