need help with removing ignition lock unit!!!! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

tranz am · 05-02-2008, 06:11 AM

OK Im really irritated about this. I have to replace the ignition lock cylinder in my 69 gmc and I cant freakin remove it!!!! I figured that all I had to do was turn the chrome ring on the front of it. Made perfect since to me so I twisted it to loosen it. It was fairly tight and I had to use a screwdriver and a small hammer at first. after I loosened it I could turn it freely with my hand. I kept unscrewing it until it started to become harder to twist. I kept on twisting it and ended up having to use a pair of vise grips on the ring. now it spins freely but It wont come apart!!!
Its like I striped it out or something. Can some one please help me out here Im about to use a dead blow on this thing!!!!!!

breeh · 05-02-2008, 07:27 AM

Did you remove the lockset first? It has to come out before you remove the bezel.

SIXT8LOU · 05-02-2008, 07:29 AM

try using a paper clip to push the release mechanism(small hole on face of ignition)it should allow you to pull it right out the back.....

jrdz2120 · 05-02-2008, 03:23 PM

I changed mine the other day. Insert key, push in releasse pin with a paper clip or stiff wire and turn to the left . Insert new lock with key and turn right and done. No need to remove the switch. Later

tranz am · 05-02-2008, 04:37 PM

how hard does the pin have to be pushed in? something seams to be hanging up in there.

sameyrasmea72 · 05-02-2008, 06:07 PM

use key to turn counter clockwise to Accessories , then use paper clip to push in the tiny hole. when you feel the springing action continue to turn counter clockwise and pull on key removing cylinder.

Custom 68 · 05-02-2008, 09:19 PM

I had to cut and pry mine out. It is a 68 and did not turn CC to Accessory. It was a real PITA.
Most have posted on here with great luck but mine not so much.
good luck
Dave

sneakysnake · 05-02-2008, 10:00 PM

If you have the key, then use the paperclip trick as mentioned above.A lot of times the key is lost is why its being changed. There is a chrome cap that covers the lock mechanism and keeps the bezel from screwing off,bad part is you usually tear it up popping it off.

Longhorn Man · 05-02-2008, 11:42 PM

a 67 or early68 without the acc position can be done starting in the off position. Sometimes it takes some lube, some jiggling, cussing, and just as you are about to give up, it'll pop out in your hand.

tranz am · 05-03-2008, 05:29 AM

Ok guys Im going to give it another shot, Ill let you know if It comes out. thanks!

breeh · 05-03-2008, 06:23 AM

If you want to put a new lockset in it then I have found that a 3/8 drill bit with appropriate drill will also remove the old one.

tranz am · 05-06-2008, 07:32 AM

ok thanks guys I got it out

just needed a little finesse.

05-02-2008, 06:11 AM	#1
tranz am Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Santa Rosa, Ca Posts: 586	need help with removing ignition lock unit!!!! OK Im really irritated about this. I have to replace the ignition lock cylinder in my 69 gmc and I cant freakin remove it!!!! I figured that all I had to do was turn the chrome ring on the front of it. Made perfect since to me so I twisted it to loosen it. It was fairly tight and I had to use a screwdriver and a small hammer at first. after I loosened it I could turn it freely with my hand. I kept unscrewing it until it started to become harder to twist. I kept on twisting it and ended up having to use a pair of vise grips on the ring. now it spins freely but It wont come apart!!! Its like I striped it out or something. Can some one please help me out here Im about to use a dead blow on this thing!!!!!! __________________ My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456220 Best 1/4 mile time 12.1 @ 111 w/traction issues 1969 GMC SWB 1964 chevy II Nova ht Last edited by tranz am; 05-02-2008 at 06:15 AM.

