Key/ tumbler removal - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**l79m20** · 08-31-2009, 11:23 AM

Have a 66 1/2 ton and want to remove key tumbler and lock mech. My cover has 2 small holes in it to aid removal but have forgotten sequence for entire removal. Can anyone help me out?.........kirby

jason65 · 08-31-2009, 12:49 PM

Put your key in it and incert a paper clip or something like it into one of the holes. Then turn the key to the left or counter clockwise. Lock should come out.

**l79m20** · 09-02-2009, 09:30 AM

Jason tried to release tumbler following your suggestions but had no luck. I have a junk yard switch with key that has one hole and tumbler slides out easily when paper clip is inserted and key turned counter clockwise. I do not feel the spring tension and am wondering what would my next move be. The locking nut will nut come off without tumbler being released, any other thoughts?...............Kirby

jason65 · 09-02-2009, 10:22 AM

I don't know beyond trying the paper clip in both holes. If it's that much of a pita I'd just replace the switch and put the new tumbler in it.

markeb01 · 09-02-2009, 12:37 PM

The 1960 shop manual says the switch needs to be in the off/unlocked position before inserting the paper clip. Seems to me the last time I did this I had trouble, and the switch needed to be in the accessory position, or perhaps it was the on position - it's been a long time. You might light changing the key position and see if that helps.

Byronic · 09-02-2009, 04:20 PM

Jason65 is right. I used two small picks and the first time it worked. The second time I fought it for ten minutes. The third time I removed it it took four tries. My wife said to stick my tongue out the way I did it the first time. BAM out it came.

I wish she would of said something sooner. I found if I take the key off the ring it made it easier to deal with. Once you get it out make sure to use dielectric grease sparingly. Good Luck!

**l79m20** · 09-02-2009, 08:02 PM

Thanks all, will go out and try again..............Kirby

**l79m20** · 09-03-2009, 08:05 AM

Update : Used a pair of long nosed vise grips and postioned two small finishing nails on the nonose and locked them down before inserting them into the two access holes in the lock tumbler, then gently turned counter- clockwise. After a few minutes was able to remove tumbler.................Thanks to everyone who helped me out................Kirby

08-31-2009, 11:23 AM	#1
l79m20 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Reading, Kansas Posts: 628	Key/ tumbler removal Have a 66 1/2 ton and want to remove key tumbler and lock mech. My cover has 2 small holes in it to aid removal but have forgotten sequence for entire removal. Can anyone help me out?.........kirby

08-31-2009, 12:49 PM	#2
jason65 Registerd User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,118	Re: Key/ tumbler removal Put your key in it and incert a paper clip or something like it into one of the holes. Then turn the key to the left or counter clockwise. Lock should come out.

09-02-2009, 09:30 AM	#3
l79m20 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Reading, Kansas Posts: 628	Re: Key/ tumbler removal Jason tried to release tumbler following your suggestions but had no luck. I have a junk yard switch with key that has one hole and tumbler slides out easily when paper clip is inserted and key turned counter clockwise. I do not feel the spring tension and am wondering what would my next move be. The locking nut will nut come off without tumbler being released, any other thoughts?...............Kirby

09-02-2009, 10:22 AM	#4
jason65 Registerd User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,118	Re: Key/ tumbler removal I don't know beyond trying the paper clip in both holes. If it's that much of a pita I'd just replace the switch and put the new tumbler in it.

09-02-2009, 12:37 PM	#5
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: Key/ tumbler removal The 1960 shop manual says the switch needs to be in the off/unlocked position before inserting the paper clip. Seems to me the last time I did this I had trouble, and the switch needed to be in the accessory position, or perhaps it was the on position - it's been a long time. You might light changing the key position and see if that helps.

09-02-2009, 04:20 PM	#6
Byronic The Beach Cruiser Join Date: May 2009 Location: Panama City, Florida Posts: 358	Re: Key/ tumbler removal Jason65 is right. I used two small picks and the first time it worked. The second time I fought it for ten minutes. The third time I removed it it took four tries. My wife said to stick my tongue out the way I did it the first time. BAM out it came. I wish she would of said something sooner. I found if I take the key off the ring it made it easier to deal with. Once you get it out make sure to use dielectric grease sparingly. Good Luck! __________________ 1999 Silverado DD 1966 Panel Truck 2003 Harley Road Glide 1967 Schwinn Tandem Single Speed

09-02-2009, 08:02 PM	#7
l79m20 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Reading, Kansas Posts: 628	Re: Key/ tumbler removal Thanks all, will go out and try again..............Kirby

09-03-2009, 08:05 AM	#8
l79m20 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Reading, Kansas Posts: 628	Re: Key/ tumbler removal Update : Used a pair of long nosed vise grips and postioned two small finishing nails on the nonose and locked them down before inserting them into the two access holes in the lock tumbler, then gently turned counter- clockwise. After a few minutes was able to remove tumbler.................Thanks to everyone who helped me out................Kirby

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