ignition switch removal

[Thom]

Working on my son's 72 chevy fleetside. We have a new ignition switch cylinder (keyed to match the new door locks) but can't get the darned ignition out of the dash. There is a besel on the front side that rotates several turns and gets loose but it never lets go completely. Help..... >T

[Longhorn Man]

Welcome aboard Thom. This is the best place for anything you'll ever need to know about these trucks.
As for your Q...you need to insert your key and turn the cylinder to the acc position (counter clockwise) and then insert an unbent paper clip, or as I prefer...a very small allen wrench into the small hole that would be at almost the 12 O'clock position now. You'll feel a spring loaded deal in there with the paper clip, press that in as you continue to turn the key counter clockwise, you may need to wiggle the assembly a little bit. Right about now it should practicly pop out in your hand.
Then you can unscrew the bezel if you still need to remove the whole assembly.
Whole procedure shouldn't take more than 20 min.

[Thom]

Your directions were perfect. The cylinder popped right out and the new one popped in cleanly. It actually only took about 5 minutes. Thanks. >Thom

[krue]

Welcome to the board from South Mississippi!

[Yukon Jack]

It's amazing how the right info makes a job easy. I recently did the ignition bezel and dash and the info I found here made them both quick jobs.

Welcome!

[jewels.]

ok - this post just makes me mad --- mad at myself, because I have tried for quite a long time (months), to get that stupid ignition cylinder out. i have searched all the possible postings for it (in the past). and truthfully, i don't understand what i am doing wrong.

here is a pic of my cyl:


if you look, you can even see the little spring that you should push with the allen wrench inside the little hole. but here is my problem --- the spring is only visible when the key is NOT in the accessory position. if i turn the key to the accessory position (clockwise), the hole ends up at about 5 o'clock. (Not 12 o'clock). So, I have tried many combinations. Allen wrench before turning the key. Allen wrench after turning the key.

Bottomline, the whole cylinder assy is getting really worn out, and I am just about at wits end. Any more suggestions? Is there a difference in the cylinders from 68 to 72? Is the hole in my cylinder on the wrong side? Is this the wrong cylinder for our trucks?

grrrr.
jewels.

[bpmcgee]

Jewels,

I think if you re-read the instructions, you need to turn the key COUNTER clockwise to the accessory position. That would put your hole at about 12:00 IMO.

Brian

[BUXMAN66]

i had the same problem also w/ my '68.......i also had no acc. positionthe only way i got mine off was to strip the threads on the bezel assembly by forcing it to back off w/ a pair of channel locks...and holding on to the switch assembly from the under-side. make sure that you un-plug the switch assembly,though! then you'll have to go buy another switch assembly and bezel.hope this helps...as this was the ONLY way it was coming off....

[jewels.]

Originally posted by BUXMAN66
i had the same problem also w/ my '68.......i also had no acc. position

yes - that is my problem --- there seems to be no acc. position --- in other words -- you cannot turn the key counterclockwise from the off position. it wont turn that way. if i try turning it that way, either there is no movement, or the entire ignition will turn (if the bezel is loose).

is there any other solution to getting this dumb thing off? is there supposed to be an acc. position? what is going on here? is there anyway to get this thing off without busting it up? i have already followed all suggestions of including massive amounts of eplitives. i think my neighbors hate me right now --- or think i'm nuts!

jewels.

[71GMC_3/4T]

Fast68 would have told you to take a big hammer and a piece of shaft about 1" in diameter and drive the switch out. Sure, it wrecks the bezel and the switch, but you get it out that way. Besides, the switch needed replacing anyway, didn't it?

[jewels.]

actually, i just want to replace the bezel --- the cylinder works fine --- and it matches the door locks --- so i am not too hot about tearing it apart or destroying it just to get it out --- the only thing i am changing here is aesthetics, which is why i have taken my sweet little time tryin to figure this one out --- i just dont get it

jewels.

[Longhorn Man]

That is interesting. I know the 69 and up have the acc position, and I have never seen any thing to say that the 68 (and we'll asume older) is not the same...but if someone can shed some light on this, that would be cool.

I'm sure you've already tried shooting some type of penitrating oil and wiggling it to get it to turn to the left. I have had them bind up to where they wouldn't turn, but after some cussing they always went.

[jewels.]

longhornmail,

your assumption would be correct.
i have loads of patience.
i have loads of time.
(hmm - those are both rare!)
i have tried WD-40, and lots of explitives.
still dont know.
i am going to try again in the next few minutes.
we'll see.

anyone? advice?
thanks again!
jewels.

[Custom 68]

Good question. Mine (68) will not curn Counter Clockwise either. It doesnt have an acc. spot in that direction.
I thought I remember seeing this posted just a week or so ago. I will look.
Dave

[71GMC_3/4T]

If it doens't have acc position, I'd try turning it to OFF, pushing a paperclip into the hole, then try turning it further to the left. If it moves further left, go as far as it will and try to pull the key cylinder out.