Hi,

I have a 1980 corvette L82. I lost my key. A local mechanic came by and said he could replace the ignition switch. Unfortunately, I did not research prior to him doing it nor was I there (I left the wife to let him in).

He tried drilling the ignition out instead of removing the steering wheel and then removing the cylinder which I could have taken to a locksmith.

Long story short, once he broke the ignition out, he cannot put the new one in. NOW he took apart the column and does not know how to put it back. I showed him diagrams I found online but he still can't figure it out.

Does anyone have instructions and pictures of replacing all the parts ot the steering column and ignition for the TILT steering wheel only?


Thanks

 

The T/T exploded parts diagrams I have are small and of poor quality. When replacing my ignition cylinder/switch I was careful to lay out the parts in the order removed.

The ignition assembly ONLY comes out/installs properly with the switch at the "RUN" position. Also the contacts for the key-in alarm must be removed before you can remove the assembly. Be careful as those contacts are extremely delicate and finely adjusted.

 

I think that diagram is different from the TILT only columns from late 79 to 82. That is the problem I am having finding a diagram for those years.

 

Do a search for Jim Sheas paper TT Column DR1Rev1 50C20131
it has all the info you need incl diagram.
Sorry I don't have link for this.

 

The top of the column needs to come apart and this will get you close.

http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/w...stallation.pdf

Once you get past the turn signal switch you'll need remove the bolt that holds the ignition switch in place. I've not done a page on how to remove the ignition switch.. but with my page and what you can find on Jim Shea's pages http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/ you should be able to get this done... You read Jims pages and the rest of the info you need is there.

And that mechanic.. Fire him..

Willcox

 

Let's start at the beginning and get the terminology straight. The ignition switch is mounted on top of the steering column jacket and is down under the dash. Your ignition key goes into the lock cylinder which your "mechanic" butchered when trying to remove it.

All 1980 Vettes have tilt and telescoping steering columns.

Take a picture of the upper end of your steering column so that we can see exactly where you are at.

The lock cylinder on the 1980 T&T column is held in place by a cross bolt. There are a lot of parts that have to be removed in order to reach that bolt.

You have to remove the horn cap, upper horn contact, telescope lock, steering wheel, and steering wheel hub. You will need to borrow or purchase a puller to remove the hub.

Then remove the lower contact (with a big telescope spring). You now have access to remove the plastic c-clip retainer. This part normally breaks into pieces when you try to remove it. This is a critical safety part so you will need to purchase a replacement from any of the major Vette suppliers.

Then remove the c-clip, locking plate, then remove the three screws that hold the turn signal switch in place. Just pull the switch out far enough so that you can reach the bolt that holds the lock cylinder in place. That bolt head would be at the 2 o'clock location in the housing.


Here is a blowup of the steering wheel, horn, and telescope locking parts:
http://s2.photobucket.com/user/JIML8...lowup.jpg.html

Here is a link to some picture instructions on disassembly of the upper column head.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev02oc2010.pdf

Here is a link to the verbal instructions on disassembly of the steering wheel and the T&T column head.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...v15OC20131.pdf

There are companies like Steering Column Galore (in New York) that specialize in repair and reassembly of broken steering columns. A lot of steering columns are damaged when thieves try to steal the car. These type companies are not cheap but they do good work.

Jim

 

This thread may be of help: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ild-video.html

Also, are there still companies out there that will rebuild/service the OP's column? It might be better to kill two birds with one stone and just have the column serviced/rebuilt and replace the lock cylinder at the same time. (EDIT: I see Jim has already mentioned one such company...)