Removing ignition --- trick? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

67Project · 01-19-2004, 12:02 PM

Guys,

Is there a trick to removing the ignition from the dash?

Please advise.

JimKshortstep4x4 · 01-19-2004, 12:08 PM

Yes, there is a trick.

Put the igntion in accessory, using a straightened paper clip or a
similar wire, depress the little brass pin that is just visible in the little hole that is in the lock cylinder.

Once the pin is depressed continue turning the key cylinder to the left. It will then pull out.

You need a working key to remove the cylinder. Once the cylinder is out the bezel unscrews and the switch can then be removed.

Jim

Custom 68 · 01-19-2004, 12:29 PM

Mark there is but I have found that some dont work. My 68 did not have a accessory spot to the left. And the tumbler may have been worn out but it would not work I tried alot and finally used vise grips and will have to buy a new set. Give what Jim said a try it is supposed to work. I have heard of other having problems like I did.

Good luck
Dave

67Project · 01-19-2004, 12:35 PM

Thanks! I will try to paperclip first. And if all else fails, vice grips will have to do.

Thanks again.

JalopyToGo · 01-19-2004, 07:00 PM

WOW! I was having a problem removing my ignition switch as well. I have a Hayes manual and it said to insert a wire and have the key in the off position, then at the same time push in the wire and turn the key counter clock wise at the same time. After holding my mouth several different ways that didn't work. I was going to post the same question. I read Jim's response and went to the truck. 30 seconds later its out.
THANKS Jim......
This board is awsome!

da-burb · 01-19-2004, 07:26 PM

FYI. 67 uses a different parts than 68+. The bezel is smaller and the ignition cylinder might be different. I think they use the 66 and older style parts. The instuctions given have been good. I have about an 80% removal rate on these. Sometimes the key is so worn it will start the vehicle but not allow you to remove the cylinder. Then I have use the hammer and punch method to knock it out the back. There is a little more involved so come back with the question if it doesn't come out.

Blue Beard · 01-19-2004, 10:15 PM

Before you use the vise grips.........try the method suggested..and add this....

try a little liquid graphite in the lock before using the method described....

The graphite penetrates and dries....helps some times.........

also, some years the key had to be turned to the on side, pressed the paper clip and then turned back the other way..........

Use to do lock work...........

Longhorn Man · 01-20-2004, 12:17 AM

On the 69 and up, turn the key counter clockwise and use the paperclip.
On 68 and older, you insert the clip when the key is in the off position, then turn counter clockwise. Jiggling it will help since it will want to come out a tad bit as you turn it.
If the key falls out when you try to pull, then grab a small crappy worn out flat head screw driver,a dn bend the tip. Use the bent tip to hook onto the ignition switch and pull it out.

An allen wrench will work in lou of the paper clip, and won't hurt your finger as much.

*botboy* · 01-20-2004, 02:32 AM

I had a similar problem, real sloppy tumbler, ended up pulling it out of the truck, hammering a screwdriver into the old tumbler and using a visegrips on the screwdriver to move it back past the acc position and then using the screwdriver to get it to pop out. Once I got it out in went the new one and all is well now...except that its so ridiculously friggin cold in this awful state.

red71cheyenne · 01-20-2004, 05:07 AM

I had the problem of no ignition key. So eventually after trying all my other keys, picking it and hoping, I went with the get the drill and drill it out. Works good, just have to get a new switch after this method. Jeff.

jewels. · 02-21-2004, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Longhorn Man
On the 69 and up, turn the key counter clockwise and use the paperclip.
On 68 and older, you insert the clip when the key is in the off position, then turn counter clockwise. Jiggling it will help since it will want to come out a tad bit as you turn it.
If the key falls out when you try to pull, then grab a small crappy worn out flat head screw driver,a dn bend the tip. Use the bent tip to hook onto the ignition switch and pull it out.

An allen wrench will work in lou of the paper clip, and won't hurt your finger as much.

andy, did you learn that "68 and older" trick by working on my truck?!? you owe me! oh wait --- i owe you because you removed my ignition, right?

hee hee

jewels.

Longhorn Man · 02-21-2004, 01:51 AM

LOL, yeah, yours is where I learned that.
I still find it amusing that you had been trying for so long and it just took me 30 min of cussing to get it out of there.
All that for nothing more than a bezel too.

you ppl with pretty trucks...I swear.

jewels. · 02-21-2004, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Longhorn Man
LOL, yeah, yours is where I learned that.
I still find it amusing that you had been trying for so long and it just took me 30 min of cussing to get it out of there.
All that for nothing more than a bezel too. you ppl with pretty trucks...I swear.

YOU DIDNT EVEN!!!! You didnt even begin to imply that just because my truck looks better than the multicolored shortbed thing you drove to the meet, that I am unwilling to get my little paws dirty?!?!?

If *I* were you, *I* would have at least brought a LONGHORN to the meet!

Besides, I managed to get a man to do the work (and cussing) for me, right? Pretty good, eh?

jewels.

Longhorn Man · 02-21-2004, 03:02 AM

LOL!!!
Actually I was refering to all that work when you tried,a nd then getting "a man to do the work" all for a pretty little bezel.

The funny part is that in my multi colored POS, and even in my multi colored non running longhorn, I went through the hassel of replacing that same piece of metal.

