Can anyone tell me how to replace the ignition switch in a 1975? Any speicial tools ? where is the best place to get one -Auto store ?

 

I'm not sure if it's the same procedure for a '75, but for my '81, it was a little time consuming but not that hard.

Remove the horn parts and pull off the steering wheel (you'll need a puller). As I recall, you can then see a screw that holds the ignition cylinder in place. Remove the screw and the cylinder will slide out (from the acc position, key in). The manual was very clear that dropping the screw is a bad idea as you'll have to disassemble the steering column to get it out.

I think that the procedure was in the Clymer's manual. If you don't have a copy, IM me and I'll scan and e-mail you the page.

I bought the cylinder on EBay from a guy in Arkensaw. It took forever to get it, but it fit just fine. $25 plus shipping.

 

im sure a 78 is the same. you can get everything incliuding a vette manual for under 40$ at pep boys, auto zone, ect... its not hard, the telescope option has a few more parts in it. and like the man said, DONT DROP ANYTHING

 

WAIT a minute here guys... The ignition switch is on top of the steering column at the bottom. It is actuated by a rod inside that moves when the key is turned. IF that is what you need to change, just remove the two bolts holding the column to the das and the two through the firewall above the brake/clutch pedals and lower the column enough to reach the switch. There are parts that break in the column that can prevent the key from moving the rod, thus no ignition.

 

When I put the key in and try to start it , It spins around and won't alway catch.

 

There is another recent posting similar to yours. My answer is the same:

You didn't mention if you have a standard (non-adjustable) steering column or a T&T. They both work substantially the same way, but the parts are different. The ignition key and lock cylinder hook into a plastic gear inside the steering column. The T&T column has a small die cast rack on the lower side of the gear. So when you twist the ignition key clockwise (toward START) the die cast rack actually pulls on the rod and pulls the ignition switch mechanism up toward the driver.

The standard column also has the lock cylinder and plastic gear. However, the rack is on the topside of the gear. This means that when you twist the ignition key clockwise, the rack is pushed down the column and the rod pushes down (away from the driver) in order to push the ignition switch mechanism to START.

So there are two different ignition switches. One for standard columns the other for T&Ts.

The die cast rack has been found broken in quite a few T&T columns. The good news is that Zip Products other Corvette suppliers as well as your local GM dealer can supply replacement parts. However, it does require a major teardown of the steering column in order to replace the rack.

This corvettefaq websight has a bunch of my papers that can assist you in the disassembly and repair procedure. The address is www.corvettefaq.com and look in the Steering section.

If you need additional information, just post again.

JIM

 

your right, that is THE ignition switch. should have caught that its just what you automatically think of. kinda like the engine vs. motor thingy. but that switch is even easier than the KEY switch. if his key switch isnt broke and its pushing the rod, he might need to adjust his ignition switch too. that could be the problem