1969 Ignition (Keyswitch) problem
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Manchester Kentucky
1969 Ignition (Keyswitch) problem
I recently inherited a 1969 coupe (manual), she has "issues", but nothing that a little work and a LOT of money won't solve.
The first problem I have is that my Father-in-Law (from whom I got the car) has lost the keys.
He went and got a new key lock cylinder, but we cant get the old one out... I have the steering wheel off, but I can't seem to find the little unlocking tab with my screwdriver.
Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
The first problem I have is that my Father-in-Law (from whom I got the car) has lost the keys.
He went and got a new key lock cylinder, but we cant get the old one out... I have the steering wheel off, but I can't seem to find the little unlocking tab with my screwdriver.
Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,966
Likes: 991
From: MA
I recently inherited a 1969 coupe (manual), she has "issues", but nothing that a little work and a LOT of money won't solve.
The first problem I have is that my Father-in-Law (from whom I got the car) has lost the keys.
He went and got a new key lock cylinder, but we cant get the old one out... I have the steering wheel off, but I can't seem to find the little unlocking tab with my screwdriver.
Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
The first problem I have is that my Father-in-Law (from whom I got the car) has lost the keys.
He went and got a new key lock cylinder, but we cant get the old one out... I have the steering wheel off, but I can't seem to find the little unlocking tab with my screwdriver.
Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Acworth Georgia
You don't need the key. Stick a long skinny screwdriver toward the lock where the release tab on the lock should be. You can't see the release tab because of a very thin flash metal membrane that is part of column/housing. This membrane results from the manufacturing process. You have to pierce through this membrane to reach the release tab. When you do this and press in the tab with the screwdriver you should be able to remove the lock from the column. I had to do this same procedure last year on a 1971, and found the solution I just gave on this forum. After you get the lock out, you will find a number on the lock that a locksmith can use to create a key that works. Or, you can buy a replacement lock cylinder that already has keys. I had keys made for the original, and it all works perfectly.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
It is very important that you indicate if you have a standard (non-adjustable) steering column or a tilt & telescoping type. They both use the same lack cylinder but the die cast lock housing is a bit different.
You didn't mention the type but since you have a 1969 Vette, it is most likely a standard type column since T&T columns were fairly rare back then.
Here is a pic of the standard lock cylinder with a thin bladed screwdriver indicating the location of the slot in the housing where you can depress the lock cylinder tab.
If you have a T&T column, I can find another pic of that type.
Jim
You didn't mention the type but since you have a 1969 Vette, it is most likely a standard type column since T&T columns were fairly rare back then.
Here is a pic of the standard lock cylinder with a thin bladed screwdriver indicating the location of the slot in the housing where you can depress the lock cylinder tab.
If you have a T&T column, I can find another pic of that type.
Jim
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