Removing ignition switch (no key) - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Aruba1 · 12-09-2016, 02:09 PM

Recently I lost the keys to my 1972 truck and now I want to install the new set of locks with new keys. I tried to replace the ignition switch by pressing a little nail in the hole of the ignition switch but it won't slide out. Do I need the key to switch it ON so it slides out? How can I replace the ignition switch with no keys? Thanks

**clay68c10** · 12-09-2016, 02:29 PM

You need to turn the tumbler to use the pin to release and remove it. You'll have to get creative to get that out without the old key.

DarkFlounder · 12-09-2016, 02:30 PM

Yes, you need the key to slide the cylinder out.

My old key/cylinder was so worn down, it wouldn't turn and pull out for me. I eventually just drilled the cylinder out, forced the bezel to unscrew from the switch (a couple flathead and a lot of cussing), and replaced the switch, cylinder and bezel.

Aruba1 · 12-09-2016, 04:28 PM

Well, there is no other way and I wanted to avoid it all all cause. But I guess I will have to do what I have to do to get it out. A lot of cussing! lol

74baggedbug · 12-09-2016, 06:39 PM

Try another key, mine was so worn out I could use any key to start my truck

**jaros44sr** · 12-09-2016, 06:48 PM

Try to PM Loc Doc, he is the expert on the board about that

Aruba1 · 12-09-2016, 09:14 PM

Worked, and didn't even cuss. The new key wouldn't work and I didn't want to force it and mess up the new key. But a skinny flat screwdriver did the trick. Now I have the battery charging on my Noco G7200 charger and I will replace the door locks in the morning. She will be taken to town for a nice ride to get a load of pressure treated wood. Woot woot. Thanks all!

franken · 12-09-2016, 09:43 PM

Get some extra keys made while you're in town. I never understand how someone can lose all the keys to a vehicle.

Aruba1 · 12-09-2016, 10:01 PM

I lose my set of keys almost weekly, lol, my wife made rules where I need to leave my keys and it just don't work. I am thinking about getting a key finder key chain that is bluetooth enabled.

**dmjlambert** · 12-10-2016, 02:50 AM

I have a Tile on my keyring and like it quite a bit. I recommend it. I have the Tile app on my iPhone and from there I can make the keys play a tune. And if I have my keys but lost my iPhone, I can double click the button on the Tile and it plays a tune on the iPhone.

https://www.amazon.com/Tile-Mate-Fin...dp/B01L3VEC08/

Aruba1 · 12-10-2016, 11:19 AM

Yeap, since losing my keys I have been looking at the Tile, TrackR and Chipolo and I like Tile the most as it has the longest range (a little over 100'). But I just found a key finder on ebay (no name brand) for a little under $5 shipped to my door. I will try the cheap finder first (not much of a loss at $5) and if that does not work I will order a pack of 4 tiles for all my key chains.

12-09-2016, 02:09 PM	#1
Aruba1 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 560	Removing ignition switch (no key) Recently I lost the keys to my 1972 truck and now I want to install the new set of locks with new keys. I tried to replace the ignition switch by pressing a little nail in the hole of the ignition switch but it won't slide out. Do I need the key to switch it ON so it slides out? How can I replace the ignition switch with no keys? Thanks Last edited by Aruba1; 12-09-2016 at 02:26 PM. Reason: adding year

12-09-2016, 02:29 PM	#2
clay68c10 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Centennial, CO Posts: 2,990	Re: Removing ignition switch (no key) You need to turn the tumbler to use the pin to release and remove it. You'll have to get creative to get that out without the old key. __________________ ClusterTruck: 68 C10 Bought in 89, wrecked in 03. Slow low $ rebuild started '17. 6.0 & TKO http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=788602 93 K1500 Short Step, 350, NV4500, EBL flash ECU. Vortec heads & roller cam someday... 05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. 3” lift & 6-speed 02 E320 the insurance total “free car” 13 Tahoe LTZ

12-09-2016, 02:30 PM	#3
DarkFlounder Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 281	Re: Removing ignition switch (no key) Yes, you need the key to slide the cylinder out. My old key/cylinder was so worn down, it wouldn't turn and pull out for me. I eventually just drilled the cylinder out, forced the bezel to unscrew from the switch (a couple flathead and a lot of cussing), and replaced the switch, cylinder and bezel. __________________ 72 K2500 Sierra Longbed Wideside 350/TH350/NP205 66 Plymouth Barracuda 225 Slant6

12-09-2016, 04:28 PM	#4
Aruba1 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 560	Re: Removing ignition switch (no key) Well, there is no other way and I wanted to avoid it all all cause. But I guess I will have to do what I have to do to get it out. A lot of cussing! lol

12-09-2016, 06:39 PM	#5
74baggedbug Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Houston tx Posts: 701	Re: Removing ignition switch (no key) Try another key, mine was so worn out I could use any key to start my truck

12-09-2016, 06:48 PM	#6
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,761	Re: Removing ignition switch (no key) Try to PM Loc Doc, he is the expert on the board about that __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

12-09-2016, 09:14 PM	#7
Aruba1 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 560	Re: Removing ignition switch (no key) Worked, and didn't even cuss. The new key wouldn't work and I didn't want to force it and mess up the new key. But a skinny flat screwdriver did the trick. Now I have the battery charging on my Noco G7200 charger and I will replace the door locks in the morning. She will be taken to town for a nice ride to get a load of pressure treated wood. Woot woot. Thanks all!

12-09-2016, 09:43 PM	#8
franken Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Somewhere Posts: 3,123	Re: Removing ignition switch (no key) Get some extra keys made while you're in town. I never understand how someone can lose all the keys to a vehicle.

12-09-2016, 10:01 PM	#9
Aruba1 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 560	Re: Removing ignition switch (no key) I lose my set of keys almost weekly, lol, my wife made rules where I need to leave my keys and it just don't work. I am thinking about getting a key finder key chain that is bluetooth enabled.

12-10-2016, 02:50 AM	#10
dmjlambert Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 3,859	Re: Removing ignition switch (no key) I have a Tile on my keyring and like it quite a bit. I recommend it. I have the Tile app on my iPhone and from there I can make the keys play a tune. And if I have my keys but lost my iPhone, I can double click the button on the Tile and it plays a tune on the iPhone. https://www.amazon.com/Tile-Mate-Fin...dp/B01L3VEC08/

12-10-2016, 11:19 AM	#11
Aruba1 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 560	Re: Removing ignition switch (no key) Yeap, since losing my keys I have been looking at the Tile, TrackR and Chipolo and I like Tile the most as it has the longest range (a little over 100'). But I just found a key finder on ebay (no name brand) for a little under $5 shipped to my door. I will try the cheap finder first (not much of a loss at $5) and if that does not work I will order a pack of 4 tiles for all my key chains.

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