HELLLPPP! How do I DO this???? Anyone know?

[1975stepside]

Trying to help a friend replace the keyed ignition switch in his 77 C10. The dang Chilton manual ONLY gives info for 1970-72 (JEEZE!) and skips ALL the other years! I'm sure it can't be rocket science, how do we remove the old key switch and install a new one? (last owner had no clue, and used a screwdriver in the switch module that is under the dash). Thanks VERY VERY VERY much for ANY help!!!

[andrew king]

check the FAQ section on this board theres 2 write ups about it

[beaterC10]

I did that yesterday. You need to remove the wheel, the lockplate and retaining ring, the flasher knob, turn signal lever, and the three screws that hold the turn signal switch in the column. You will need a steering wheel puller and a lock plate depressor.

Pull the turn signal switch up and you will see a small cut out in the column bowl near the ignition switch. There may also be a slot in the cup, ignore that. If you look into the cutout you should see a small plastic clip, use a small screwdriver to push the clip up (toward the cylinder) and pull the switch out. Somewhere after 83 GM use a screw instead of the plastic clip. On that style, you remove the screw.

You may need to use a screw driver on the outside of the column to help pry the cylinder out. Be careful about prying too much on the two ears around the key slot, they are somewhat fragile.

[1975stepside]

Thanks Andrew King, however that appears to be for some dash-mounted ignition switch, this one is in the steering column. The only other post re this question in this Forum's FAQ's section is only a question someone posted that was never answered by anyone.

TO BeaterC10: so we will really have to pull the steering wheel etc. to remove it huh? Luckily I do have the oddball tools need to remove the steering wheel. Does the key need to be turned in a certain direction? Any sort of paper-clip or tool need to be insterted anywhere to get the lock cylinder to release like some vehicles require? How does the key cylinder attach to the rod that runs down the steering column that turns the "actual" switch that's under the dash? Thanks very much for any help!

[8t5Silverado]

No, it will pull right out, but you will need the lockplate remover ($10 tool that you will need).

[beaterC10]

Originally Posted by 1975stepside

Thanks Andrew King, however that appears to be for some dash-mounted ignition switch, this one is in the steering column. The only other post re this question in this Forum's FAQ's section is only a question someone posted that was never answered by anyone.

TO BeaterC10: so we will really have to pull the steering wheel etc. to remove it huh? Luckily I do have the oddball tools need to remove the steering wheel. Does the key need to be turned in a certain direction? Any sort of paper-clip or tool need to be insterted anywhere to get the lock cylinder to release like some vehicles require? How does the key cylinder attach to the rod that runs down the steering column that turns the "actual" switch that's under the dash? Thanks very much for any help!

Yea, you have to get down past the turn signal switch. Doesn't matter what position ignition is in, don't even need the key to remove the cylinder. The cylinder connection to the switch is fool proof. The switch has a slot that engages a tab in the column.