Replacing the ignition cylinder

[72longhornTX]

I have been trying all day. How does it come out of the dash?

[lks dcvn]

things you will need to do this-

Heavy gauge paper clip opened up a bit - or a very small allen wrench (to hold)
key that fits the ignition cylinder
patience in some cases

Put key into ignition
Turn key counter-clockwise (toward driver door) to the accessory spot
Take paper clip or small allen wrench and insert it into the small hole in the cylinder barrel
push the paper clip into the hole until you feel some tension
push the paper clip just a bit more and hold the pressure as you depress the switch inside it
While holding pressure on the paper clip turn the key (still in the ignition acc position) to the left
the key with ignition switch will turn out

That is it

Some are easier - Others are harder

Mine wasn't too bad when I did it.

Hope that helps.

[sneakysnake]

A pic

[68Stepbed]

If your ignition doesn't have an accessory switch to left like my original was, use the paper clip or allen wrench method like above, but turn the key to the on position and pull at the same time. It's a bit awkward and frustrating, but not too bad.

[72longhornTX]

Thanks everyone!
We figured it out the hard part was we didnt have the key for it so thats why we were changing it.
But a neighbor of ours had a collection of old GM keys and we found a Caddy key that turned it then the cylinder came right out.

Now we are close the starting the truck but need a wiring harness. lol

[72armyswbtruck]

Congrats.
Hey Pics of the truck if you have them we all love pics of trucks, BTW Welcome to the Board

[Longhorn Man]

Originally Posted by 68Stepbed

If your ignition doesn't have an accessory switch to left like my original was, use the paper clip or allen wrench method like above, but turn the key to the on position and pull at the same time. It's a bit awkward and frustrating, but not too bad.

very interesting. I did this on a 68, it too had no acc position, (seems to have showed up mid year) and i placed the clip in there from the off position and rotated counter clockwise.

[ChevyC102007]

When I replaced mine I had to take off the chrome betzel (SP?) so it would come out. But the removal was the same, I also replaced the switch assembly behind it (Key was sticking and not making complete contact to start the truck, needed to jiggle it a couple times before it would start bad terminals I guess) havent had a problem since then, about an hour in the driveway and it was done. Changing the ignition cylinder/Switch on these ole trucks is FAR easier than changing them on some models of cars. Just my 2 cents.

[LockDoc]

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If anyone else has this problem I posted some information here that may be useful..

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=213860

LockDoc

[72ChevyAZ]

I put a new one in a few weeks ago. If it wasn't for reading about this on another thread somewhere, I would have been stuck but since I got the details from you all I knew exactly what to do.

Good Info here. Alot of knowledgable people!

[Wilson_]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

very interesting. I did this on a 68, it too had no acc position, (seems to have showed up mid year) and i placed the clip in there from the off position and rotated counter clockwise.

I just did this on a 67 with a acc position and also rotated it counter clockwise to get it out.

[Green Monster]

I think I FUBAR'd my ignition switch. I attempted to switch out the chrome bezel without with a new chrome piece to freshen up my dash.

I did not realize I had to take the ignition lock cylinder out first to get the bezel off. I turned the bezel as far counter clockwise as possible by hand, then used a screwdriver and mallet to further turn the bezel when I could no longer turn it by hand. Realizing this the bezel was not coming off, I tapped a screwdriver with a mallet to get the bezel back on. Now I can't turn the key counter clockwise to the ACC position and I can only turn the key clockwise until I hear a click in the engine compartment (solenoid?) but the starter will not turn because the key gets jammed before I can get to that point.

The bezel appears to be cross threaded now. Pictured below is a tool I purchased through ebay for removing the bezel. Hopefully this tool makes this job a little easier, but I think the damage is already done and will need to buy a new ignition lock cylinder. I will attempt to loosen the bezel again and then thread it on again.

If I can't even turn the key counter clockwise after all this, how will I get the ignition cylinder out? Any thoughts?

[LockDoc]

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The bezel is probably putting pressure on the lock cylinder and keeping it from turning. See if you can get the bezel screwed back on straight or at least loose enough that the cylinder will turn. Make sure that the key is going all the way into the lock cylinder before you try turning it..... A little penetrating oil on everything might help too.

LockDoc

[Green Monster]

I'll wait for the arrival of the tool so I don't mess this thing up any more before I try this. Thanks!

[bsm78]

i did this the other day. i thought the shiney outer piece came off first. so i wrenched down with my hands and turned it till it popped out. luckily it went back together but i had to take a screw driver and line the hole back up on the key cylinder. but yea if you have that shiney outer piece too unscrewed any it will put pressure on your key cyl and make it harder to remove

[Green Monster]

That's the same thing I did. I had to repair the threads on my ignition cylinder to get it installed again. The funny looking tool I bought does make installation and removal of the ignition cylincder bezel much easier.

[lowridergt]

Hi all, I need to replace a ignition switch on a 71 C10 and i do not have a key for it. Any ideas on how to remove it ?
Thanks

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by lowridergt

Hi all, I need to replace a ignition switch on a 71 C10 and i do not have a key for it. Any ideas on how to remove it ?
Thanks

This is information from the link I posted in message #9 above...

The code number should be stamped on the door lock cylinder, (see pic below) sometimes one, sometimes both. The only time I have found one that didn't have the code stamped on it is when the lock had been replaced with a new one. Check the passenger door first. Generally the lock case will have to be cleaned very well to be able to see the code number. A small wire brush, steel wool, scotch bright, or sandpaper usually works well for this. I do not recommend a wire wheel because it will completely remove the code number if it is stamped lightly. The code number is always stamped into the lock case, never cast into it. Most locksmiths can cut a key from this code number. Home centers and hardware stores will not be able to do this. If the locks are original to the truck or were all replaced at the same time the key made from the code number on the door lock should fit the ignition switch & usually the glove box too (but not always).

LockDoc

[71enthusiast]

I got mine out with a drill and a drill bit!

[jdfrmnt]

i must be lucky mine just falls out when ever it wants

[actconstruction]

The bezel is the "nut" referred to. If you don't have the keys, or if you (shocking) have trouble getting the cylinder to come out for any reason, there is hope. You can knock out the lip around the edge of the cylinder (look at the bezel side on your replacement part). Since the bezel just barely is retained by that lip, it should come out as smooth as it's going to at that point. As you unscrew the front bezel, you may have to hold the cylinder housing from behind, since it might want to spin. Once the bezel is off, the cylinder should fall out of the back on its own. Wow, is that a record for most use of the word 'bezel'?The first one of these I had to do was a travesty, so I hope this helps somebody.

[Sterlingdeville]

THANK TO EVERYONE ON THIS THREAD SOOOO MUCH. I was able to use an old Caddy key to get my ignition cylinder out after losing my keys... you guys are lifesavers!

[Ray Rust]

Hey LockDoc , I got mine apart drilled the crap out of it !!! but at least it's out , now silly question how do I refit the new cylinder ???

Thanks Ray