Changing an Ignition Lock Cylinder

[LandonL]

Alright, I recently ordered an ignition lock cylinder for my truck. What are the steps to taking the old one out? I would really appreciate anyone who can help! This is a 1967 GMC Stepside.

What I've heard to do is put the key in, turn to the right to the accessory lights come on, push a paperclip into the tiny hole and turn to the right and it should pop right out?

Also, how is the new one put in?

[4tiresngas]

I think it may be to the left. In any event, it is relatively simple. Just push a paper clip in the hole on the face of the ignition after you have inserted the key and turned it. It pops right out.

[oldblue1968chevy]

Yeah, its left straighten a paper clip and jam it in the lil hole and turn left. took me awhile to figure out you had to turn it. my dad (knows it ALL...) Said to unscrew the ignition. That took awhile to realize he is wrong.

[LockDoc]

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Turn the key to the left as far as it will go BEFORE you insert a straightened paper clip or stiff wire into the hole in the face of the cylinder and “gently” push the spring loaded pin in. Turn the cylinder further to the left to remove it.

After you push the spring loaded pin in with the stiff wire and turn the cylinder further to the left you have to pull the wire out to finish turning it or it will bind. You can also turn it too far after you pull the wire out. That is when you have to wiggle the cylinder back and forth a little bit. If you wiggle it too much the pin will pop back out and you will have to start over. You should not have to put excessive turning pressure on it or push down hard on the spring loaded pin. Gentle and patience are the key words here...

For the people that read this thread that do not have an ignition key take the passenger door lock out and take it to your local locksmith. It should have a code number stamped into the lock case and the locksmith can cut a key from the code number. If none of the locks have been changed the key will fit the ignition.

Here is a picture of the code # location on the door lock.

LockDoc

[BADPURPLE70CHEVY]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

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Turn the key to the left as far as it will go and insert a straightened paper clip or stiff wire into the hole in the face of the cylinder and “gently” push the spring loaded pin in. Turn the cylinder further to the left to remove it.

After you push the spring loaded pin in with the stiff wire and turn the cylinder further to the left you have to pull the wire out to finish turning it or it will bind. You can also turn it too far after you pull the wire out. That is when you have to wiggle the cylinder back and forth a little bit. If you wiggle it too much the pin will pop back out and you will have to start over. You should not have to put excessive turning pressure on it or push down hard on the spring loaded pin. Gentle and patience are the key words here...

For the people that read this thread that do not have an ignition key take the passenger door lock out and take it to your local locksmith. It should have a code number stamped into the lock case and the locksmith can cut a key from the code number. If none of the locks have been changed the key will fit the ignition.

Here is a picture of the code # location on the door lock.

LockDoc

Easy as pie. My wife changed out hers in her old 68 c-10 with no help.

[Longhorn Man]

on 67s and some 68 models, there is no accessory position. If memory serves, you start from the off position and follow the directions above, turning the ignition tumbler counter clockwise.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

on 67s and some 68 models, there is no accessory position. If memory serves, you start from the off position and follow the directions above, turning the ignition tumbler counter clockwise.

You are correct Andy.

LockDoc

[LandonL]

How is the new one put in?

[LandonL]

I just got the lock today, so I really need to know how to put it in without screwing something up. Haha.

[Longhorn Man]

once the old one is out, you insert the tumbly into the hole, and twist it clockwise. Little to no effort should be put in it... if it doesn't just slip into place, then you need to start over. Your starting point should be about the same angle as the old one when it came out.

[kevmic28]

I still have not been able to get mine out. Now when I try to start the truck it sits for a second or two after I turn the key before the starter kicks in.

[iwanta70]

I have the same problem, only I burned up the switch. I have a new one and wires on order. How does the bezel come off the front? I need to get the whole switch out.

EDIT: should have said I have a '71 K-10

Originally Posted by LandonL

Alright, I recently ordered an ignition lock cylinder for my truck. What are the steps to taking the old one out? I would really appreciate anyone who can help! This is a 1967 GMC Stepside.

What I've heard to do is put the key in, turn to the right to the accessory lights come on, push a paperclip into the tiny hole and turn to the right and it should pop right out?

Also, how is the new one put in?

[72lb4x4]

Once the cylinder is out, the bezel just unscrews.

[iwanta70]

Yep, it sure does. Got the new switch/cylinder/wiring in yesterday and whaddya know, it runs again. Thanks to all for the help.

Originally Posted by 72lb4x4

Once the cylinder is out, the bezel just unscrews.

[JoeKan]

I started taking mine off then I think I may have fixed the problem. I'm having a difficult time tightening it up. Is there a way to do that? It just seems very loose in there. I did not have to take it off.
Thanks,
Joe

[Sammy]

In 99% of the time it is that easy. I have seen them be a bear to remove. I dunno maybe they get worn or some sorta lub or 40 plus years of being left alone makes them be difficult. Just keep in mind the correct removal process and keep working the lock assy. I had one that wouldn't come out after an hr or more had to resort to alternate means of destruction of both the lock and the spacer.

[POPO1984]

what if i dont have the key and do not have the passenger door to get the code off of

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by POPO1984

what if i dont have the key and do not have the passenger door to get the code off of

That makes it really tough. Do you have the original drivers door lock? If so a good locksmith can make a key without the code number but it costs more to do it that way. If you try to drill out the existing ign. cylinder there is a good chance you will damage the switch in the process.

LockDoc

[POPO1984]

I dont have anything for this truck. I just bought the cab an the ignition was in there.

[LockDoc]

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Drilling is just about your only option then. There is another way to do it but it is pretty involved and pretty much only do-able by a locksmith with the correct tools.

LockDoc

[Duncan and son]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

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Drilling is just about your only option then. There is another way to do it but it is pretty involved and pretty much only do-able by a locksmith with the correct tools.

LockDoc

If Leon "lockdoc" says a rooster can pull a freight train then you better go find a chain.

[POPO1984]

so just drill the lock cylinder out then

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by POPO1984

so just drill the lock cylinder out then

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Yep...

LockDoc

[oldblue1968chevy]

There is notches in the bezel, i took a screwdriver and tapped it tight with a hammer..

[ricks71pu]

ask this q a wekk or so back. had trouble w/ remoeval, till i read after you put paperclip in, let it retract, then turn left.