Drilling out an Ignition Switch

[junksaver]

I just wanted to post my experience with an ignition switch and no key. I just picked up a 67 stepside this past weekend with no key. I pulled out the passenger side lock cylinder to have a key made for it. Between pulling the cylinder, trying to find a locksmith and going to get the key made, I spent 2 1/2 hours. The locksmith made a key, but it wouldn't turn the cylinder. I'm not sure if he knew what he was doing, but I gave him $5 for his trouble. I brought the key back and it wouldn't work for the ignition either. I decided to drill the ignition out. If you are going to do this you better have patience. It took 1 1/2 hours. I had to drill 2 holes. If you look at the pictures I drilled out the center 1st starting with smaller bits and working my way up to 7/16". It still wouldn't come out. I drilled another hole directly below that one where the pins are located in the cylinder. I kept drilling with larger bits till the 2 holes connected. I was then able to put a paper clip in the small hole and twist it out with a screwdriver. If I had to do it over I would start by drilling a small hole in the bottom directly below where the key goes in. If you start there and work your way up to larger bits I think it would come out quicker.