How do you remove ignition switch bezel w/o key?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mcbassin · 02-23-2012, 05:57 PM

I got a parts truck a few months back without keys. How can I remove the bezel on the ignition switch? Any help?
Posted via Mobile Device

dhaymaker · 02-23-2012, 06:23 PM

Two things I've learned in life (subtitled: At least pertaining to replacing an ignitiion switch/cylinder/bezel!). One is...Don't throw away old keys. I have, along with several of my friends, a collection of old keys that fit our style of trucks. When you have a vehicle without a key, it's possible one of the old keys will be close enough to the lost key cylinder to get the key to turn to the "accessories" position and allow you to remove the key in the conventional manner. Had some friends over Sunday and one of them (thank you Tony) brought his bag of keys. Presto, found a key that would work, worked the paperclip magic, and I was able to remove the cylinder. Second thing...Drilling out an ignition cylinder is a b!&@%. I've had to drill out the cylinder when I was unable to find a key and it's simply no fun. Start drilling with a pilot bit and work up to a larger bit until you can pry/pop the pieces out. Unfortunately, I've also ruined a couple of ignition switches and had to replace them. Good Luck with this one!!

**too much stuff** · 02-23-2012, 06:50 PM

Sawzall from behind...

kcsa75 · 02-23-2012, 07:29 PM

You need to reach out to LockDoc. Leon knows all.
Posted via Mobile Device

mcbassin · 02-23-2012, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhaymaker

Two things I've learned in life (subtitled: At least pertaining to replacing an ignitiion switch/cylinder/bezel!). One is...Don't throw away old keys. I have, along with several of my friends, a collection of old keys that fit our style of trucks. When you have a vehicle without a key, it's possible one of the old keys will be close enough to the lost key cylinder to get the key to turn to the "accessories" position and allow you to remove the key in the conventional manner. Had some friends over Sunday and one of them (thank you Tony) brought his bag of keys. Presto, found a key that would work, worked the paperclip magic, and I was able to remove the cylinder. Second thing...Drilling out an ignition cylinder is a b!&@%. I've had to drill out the cylinder when I was unable to find a key and it's simply no fun. Start drilling with a pilot bit and work up to a larger bit until you can pry/pop the pieces out. Unfortunately, I've also ruined a couple of ignition switches and had to replace them. Good Luck with this one!!

thanks, I'll see if I can find some old keys and try it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by too much stuff

Sawzall from behind...

thought about that. Just didn't want to screw up the dash.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcsa75

You need to reach out to LockDoc. Leon knows all.
Posted via Mobile Device

I have reached out to him. Sent pm with no reply.
Posted via Mobile Device

mcbassin · 02-24-2012, 01:36 AM

Lockdoc??? Leon???

sanford66 · 02-24-2012, 02:05 AM

They are not much fun. The key broke off in the lock cylinder in my current 72. I used a 1/2" drill with three different size bits and a small chisel and hammer. I used the smaller bits first in a couple of places, then went to the larger bit. Then i broke the tumbler up after that with the hammer and chisel. A word of caution: if you do it this way you WILL have to replace the ignition switch as well because it will get destroyed! But i bought a new Borg-Warner Select ignition switch ahead of time because i knew i would need it, less than $20.00 from auto parts store. If you are careful you won't even scratch the bezel. This whole process took me less than a half an hour and has worked perfect ever since. Good luck, Joseph

**LockDoc** · 02-24-2012, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Lockdoc??? Leon???

Hi Mike. Sorry for the delay in answering your PM. I have a note laying here on the desk to PM you but I covered it up with my list of stuff I need to order for the burb..

Did the parts truck have door locks in it? If so take the passengers door lock out and PM me the code number off of it. Code number would be on the order of the one in the pic below. I can cut a key from that and if none of the locks have been changed it will fit the ignition. There is no easy way to remove the ignition lock cylinder without a key. You have to drill it out or saw it off. It can be drilled without damaging the switch but you have to know how it all fits together and how deep to drill.

LockDoc

mcbassin · 02-24-2012, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LockDoc

Hi Mike. Sorry for the delay in answering your PM. I have a note laying here on the desk to PM you but I covered it up with my list of stuff I need to order for the burb..

