Removing An Old Ignition Switch Without A Key - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Bryan H · 06-27-2003, 10:09 PM

I bought a cab and I'm stripping it down to be sandblasted. How can I get the old switch out of the dash without the key and without tearing my dash up?

Longhorn Man · 06-27-2003, 10:16 PM

I have used a small screw driver and 2.5 pound hammer as a key. It took a while, but I did it without screwing up the dash.

**STP67-72** · 06-27-2003, 11:05 PM

Take your time and drill it out. Some come right out and some take a little more time. 2-3 size bits sometime.

Blue Beard · 06-28-2003, 10:20 AM

Those locks use little brass wafers. So drilling them should work...........

da-burb · 06-28-2003, 11:07 AM

The easiest way is hammer and punch. Unscrew the bezel until it is tight against the lock cylinder. Give it the old wham, bam, thank you mam and the stainless cylinder cap will come off as it pops out the back of the bezel. Ive done it this way 5+ times with no damage to dash.

dons72 · 06-28-2003, 12:50 PM

They will come out without the key, but not easily. When I replaced mine I didn't have a book or any clue how to do it. I used brute force, channel locks, and a home made bezel tool. LOTS of cursing later I got it out. If I had it to do over again I would call a locksmith.

Terry S · 06-28-2003, 03:54 PM

I have used a slide hammer with good results, but it's easier to take one of the door locks out and take it to a locksmith. Assuming that it's all still original it's the same key and a locksmith will make a new key for you for around ten bucks.

06-27-2003, 10:09 PM	#1
Bryan H Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Chesnee SC Posts: 254	Removing An Old Ignition Switch Without A Key I bought a cab and I'm stripping it down to be sandblasted. How can I get the old switch out of the dash without the key and without tearing my dash up?

06-28-2003, 10:20 AM	#4
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,834	Those locks use little brass wafers. So drilling them should 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

06-28-2003, 11:07 AM	#5
da-burb "Ochre Ogre" Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Springfield, MN Posts: 3,558	The easiest way is hammer and punch. Unscrew the bezel until it is tight against the lock cylinder. Give it the old wham, bam, thank you mam and the stainless cylinder cap will come off as it pops out the back of the bezel. Ive done it this way 5+ times with no damage to dash. __________________ 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

06-28-2003, 12:50 PM	#6
dons72 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Newport News, Va Posts: 230	They will come out without the key, but not easily. When I replaced mine I didn't have a book or any clue how to do it. I used brute force, channel locks, and a home made bezel tool. LOTS of cursing later I got it out. If I had it to do over again I would call a locksmith. __________________ 72 cheyenne super

06-28-2003, 03:54 PM	#7
Terry S Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Haysville, KS Posts: 118	I have used a slide hammer with good results, but it's easier to take one of the door locks out and take it to a locksmith. Assuming that it's all still original it's the same key and a locksmith will make a new key for you for around ten bucks. __________________ I can do all things thru Christ, but he evidently doesn't want me to beat that Camaro light to light....

06-27-2003, 10:16 PM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	I have used a small screw driver and 2.5 pound hammer as a key. It took a while, but I did it without screwing up the dash.

06-27-2003, 11:05 PM	#3
STP67-72 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: PORT NECHES, TEXAS / USA Posts: 1,667	Take your time and drill it out. Some come right out and some take a little more time. 2-3 size bits sometime.



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