ignition cylinder removal...no keys!

[theo70]

hey everbody...it's been a while!
is there a way to remove the ignition cylinder without the key? i lost the keys and i'd rather not pay $125 to have a new one made...

[arkracing]

If you have access to a slide hammer - get a big screw and screw it into the lock clyinder and then slide hammer it out. You will break the switch as well but the switch and the cylinder with keys is still cheaper than $125

[bouncytruck]

The first time I removed one of these, I didn't know the trick. I was able to finally get it out with lots of force and effort. I had to buy a new switch & bezel, but I alreay planned on buying those because the bezel was pitted.

[theo70]

Originally Posted by bouncytruck

The first time I removed one of these, I didn't know the trick. I was able to finally get it out with lots of force and effort. I had to buy a new switch & bezel, but I alreay planned on buying those because the bezel was pitted.

did you use a slide hammer like arkracing posted?

[bouncytruck]

Nope, just the tools I had in the garage (screwdriver, hammer, channel locks.) It took a really, really long time. I think I had to pry the key slot cover off the lock cylinder and eventually I was able to unwind the bezel from the back plate and get the whole thing out.

A slide hammer sound like a much better solution. Maybe even a big drill bit in the middle of the lock might help too.

[pharcyde05]

my brother has no keys he has a toggle switch that turns on power to dist and a pushbutton momentary switch that he holds down to give starter power once it starts he lets go and he is off and running you could brobley get away with spending less than 20 $ at your local auto store

[Aarons72s]

I know a fairly easy way to due it and it will probably only destroy the lock cylinder. I was cutting up a 71 and had no keys. I wanted to completely strip the dash so what I did was took a flat head screw driver pounded it into the cylinder gently. Took a crescent wrench and atached it to the screw driver( the scre driver shaft must be of the square design). I then turned the lock cylinder counter clock wise until the lock cylinder broke. By this point it was in the acc position. Got a paper clip stuck it in the little hole on the lock cylinder to push the release button. I then turned the cylinder a little more counter clock wise then it came out. I am not real sure if it hurt the ignition switch but considering there like 10 bucks at the part store if I was you just go ahead and get another one. Hope this helps.
Aaron

[ratrod67]

Just take a little slot head screwdriver and pop the little stainless cover off the key cylinder. Then unscrew the nut holding the whole thing to the dash. Reach around and unplug the assembly from the harness. Go to the parts store and get both the switch and the lock cylinder from O'reilleys. I just did this on a friends truck a few weeks ago.

[jimfulco]

Wait!!! If that year uses the same key for the door as it does for the ignition, you can pull the door lock and find the key code stamped on it (4 digits, I think). Take the cylinder to a locksmith so he can match the blank, and he can cut you a key from the code. Shouldn't cost more than $10 or so.

[redhead69]

A drill with a big bit will do the trick too

[eric67m]

This is what I just did (after trying the pull the door lock and copy the code but it did not work for the ignition). It this method did not "feel" like it was going to work but it did. I used a washer and tapped it for a 4-40 screw for my pushing tool. Now I just need a new ignition switch.

http://showcase.netins.net/web/backt...formation.html

[ghetto_superman]

LockDoc posted a thread- maybe even a FAQ on this. might wanna check that out if your ordeal hasnt already been resolved

[brak]

just remove the switch from the harness and throw it away. don't bother trying to remove the cylinder.

new switch costs around 20 bucks, and new set of cylinders (both doors and ignition to retain matching keys) cost's about the same.

i think 50 bucks is well worth the time and headache you will save.