Can't get ignition switch out of dash, bad key - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

'68 Newtricks · 10-31-2014, 01:19 AM

Hey party people!
Just trying to get some stuff done between work and sleep. I attempted to get the ignition switch out but failed. Since last using the truck, the ignition is hard to turn with the key. Plus, the key is in pretty bad shape. In fact, it's impossible to turn to the left.

If I can't get the cylinder to turn to ACC, so I can push the release button, what's my next step to remove the damn thing? I'm actually looking to replace the cylinder and put a new bezel on, but maybe a sawzall is the proper tool here.

I'll just end up buying a new switch.

SierraMtns · 10-31-2014, 01:26 AM

Man thats a bummer. But I am glad you posted this picture. My ignition switch is loose and needs to be tighten up but was not sure which tool to use.

Where did you get that tool?

Thanks

'68 Newtricks · 10-31-2014, 08:56 AM

Lots of places
Mine came from Classic Industries
but you'll pay for it

**michael bustamante** · 10-31-2014, 02:00 PM

I wondr if you could drill it and force it to turn.

kcsa75 · 10-31-2014, 02:12 PM

Reach out to LockDoc. Leon can probably help.

71 super · 10-31-2014, 02:16 PM

Worst case scenario use a cut off wheel and cut the switch assembly at the point where it joins at the spacer in the rear- behind dash. You will end up needing a new switch obviously but sound like it anyway. Try to save the spacer if possible and by doing it this way it will save the bezel as well, plus it wont bend you the dash

**jabborabbo** · 10-31-2014, 06:25 PM

I wouldn't do squat until I talked to Leon - Leon knows locks!

**LockDoc** · 11-01-2014, 08:39 AM

Thanks guys.

Hi Brent,

The '67's and SOME '68's don't have an accessory position.

The first thing I would do is to snug the bezel back up and spray some penetrating oil (not WD-40) or spray lube into the key hole, then put the key in it and turn it off and on a few times. Turn it all the way both ways & pull the key out and insert it a few times too. Make sure you get enough penetrating oil in it to lube the parts but don't get carried away with it. Then try removing the cylinder following the instructions I posted in the thread below. Let me know if that helps it or not.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=462981

LockDoc

PanelDeland · 11-01-2014, 03:16 PM

Leon said "Patience Grasshopper"

**truckdude239** · 11-01-2014, 03:39 PM

i didn;t have a key for mine so i used and air hammer and it pushed it out left bezzel alone

'68 Newtricks · 11-01-2014, 04:20 PM

Found out mine doesn't have ACC. I can feel the button in the OFF position. Pushed it in and turned left. Clicked left but now it's stuck inside. I don't have much pulling power as the key/cylinder is so bad the key comes out at any position. I've been rattling it for a while now. Gave up and am working on running the brake lines. Frustrations have continued cause nothing fits worth a damn, I hate LMC and InLine.

franken · 11-01-2014, 06:12 PM

Maybe stick a toothpick or sliver of wood in there with the key to jam the key so you can pull the cylinder out?

You can get a new cylinder from the local parts store, BTW...

**LockDoc** · 11-01-2014, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by franken

Maybe stick a toothpick or sliver of wood in there with the key to jam the key so you can pull the cylinder out?

You can get a new cylinder from the local parts store, BTW...

Another trick is to use a set of picks like this, or an old angled dental pick if the key won't stay in it. That way you can work it back and forth a little as you pull on it. If you turn it back to the right too far it will re-lock. Don't forget to use the lube....

LockDoc

'68 Newtricks · 11-02-2014, 09:20 PM

Hell yeah!!!!!

Penetrating lube, pick, and a fear of not accomplishing anything today. I win!

**LockDoc** · 11-02-2014, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by '68 Newtricks

Hell yeah!!!!!

Penetrating lube, pick, and a fear of not accomplishing anything today. I win!

I knew you could do it. Congrats on the victory!!..

