Ignition switch removal - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Piece of Work · 05-24-2009, 10:37 AM

I'm looking at a 72 short stepside that the seller has lost the key to. He does have a clean title, so no problems there. Is it possible to remove the ignition switch with out a key and replace it with a new one?

-Mark

vasquezmrysvll · 05-24-2009, 11:06 AM

if you pop the stainless face off the lock cyl, the bezle may unscrew. that will allow you to replace the switch and lock cyl.

sjarrett71 · 05-24-2009, 12:10 PM

Even if you pop the stainless face off the thing will still not unscrew. There is a lip on the actual housing also that prevents it.

Pop off the stainless cover, drill 2 or 3 holes in the switch, get a punch and smack it real hard with a BFH. That's what I had to do a couple weeks ago. Just make sure you use a quality drill bit.

Of course you will have to replace the electronic part of the switch as well as the lock cylinder but but it worked for me. I didn't even damage either of the bezels.

PanelDeland · 05-24-2009, 12:59 PM

Just unplug the connector from the back of the switch and plug in a new switch.Then you can hear it run and drive it home to work on it.

berencam · 05-24-2009, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

Just unplug the connector from the back of the switch and plug in a new switch.Then you can hear it run and drive it home to work on it.

I agree, if you get it, just buy a new swtch and ignition set. if you want to hear it run, just unplug the power wire, the ignition wire and hook them together, then touch the starter wire to it. Vwala, running truck.

**LockDoc** · 05-24-2009, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sjarrett71

Even if you pop the stainless face off the thing will still not unscrew. There is a lip on the actual housing also that prevents it.

Pop off the stainless cover, drill 2 or 3 holes in the switch, get a punch and smack it real hard with a BFH. That's what I had to do a couple weeks ago. Just make sure you use a quality drill bit.

Of course you will have to replace the electronic part of the switch as well as the lock cylinder but but it worked for me. I didn't even damage either of the bezels.

Some of them will unscrew if you peel off the stainless face. It is a crapshoot but I have done that with several of them...

LockDoc

**LockDoc** · 05-24-2009, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piece of Work

I'm looking at a 72 short stepside that the seller has lost the key to. He does have a clean title, so no problems there. Is it possible to remove the ignition switch with out a key and replace it with a new one?

-Mark

Generally you can take the passengers door lock out and it will have a code number stamped into it. (Similar to the pic below) Take the lock to a locksmith and he will be able to make a key for the door lock from the code number. The key will fit the ignition if the locks are original to the truck.

**mr48chev** · 05-24-2009, 11:20 PM

I've done just what Lockdoc said to do on several cars and trucks over the years.

One more thing. I never throw a car or truck key away. I have around a hundred on a big bailing wire ring out in the shop. Quite often an old worn out key can be jiggled to turn a switch on one of these trucks.

It's still easy enough to hotwire it to start it for a short period of time.

67Dad · 03-05-2011, 05:15 PM

67 c10: I put a tip cleaner in the spring hole by the key. It loosened and the decorative bezel appeared to unscrew (or just slide?), but it only opened up about 1/4 - 1/2 inch or so and won't go any further. Wires are off back, cylinder is now "loose" in the dashboard, but bezel keeps it from coming out completely. Any ideas or trick short of destroying it?

Thanks.

Mark

**LockDoc** · 03-05-2011, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67Dad

67 c10: I put a tip cleaner in the spring hole by the key. It loosened and the decorative bezel appeared to unscrew (or just slide?), but it only opened up about 1/4 - 1/2 inch or so and won't go any further. Wires are off back, cylinder is now "loose" in the dashboard, but bezel keeps it from coming out completely. Any ideas or trick short of destroying it?

Thanks.

Mark

See the other thread you posted in I added some info to it...

LockDoc

05-24-2009, 10:37 AM	#1
Piece of Work Cultural Infidel Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 668	Ignition switch removal I'm looking at a 72 short stepside that the seller has lost the key to. He does have a clean title, so no problems there. Is it possible to remove the ignition switch with out a key and replace it with a new one? -Mark __________________ posted via La-Z-Boy -Mark 1972 C-10 Fleetside 350/TH350 PS PB A/C Cab Sadly....Sold 1968 Short Fleet 350/TH400 PS PB Delivered by Fine69 Also sadly Sold! It may be that your whole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others. A man is not complete until he is married -- then he is finished.

05-24-2009, 11:06 AM	#2
vasquezmrysvll "the other guy" Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Olivehurst California 95961 Posts: 901	Re: Ignition switch removal if you pop the stainless face off the lock cyl, the bezle may unscrew. that will allow you to replace the switch and lock cyl. __________________ God Said,"Building A 10 Second Import Is Like Coming Out Of The Closet, In The End Ur Still....."EXPLETIVE"

05-24-2009, 12:10 PM	#3
sjarrett71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Rolla, MO Posts: 2,463	Re: Ignition switch removal Even if you pop the stainless face off the thing will still not unscrew. There is a lip on the actual housing also that prevents it. Pop off the stainless cover, drill 2 or 3 holes in the switch, get a punch and smack it real hard with a BFH. That's what I had to do a couple weeks ago. Just make sure you use a quality drill bit. Of course you will have to replace the electronic part of the switch as well as the lock cylinder but but it worked for me. I didn't even damage either of the bezels. __________________ -Scott- Last edited by sjarrett71; 05-24-2009 at 12:11 PM.

05-24-2009, 12:59 PM	#4
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: Ignition switch removal Just unplug the connector from the back of the switch and plug in a new switch.Then you can hear it run and drive it home to work on it. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

05-24-2009, 11:20 PM	#8
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,708	Re: Ignition switch removal I've done just what Lockdoc said to do on several cars and trucks over the years. One more thing. I never throw a car or truck key away. I have around a hundred on a big bailing wire ring out in the shop. Quite often an old worn out key can be jiggled to turn a switch on one of these trucks. It's still easy enough to hotwire it to start it for a short period of time.

03-05-2011, 05:15 PM	#9
67Dad Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: houston texas Posts: 84	Re: 67 c10 Ignition switch removal 67 c10: I put a tip cleaner in the spring hole by the key. It loosened and the decorative bezel appeared to unscrew (or just slide?), but it only opened up about 1/4 - 1/2 inch or so and won't go any further. Wires are off back, cylinder is now "loose" in the dashboard, but bezel keeps it from coming out completely. Any ideas or trick short of destroying it? Thanks. Mark __________________ Mark 57 Austin Healey 3000 (sold many moons ago, unfortunately) 67 C10 (in progress, son's) w/ 1993 350 SBC, '96 Vortec heads (custom polished ports), EPS Performer intake, Holley carb, cam, MSD ignition 93 C4 Corvette (mostly done, son's)



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