Removing a buggered ignition switch cylinder? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

e rock · 01-07-2007, 02:56 AM

My truck is finally back in my driveway, but I had to get it towed home because the mouthbreathers that stole it screwed up the keyhole. Since my key doesn't work, I can't remove the cylinder to install a new one. At least, I don't know if there's a way to do it.

I tried using a variety of screwdrivers and such, but no luck. Apparently I would suck at being a car thief.

I'm hesitant to take the drill to it, but that may be the next step if I can't figure out how to get the cylinder out without damaging the switch housing.

Thanks,
Eric

68shortfleet · 01-07-2007, 03:02 AM

I need this answer also. I didnt get keys with the A/C cab that i got.
Jason

matthufham · 01-07-2007, 03:05 AM

it has a bezel on it. the lip on the front plus the spacer on the back sandwhich it to the dash. the bezel is really thin stuff, so i took a cutoff wheel and cut like 20-30 cuts on it's lip and slowly broke chunks off of it until the whole ignition set came out the rear of the dash hole. you'll need a new switch, new lock cylinder, a new bezel, and you'll probably be able to get your old spacer off, so you can reuse that.

72freak · 01-07-2007, 08:15 AM

You are down to a drill or a saw-zaw. Either way prepare yourself to have to buy a new lockset, and ignition housing. The cab you want ot keep.......go under the dash with a saw-zaw and cut the ingnition housing in half. Disconect the wiring plug from it first. The cab that you dont want to keep........unscrew the bezzel as far as it will go and then pop it with a heavy screw driver and a hammer.

Others have had luck drilling the cylinder out, but every time I try it I end up messing up the housing anyway. It quicker to cut it in half and start from fresh.

A new lock housing...$10 on ebay
complete lock set.....$35

Longhorn Man · 01-07-2007, 11:00 AM

FAQ;
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=123712

**LockDoc** · 01-07-2007, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68shortfleet

I need this answer also. I didnt get keys with the A/C cab that i got.
Jason

If the door locks are still in your A/C cab this thread may help you.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...oc#post1837269

LockDoc

dbcox · 01-07-2007, 07:22 PM

jab something in it thet will stay to pull it out get a paper clip stick in that little hole and turn left and pull it should come out i didnt have a key for mine i got a new cylinder jabbed a old key in it and pulled it out

01-07-2007, 02:56 AM	#1
e rock Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Monroe, WA Posts: 87	Removing a buggered ignition switch cylinder? My truck is finally back in my driveway, but I had to get it towed home because the mouthbreathers that stole it screwed up the keyhole. Since my key doesn't work, I can't remove the cylinder to install a new one. At least, I don't know if there's a way to do it. I tried using a variety of screwdrivers and such, but no luck. Apparently I would suck at being a car thief. I'm hesitant to take the drill to it, but that may be the next step if I can't figure out how to get the cylinder out without damaging the switch housing. Thanks, Eric

01-07-2007, 03:02 AM	#2
68shortfleet Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dundee, Oregon Posts: 311	Re: Removing a buggered ignition switch cylinder? I need this answer also. I didnt get keys with the A/C cab that i got. Jason

01-07-2007, 03:05 AM	#3
matthufham Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carl Junction, Missouri Posts: 2,061	Re: Removing a buggered ignition switch cylinder? it has a bezel on it. the lip on the front plus the spacer on the back sandwhich it to the dash. the bezel is really thin stuff, so i took a cutoff wheel and cut like 20-30 cuts on it's lip and slowly broke chunks off of it until the whole ignition set came out the rear of the dash hole. you'll need a new switch, new lock cylinder, a new bezel, and you'll probably be able to get your old spacer off, so you can reuse that.

01-07-2007, 08:15 AM	#4
72freak Rottenwood Garage Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Marietta, Georgia Posts: 4,321	Re: Removing a buggered ignition switch cylinder? You are down to a drill or a saw-zaw. Either way prepare yourself to have to buy a new lockset, and ignition housing. The cab you want ot keep.......go under the dash with a saw-zaw and cut the ingnition housing in half. Disconect the wiring plug from it first. The cab that you dont want to keep........unscrew the bezzel as far as it will go and then pop it with a heavy screw driver and a hammer. Others have had luck drilling the cylinder out, but every time I try it I end up messing up the housing anyway. It quicker to cut it in half and start from fresh. A new lock housing...$10 on ebay complete lock set.....$35 Last edited by 72freak; 01-07-2007 at 08:17 AM.

01-07-2007, 11:00 AM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Removing a buggered ignition switch cylinder? FAQ; http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=123712

01-07-2007, 07:22 PM	#7
dbcox Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: georgia Posts: 72	Re: Removing a buggered ignition switch cylinder? jab something in it thet will stay to pull it out get a paper clip stick in that little hole and turn left and pull it should come out i didnt have a key for mine i got a new cylinder jabbed a old key in it and pulled it out



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