Did the parts truck have door locks in it? If so take the passengers door lock out and PM me the code number off of it. Code number would be on the order of the one in the pic below. I can cut a key from that and if none of the locks have been changed it will fit the ignition. There is no easy way to remove the ignition lock cylinder without a key. You have to drill it out or saw it off. It can be drilled without damaging the switch but you have to know how it all fits together and how deep to drill.

LockDoc

Thanks Leon, I will pull the pass door lock this weekend. You're the man!

Wolfmanhart · 02-24-2012, 05:46 PM

What can be done to get a new key for an 1987 C-10? I bought the truck from my best friend and the key has been lost in the last week or so. I am not sure if you can remove the ignition switch without the key. Any ideas???

68Gold/white · 02-24-2012, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfmanhart

What can be done to get a new key for an 1987 C-10? I bought the truck from my best friend and the key has been lost in the last week or so. I am not sure if you can remove the ignition switch without the key. Any ideas???

You will most likely need to take the cylinder out of the column and take to a locksmith, unless an expert here has a better answer.

You can get keys made at a dealership via the VIN number, but that's only good for the last 10 years, if that. To do that you have to have I.D. and the title of the car, for obvious security reasons, and then some dealers still won't do it because of potential theft problems....

Wolfmanhart · 02-24-2012, 08:11 PM

You will most likely need to take the cylinder out of the column and take to a locksmith, unless an expert here has a better answer.

Thats what I am scared of. If I have to take the cylinder out I might as well get a new cylinder with keys and replace it.

You can get keys made at a dealership via the VIN number, but that's only good for the last 10 years, if that. To do that you have to have I.D. and the title of the car, for obvious security reasons, and then some dealers still won't do it because of potential theft problems....

Dealer said nothing past 1990...

**LockDoc** · 02-24-2012, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfmanhart

What can be done to get a new key for an 1987 C-10? I bought the truck from my best friend and the key has been lost in the last week or so. I am not sure if you can remove the ignition switch without the key. Any ideas???

I am not that familiar with the later trucks. If the '87 used a different key for the doors than the ignition then you are pretty much out of luck. And yes you have to have a key to remove the lock cylinder in the normal way...

LockDoc

mcbassin · 02-24-2012, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LockDoc

I am not that familiar with the later trucks. If the '87 used a different key for the doors than the ignition then you are pretty much out of luck. And yes you have to have a key to remove the lock cylinder in the normal way...

LockDoc

I'm pretty sure they have the round keys that are little different from the ignition key that is square. At least they are on my son's 86.

**LockDoc** · 02-24-2012, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcbassin

I'm pretty sure they have the round keys that are little different from the ignition key that is square. At least they are on my son's 86.

That's what I thought. Rectangular head for ignition and oval for the doors....

LockDoc

Wolfmanhart · 02-25-2012, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LockDoc

That's what I thought. Rectangular head for ignition and oval for the doors....

LockDoc

You are correct....

mcbassin · 02-25-2012, 02:10 AM

Leon, I pulled the pass. side lock. I guess it was changed at some point. I couldn't find any number stamped on it. Is there any chance the driver side would have a number on it? I'll drill it out if I have to. But, I sure don't want to screw up my dash.

**LockDoc** · 02-25-2012, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcbassin

Leon, I pulled the pass. side lock. I guess it was changed at some point. I couldn't find any number stamped on it. Is there any chance the driver side would have a number on it? I'll drill it out if I have to. But, I sure don't want to screw up my dash.

It might have. If not you can send me one of the door locks and I can make a key for it and see if that works. If you wrap a little newspaper around it and tape it up, then put it in a padded envelope it would only cost a couple of bucks to send it.

LockDoc

Wolfmanhart · 03-24-2012, 09:14 PM

I got lucky with mine and AAA came and changed the ignition lock out for free for me under my membership!

02-23-2012, 05:57 PM	#1
mcbassin Still Learning Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Central Oklahoma Posts: 10,108	How do you remove ignition switch bezel w/o key?? I got a parts truck a few months back without keys. How can I remove the bezel on the ignition switch? Any help? Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Mike "69 Short Wide" My Project 86 Silverado Landen's Project Instagram: @mcbassin My Website C/10 Club Oklahoma Facebook Group