05-02-2008, 07:27 AM	#2
breeh Recovering 67-72 Addict Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: North Bend, WA Posts: 1,788	Re: need help with removing ignition lock unit!!!! Did you remove the lockset first? It has to come out before you remove the bezel. __________________ 68 Short Fleet 4x4; 427; BTO Level 3 700R4; NP205; Dana 60 front and rear; 4" lift with 35's; Disc brakes; AGR variable ratio steering; factory bucket seats; factory tach and tilt. "Friends call me cruzer cuz I like fast cars and fast women"

05-02-2008, 07:29 AM	#3
SIXT8LOU Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Corona,Ca Posts: 146	Re: need help with removing ignition lock unit!!!! try using a paper clip to push the release mechanism(small hole on face of ignition)it should allow you to pull it right out the back.....

05-02-2008, 03:23 PM	#4
jrdz2120 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: dallas,tx Posts: 46	Re: need help with removing ignition lock unit!!!! I changed mine the other day. Insert key, push in releasse pin with a paper clip or stiff wire and turn to the left . Insert new lock with key and turn right and done. No need to remove the switch. Later

05-02-2008, 04:37 PM	#5
tranz am Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Santa Rosa, Ca Posts: 586	Re: need help with removing ignition lock unit!!!! how hard does the pin have to be pushed in? something seams to be hanging up in there. __________________ My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456220 Best 1/4 mile time 12.1 @ 111 w/traction issues 1969 GMC SWB 1964 chevy II Nova ht

05-02-2008, 06:07 PM	#6
sameyrasmea72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 2,443	Re: need help with removing ignition lock unit!!!! use key to turn counter clockwise to Accessories , then use paper clip to push in the tiny hole. when you feel the springing action continue to turn counter clockwise and pull on key removing cylinder. __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super 80 Silverado Blazer 2wd

05-02-2008, 09:19 PM	#7
Custom 68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,939	Re: need help with removing ignition lock unit!!!! I had to cut and pry mine out. It is a 68 and did not turn CC to Accessory. It was a real PITA. Most have posted on here with great luck but mine not so much. good luck Dave __________________ Dave 1968 Custom Chevy with turbo charged 5.3 gen III 4l80e swap 1967-71 GMC 3/4 ton long step 4x4 (not sure what year exactly?) "A good friend will bail you out of jail...but a true friend will be sitting next to you saying "that was frekin awesome". "If it doesn't fit force it...If it breaks then it needed to be replaced anyway!"

05-02-2008, 10:00 PM	#8
sneakysnake It's a catastrophic success. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,077	Re: need help with removing ignition lock unit!!!! If you have the key, then use the paperclip trick as mentioned above.A lot of times the key is lost is why its being changed. There is a chrome cap that covers the lock mechanism and keeps the bezel from screwing off,bad part is you usually tear it up popping it off.

05-02-2008, 11:42 PM	#9
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: need help with removing ignition lock unit!!!! a 67 or early68 without the acc position can be done starting in the off position. Sometimes it takes some lube, some jiggling, cussing, and just as you are about to give up, it'll pop out in your hand.

05-03-2008, 05:29 AM	#10
tranz am Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Santa Rosa, Ca Posts: 586	Re: need help with removing ignition lock unit!!!! Ok guys Im going to give it another shot, Ill let you know if It comes out. thanks! __________________ My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456220 Best 1/4 mile time 12.1 @ 111 w/traction issues 1969 GMC SWB 1964 chevy II Nova ht

05-03-2008, 06:23 AM	#11
breeh Recovering 67-72 Addict Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: North Bend, WA Posts: 1,788	Re: need help with removing ignition lock unit!!!! If you want to put a new lockset in it then I have found that a 3/8 drill bit with appropriate drill will also remove the old one. __________________ 68 Short Fleet 4x4; 427; BTO Level 3 700R4; NP205; Dana 60 front and rear; 4" lift with 35's; Disc brakes; AGR variable ratio steering; factory bucket seats; factory tach and tilt. "Friends call me cruzer cuz I like fast cars and fast women"

05-06-2008, 07:32 AM	#12
tranz am Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Santa Rosa, Ca Posts: 586	Re: need help with removing ignition lock unit!!!! ok thanks guys I got it out just needed a little finesse. __________________ My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456220 Best 1/4 mile time 12.1 @ 111 w/traction issues 1969 GMC SWB 1964 chevy II Nova ht



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