problem replacing ignition switch

[aron]

I'm new at this, not sure I'm posting correctly but here goes anyway. I am trying to replace the ignition switch in a 69 chevy pu. the bezel which looks to thread on the switch is just turning and will not release. Am I missing something or is it broke. Thanks

[Skirkpat]

Welcome to the board! post in the truck section, not many people on the Suburban side.

[vasquezmrysvll]

you must remove the lock cylinder before you remove the bezel, otherwise the bezel will turn for a life time.

[19723DR]

put your key into your ignition and turn to accessory, you'll notice a small hole. take a paper clip, put it in the hole then turn the key in further to the left and the lock cylinder pops right out. You should be able to take it apart after that.

[sjarrett71]

And if you don't have a key do what I just did. Drill out the key portion-I had to drill 3 holes-then take a large punch and smack it with a hammer. Didn't take too long once I used a good drill bit and not a cheapo.

[sneakysnake]

The shiney cap over the keyhole keeps the bezel from coming off. Put the key in and on acc position use a paper clip in the little hole will release the assy. otherwise if you dont have a key you can pry the cover off it will let the bezel unscrew

[sjarrett71]

I took the shiny part off and it still wouldn't release. Under the shiny cap, the rim of the tumbler assy is almost the same size and still too big to fit through the hole...unless mine was different.

[aron]

Thanks for the info.

[kevmic28]

Ok what do you do if the key lock will turn to the left but not pop out. I dont want to mess with it too much in fear of the whole damn thing breaking, then I am stuck with no wheels.

[w3lfd]

Sometimes they are finicky. On mine I had to make sure the clip was hitting the release. Try a clip that just fits inside the hole. If it then allows you to turn left you should be able to pull it out. Also, have you retightened the ring? It is much easier to pop the cylinder with everything else tight.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by kevmic28

Ok what do you do if the key lock will turn to the left but not pop out. I dont want to mess with it too much in fear of the whole damn thing breaking, then I am stuck with no wheels.

-
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...

LockDoc

[kevmic28]

Ok thanks, Ill try that in the morning when I can see again.

[kevmic28]

Been messing with it all day and still cant get it to pop out. Im going to put some graphite in it and see if that helps.

[ricks71pu]

so, i had a problem with my ignition switch. it shut down motor due to poor quality switch that i replaced a year or so back. it seems the 3 metal prongs that hold down electrical wire part to replacement switch was somewhat loose, poor contacting. i simply pounded down prongs and all is fine now. i did however forgot how to take out switch and this thread was as incredable as all you guys who gave advise. thank you very much.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by ricks71pu

so, i had a problem with my ignition switch. it shut down motor due to poor quality switch that i replaced a year or so back. it seems the 3 metal prongs that hold down electrical wire part to replacement switch was somewhat loose, poor contacting. i simply pounded down prongs and all is fine now. i did however forgot how to take out switch and this thread was as incredable as all you guys who gave advise. thank you very much.

Thanks. Glad it helped you out...

LockDoc

[BadaSs_Cal]

it just takes some practice the first time I did it I contemplated cutting the whole thing out of the dash...lol.. now I can pop that cylinder out everytime like a pro car thief... scary huh?

[70chevc10]

Originally Posted by BadaSs_Cal

it just takes some practice the first time I did it I contemplated cutting the whole thing out of the dash...lol.. now I can pop that cylinder out everytime like a pro car thief... scary huh?

I hear ya on that. After I had done it a few times, I started to think of just how easy it would be for someone to steal my truck if they knew how to change the switch....

[LONGHAIR]

It's not so much "stealing".....you need the key to make it happen.

[PanelDeland]

Pull the plug on the back of the switch and plug in a whole new unit.The truck starts then you can take it somewhere else.Not much to stealing one of these trucks.HS buddy had one that he drove that way for about a year when he lost the keys.I finally convinced him to drill it out and fix it right.

[dabarber]

This post was really helpful! I have a 1969 Chevrolet Truck Chassis Service Manual and it didn't say anything about turning it to accessory. If I hadn't read this post, I would have been cussing and messing with it all day. However, I would like to add a little better description. After you turn the key to accy., I used a small allen wrench to depress the pin. Then, you need to turn it to the left and pull the allen wrench out while you have pressure on the key. The tumbler still didn't just fall out, I had to jiggle it and work with it to get the tumbler to come out. But, thanks, everyone! I am a master ignition switch remover now!!

[TrixR4Kids]

About to undertake this myself as soon as the ignition assembly with original style keys come in from LockDoc.