02-23-2012, 06:23 PM	#2
dhaymaker Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Peyton, CO Posts: 448	Re: How do you remove ignition switch bezel w/o key?? Two things I've learned in life (subtitled: At least pertaining to replacing an ignitiion switch/cylinder/bezel!). One is...Don't throw away old keys. I have, along with several of my friends, a collection of old keys that fit our style of trucks. When you have a vehicle without a key, it's possible one of the old keys will be close enough to the lost key cylinder to get the key to turn to the "accessories" position and allow you to remove the key in the conventional manner. Had some friends over Sunday and one of them (thank you Tony) brought his bag of keys. Presto, found a key that would work, worked the paperclip magic, and I was able to remove the cylinder. Second thing...Drilling out an ignition cylinder is a b!&@%. I've had to drill out the cylinder when I was unable to find a key and it's simply no fun. Start drilling with a pilot bit and work up to a larger bit until you can pry/pop the pieces out. Unfortunately, I've also ruined a couple of ignition switches and had to replace them. Good Luck with this one!! __________________ don "The DRBMan" 2014 Audi A4 (The Wife's Daily Driver) 2017 HD Ultra (The Cruiser) 2003 HD Fatboy (The Ride) 2001 Chevy Suburban (Another back up!!) For the first time in forever, not a single 67-72 Chevy truck, Blazer, or Suburban on the property! Basically retired and getting the new Motorhome ready for some traveling. Doing a bit of work on the house getting it ready to sell! LOL!!

02-23-2012, 06:50 PM	#3
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,712	Re: How do you remove ignition switch bezel w/o key?? Sawzall from behind... __________________ 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

02-23-2012, 07:29 PM	#4
kcsa75 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Kansas City Posts: 3,590	Re: How do you remove ignition switch bezel w/o key?? You need to reach out to LockDoc. Leon knows all. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 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.*

02-24-2012, 01:36 AM	#6
mcbassin Still Learning Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Central Oklahoma Posts: 10,108	Re: How do you remove ignition switch bezel w/o key?? Lockdoc??? Leon??? __________________ Mike "69 Short Wide" My Project 86 Silverado Landen's Project Instagram: @mcbassin My Website C/10 Club Oklahoma Facebook Group

02-24-2012, 02:05 AM	#7
sanford66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Everest Ks Posts: 749	Re: How do you remove ignition switch bezel w/o key?? They are not much fun. The key broke off in the lock cylinder in my current 72. I used a 1/2" drill with three different size bits and a small chisel and hammer. I used the smaller bits first in a couple of places, then went to the larger bit. Then i broke the tumbler up after that with the hammer and chisel. A word of caution: if you do it this way you WILL have to replace the ignition switch as well because it will get destroyed! But i bought a new Borg-Warner Select ignition switch ahead of time because i knew i would need it, less than $20.00 from auto parts store. If you are careful you won't even scratch the bezel. This whole process took me less than a half an hour and has worked perfect ever since. Good luck, Joseph __________________ 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]

02-24-2012, 05:46 PM	#10
Wolfmanhart Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ocala, Fl Posts: 26	Re: How do you remove ignition switch bezel w/o key?? What can be done to get a new key for an 1987 C-10? I bought the truck from my best friend and the key has been lost in the last week or so. I am not sure if you can remove the ignition switch without the key. Any ideas???

02-24-2012, 08:11 PM	#12
Wolfmanhart Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ocala, Fl Posts: 26	Re: How do you remove ignition switch bezel w/o key?? You will most likely need to take the cylinder out of the column and take to a locksmith, unless an expert here has a better answer. Thats what I am scared of. If I have to take the cylinder out I might as well get a new cylinder with keys and replace it. You can get keys made at a dealership via the VIN number, but that's only good for the last 10 years, if that. To do that you have to have I.D. and the title of the car, for obvious security reasons, and then some dealers still won't do it because of potential theft problems.... Dealer said nothing past 1990...

02-25-2012, 02:10 AM	#17
mcbassin Still Learning Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Central Oklahoma Posts: 10,108	Re: How do you remove ignition switch bezel w/o key?? Leon, I pulled the pass. side lock. I guess it was changed at some point. I couldn't find any number stamped on it. Is there any chance the driver side would have a number on it? I'll drill it out if I have to. But, I sure don't want to screw up my dash. __________________ Mike "69 Short Wide" My Project 86 Silverado Landen's Project Instagram: @mcbassin My Website C/10 Club Oklahoma Facebook Group

03-24-2012, 09:14 PM	#19
Wolfmanhart Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ocala, Fl Posts: 26	Re: How do you remove ignition switch bezel w/o key?? I got lucky with mine and AAA came and changed the ignition lock out for free for me under my membership!



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