LockDoc

10-31-2014, 01:19 AM	#1
'68 Newtricks Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Los Angeles area :( Posts: 499	Can't get ignition switch out of dash, bad key Hey party people! Just trying to get some stuff done between work and sleep. I attempted to get the ignition switch out but failed. Since last using the truck, the ignition is hard to turn with the key. Plus, the key is in pretty bad shape. In fact, it's impossible to turn to the left. If I can't get the cylinder to turn to ACC, so I can push the release button, what's my next step to remove the damn thing? I'm actually looking to replace the cylinder and put a new bezel on, but maybe a sawzall is the proper tool here. I'll just end up buying a new switch. __________________ '68 C10 SWB '85 K30 Blazer

10-31-2014, 01:26 AM	#2
SierraMtns Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Shingle Springs, CA Posts: 869	Re: Can't get ignition switch out of dash, bad key Man thats a bummer. But I am glad you posted this picture. My ignition switch is loose and needs to be tighten up but was not sure which tool to use. Where did you get that tool? Thanks

10-31-2014, 08:56 AM	#3
'68 Newtricks Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Los Angeles area :( Posts: 499	Re: Can't get ignition switch out of dash, bad key Lots of places Mine came from Classic Industries but you'll pay for it __________________ '68 C10 SWB '85 K30 Blazer

10-31-2014, 02:00 PM	#4
michael bustamante Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 7,862	Re: Can't get ignition switch out of dash, bad key I wondr if you could drill it and force it to turn. __________________ 1967custom

10-31-2014, 02:12 PM	#5
kcsa75 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Kansas City Posts: 3,590	Re: Can't get ignition switch out of dash, bad key Reach out to LockDoc. Leon can probably help. __________________ Willie Swamp Angel Truckers '72 C10 Highlander *People who blindly follow a GPS end up on television programs on The Weather Channel. Some survive, some don't.*

10-31-2014, 02:16 PM	#6
71 super Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Canton North carolina Posts: 3,080	Re: Can't get ignition switch out of dash, bad key Worst case scenario use a cut off wheel and cut the switch assembly at the point where it joins at the spacer in the rear- behind dash. You will end up needing a new switch obviously but sound like it anyway. Try to save the spacer if possible and by doing it this way it will save the bezel as well, plus it wont bend you the dash __________________ 67 blue step side- bb 68 gold and white swb cst anniversary 68 custom swb hot rod Ls swap 69 swb cst 6 cylinder/ overdrive 69 black/black cst bb swb 70 orange and white cst Canada built truck swb bb 71 black and white super swb bb 71 red and white super swb 72 green and white super swb 4x4 62 nova wagon 400 series Ls swapped 68 Camaro 327/4 speed- 1 owner, original paint 66 Volkswagen bettle 69 auto stick Volkswagen Beetle

10-31-2014, 06:25 PM	#7
jabborabbo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Podunk, Texas Posts: 769	Re: Can't get ignition switch out of dash, bad key I wouldn't do squat until I talked to Leon - Leon knows locks!

11-01-2014, 08:39 AM	#8
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,818	Re: Can't get ignition switch out of dash, bad key Thanks guys. Hi Brent, The '67's and SOME '68's don't have an accessory position. The first thing I would do is to snug the bezel back up and spray some penetrating oil (not WD-40) or spray lube into the key hole, then put the key in it and turn it off and on a few times. Turn it all the way both ways & pull the key out and insert it a few times too. Make sure you get enough penetrating oil in it to lube the parts but don't get carried away with it. Then try removing the cylinder following the instructions I posted in the thread below. Let me know if that helps it or not. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=462981 LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

11-01-2014, 03:16 PM	#9
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: Can't get ignition switch out of dash, bad key Leon said "Patience Grasshopper" __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

11-01-2014, 03:39 PM	#10
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,238	Re: Can't get ignition switch out of dash, bad key i didn;t have a key for mine so i used and air hammer and it pushed it out left bezzel alone __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

11-01-2014, 04:20 PM	#11
'68 Newtricks Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Los Angeles area :( Posts: 499	Re: Can't get ignition switch out of dash, bad key Found out mine doesn't have ACC. I can feel the button in the OFF position. Pushed it in and turned left. Clicked left but now it's stuck inside. I don't have much pulling power as the key/cylinder is so bad the key comes out at any position. I've been rattling it for a while now. Gave up and am working on running the brake lines. Frustrations have continued cause nothing fits worth a damn, I hate LMC and InLine. __________________ '68 C10 SWB '85 K30 Blazer

11-01-2014, 06:12 PM	#12
franken Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Somewhere Posts: 3,128	Re: Can't get ignition switch out of dash, bad key Maybe stick a toothpick or sliver of wood in there with the key to jam the key so you can pull the cylinder out? You can get a new cylinder from the local parts store, BTW...

11-02-2014, 09:20 PM	#14
'68 Newtricks Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Los Angeles area :( Posts: 499	Re: Can't get ignition switch out of dash, bad key Hell yeah!!!!! Penetrating lube, pick, and a fear of not accomplishing anything today. I win! __________________ '68 C10 SWB '85 K30 Blazer



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