01-19-2004, 12:02 PM	#1
67Project Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 44	Removing ignition --- trick? Guys, Is there a trick to removing the ignition from the dash? Please advise. __________________ Mark Novak 1967 Work in Progress

01-19-2004, 12:29 PM	#3
Custom 68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,939	Mark there is but I have found that some dont work. My 68 did not have a accessory spot to the left. And the tumbler may have been worn out but it would not work I tried alot and finally used vise grips and will have to buy a new set. Give what Jim said a try it is supposed to work. I have heard of other having problems like I did. Good luck Dave __________________ Dave 1968 Custom Chevy with turbo charged 5.3 gen III 4l80e swap 1967-71 GMC 3/4 ton long step 4x4 (not sure what year exactly?) "A good friend will bail you out of jail...but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying "that was frekin awesome". "If it doesn't fit force it...If it breaks then it needed to be replaced anyway!"

01-19-2004, 12:35 PM	#4
67Project Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 44	Thanks! I will try to paperclip first. And if all else fails, vice grips will have to do. Thanks again. __________________ Mark Novak 1967 Work in Progress

01-19-2004, 07:26 PM	#6
da-burb "Ochre Ogre" Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Springfield, MN Posts: 3,558	FYI. 67 uses a different parts than 68+. The bezel is smaller and the ignition cylinder might be different. I think they use the 66 and older style parts. The instuctions given have been good. I have about an 80% removal rate on these. Sometimes the key is so worn it will start the vehicle but not allow you to remove the cylinder. Then I have use the hammer and punch method to knock it out the back. There is a little more involved so come back with the question if it doesn't come out. __________________ Bowtie Truck Stop Inc. Mid-West GM Truck Restoration Parts Supplier Your Key Parts, Auto Metal Direct, Dynacorn, and Goodmark dealer. like us @ www.facebook.com/BowtieTruckStop 1971 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1971 K-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 K-20 Suburban (Yellow- that just aint right!) Springfield, Minnesota 56087

01-19-2004, 10:15 PM	#7
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,831	Before you use the vise grips.........try the method suggested..and add this.... try a little liquid graphite in the lock before using the method described.... The graphite penetrates and dries....helps some times......... also, some years the key had to be turned to the on side, pressed the paper clip and then turned back the other way.......... Use to do lock work........... __________________ 1970 Chev CST 2003 Harley Fatboy 1975 Chevrolet Step Van 1956 Chev Bel Air 1977 Blazer 2WD For Sale $3000.00 1978 Blazer 2WD For Sale $7000.00 1978 Silverado 2005 Monte Carlo

01-19-2004, 12:08 PM	#2
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Yes, there is a trick. Put the igntion in accessory, using a straightened paper clip or a similar wire, depress the little brass pin that is just visible in the little hole that is in the lock cylinder. Once the pin is depressed continue turning the key cylinder to the left. It will then pull out. You need a working key to remove the cylinder. Once the cylinder is out the bezel unscrews and the switch can then be removed. Jim

01-19-2004, 07:00 PM	#5
JalopyToGo Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Parker, Tx Posts: 61	WOW! I was having a problem removing my ignition switch as well. I have a Hayes manual and it said to insert a wire and have the key in the off position, then at the same time push in the wire and turn the key counter clock wise at the same time. After holding my mouth several different ways that didn't work. I was going to post the same question. I read Jim's response and went to the truck. 30 seconds later its out. THANKS Jim...... This board is awsome!

01-20-2004, 12:17 AM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	On the 69 and up, turn the key counter clockwise and use the paperclip. On 68 and older, you insert the clip when the key is in the off position, then turn counter clockwise. Jiggling it will help since it will want to come out a tad bit as you turn it. If the key falls out when you try to pull, then grab a small crappy worn out flat head screw driver,a dn bend the tip. Use the bent tip to hook onto the ignition switch and pull it out. An allen wrench will work in lou of the paper clip, and won't hurt your finger as much.

01-20-2004, 02:32 AM	#9
botboy Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Delano, MN Posts: 630	I had a similar problem, real sloppy tumbler, ended up pulling it out of the truck, hammering a screwdriver into the old tumbler and using a visegrips on the screwdriver to move it back past the acc position and then using the screwdriver to get it to pop out. Once I got it out in went the new one and all is well now...except that its so ridiculously friggin cold in this awful state.

01-20-2004, 05:07 AM	#10
red71cheyenne Back in the sticks Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Fordland, MO Posts: 3,188	I had the problem of no ignition key. So eventually after trying all my other keys, picking it and hoping, I went with the get the drill and drill it out. Works good, just have to get a new switch after this method. Jeff. __________________ 1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty

02-21-2004, 01:51 AM	#12
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	LOL, yeah, yours is where I learned that. I still find it amusing that you had been trying for so long and it just took me 30 min of cussing to get it out of there. All that for nothing more than a bezel too. you ppl with pretty trucks...I swear.

02-21-2004, 03:02 AM	#14
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	LOL!!! Actually I was refering to all that work when you tried,a nd then getting "a man to do the work" all for a pretty little bezel. The funny part is that in my multi colored POS, and even in my multi colored non running longhorn, I went through the hassel of replacing that same piece of metal.



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