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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Durham NC
Posts: 216
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Drilling out an Ignition Switch
I just wanted to post my experience with an ignition switch and no key. I just picked up a 67 stepside this past weekend with no key. I pulled out the passenger side lock cylinder to have a key made for it. Between pulling the cylinder, trying to find a locksmith and going to get the key made, I spent 2 1/2 hours. The locksmith made a key, but it wouldn't turn the cylinder. I'm not sure if he knew what he was doing, but I gave him $5 for his trouble. I brought the key back and it wouldn't work for the ignition either. I decided to drill the ignition out. If you are going to do this you better have patience. It took 1 1/2 hours. I had to drill 2 holes. If you look at the pictures I drilled out the center 1st starting with smaller bits and working my way up to 7/16". It still wouldn't come out. I drilled another hole directly below that one where the pins are located in the cylinder. I kept drilling with larger bits till the 2 holes connected. I was then able to put a paper clip in the small hole and twist it out with a screwdriver. If I had to do it over I would start by drilling a small hole in the bottom directly below where the key goes in. If you start there and work your way up to larger bits I think it would come out quicker.
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68 4wd Stepside 69 2wd Stepside Project 71 2wd Blazer Project 72 2wd 3/4 Ton Project or Parts? 73 4wd Blazer |
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#2 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Richmond, Va
Posts: 573
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Re: Drilling out an Ignition Switch
how easy would it have been if you had a working key?
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Lebanon, Mo.
Posts: 1,315
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Re: Drilling out an Ignition Switch
I have to do this to my swb, the guy I bought it from lost the key.
Posted via Mobile Device
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1968 chevy lwb, getting ready to join forces with the 70 gmc 1970 gmc swb, getting ready to be a 68 chevy swb 1971 gmc lwb 2500 2wd Sierra Grande 1988 chevy 1-ton crew cab 2wd waiting for a 12v cummins |
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#4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
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Re: Drilling out an Ignition Switch
Here is the funny thing about my experience the other day. Both my 68 and 69 keys are on the same key chain. I replaced the ignition/door key cylinders in both of them as part of each build. I have a little tag on the 68's key, so I can tell them apart.
Well the other day I stuck the 68's key into the 69 without thinking about it and turned the key and it started. The ignition kinda hung in the start position for a little bit (1/2) and thats what made me realize it was the wrong key. Usually, especially the original ignition cylinders, are so sloppy you can use a screw diver to start them (or in my 69 s case when I got it, an old steak knife....hence why I replaced it ![]() |
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#5 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: May 2011
Location: Long Island NY
Posts: 787
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Re: Drilling out an Ignition Switch
You have to find an old time locksmith to handle them old keys. Alot of the newer guys just dont have the touch. I lost my 63 Corvair keys years ago. 20 minutes with the right locksmith and $80 later he punched a key using my glove box lock! I was impressed!
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#6 |
Roadtrip!
![]() Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Grand Rapids MN
Posts: 13,736
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Re: Drilling out an Ignition Switch
About 5 minutes with a sawzall from behind and you are done. Just cut it right off if you aren't saving it anyhow.
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67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Parkville, MD
Posts: 1,024
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Re: Drilling out an Ignition Switch
you probably could had picked the lock in under 5 min. Its hard to believe the locksmith couldn't make a working key....
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1970 C20 Custom Camper - 350, TH350 1997 GMC Suburban 1994 Acura Integra GSR 1987 Dodge Daytona Shelby Z |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Everest Ks
Posts: 749
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Re: Drilling out an Ignition Switch
I just had to do this same thing a few days ago. The key broke off in the ignition on the 72 Custom Deluxe i just bought. I tried to get the lock cylinder out by turning the cylinder to the left past the acc. position, insert wire in tiny hole, etc.etc...fought it for about an hour, no luck. I finally went and got the 1/2 inch drill, hammer, and small punch and went after it. It came out in about 5 minutes after that, but i did have to replace the ignition switch because it got destroyed in the anger of the moment. Never underestimate the power of a big drill! Joseph
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1970 Chevelle Nomad station wagon 1966 C-10 lwb,250-six,granny 4speed ![]() ![]() 1966 C-10 lwb,factory A/C,Custom Cab ![]() 1954 Delray 2-door sedan [rat rod project]
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