Drilling out my ignition - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

The-1ton · 03-19-2012, 09:36 PM

Ok I got a 67 GMC and I'm trying to get the ignition out of the truck, switch, cylinder and all. I'm assuming the cylinder and probably the switch are stock because turning the key takes a special touch and weak hands won't cut it lol. so I tried taking the cylinder out properly and it will not budge at all. The ignition isn't tight up against the dash at all either so it makes attempting to do it properly a 2 person job to hold the switch still so it doesn't turn. I've given up on doing it properly and have decided to drill it out. I don't care if I destroy anything now because I already have a new assembly, minus the bezel I'll get that later. I got up to a 1/2" big with a drill bit, and am wondering if anyone knows to go bigger? I've heard of people getting it done with a 1/2"? Reason I ask is because I have nothing bigger lol, I have a pic here

aventur1 · 03-19-2012, 09:45 PM

Sounds like someone cross threaded it. Fine threads and it is easy to cross thread. I've seen channel locks and vise grips used to take them of. Well just keep drilling....I would think 1/2 is plenty big enough.

The-1ton · 03-19-2012, 09:51 PM

Yea I've heard that is easy to do and makes sense in my situation. The cylinder still won't budge with a 1/2 hole, anybody used bigger?

**too much stuff** · 03-19-2012, 10:23 PM

I just sawzall it from behind...

71swb4x4 · 03-19-2012, 10:26 PM

How do we know this is really your truck?

The-1ton · 03-20-2012, 07:32 PM

I can show you the bill of sale if you want haha, I got ahold of a 3/4" bit and will hopefully mangle this thing enough to come out of the dash, will post pics later

pat 70/71 · 03-20-2012, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by too much stuff

I just sawzall it from behind...

I agree! Real lite casting just disconnect the bat first lol, cut half way through and snap it off! Good luck , cheers, PAt
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The-1ton · 03-20-2012, 11:54 PM

Alright I used the 3/4" and it came out in seconds, I think I need a new spacer along with a bezel, the old bezel was cross threaded so I know this has been done at somepoint before. Anyways heres a pic of the ignition now lol

Bus Ted Knuckle · 03-21-2012, 01:18 AM

I'm glad you got it!

Next time grab it with a pair of vice-grips and break it

ricks71pu · 03-21-2012, 10:12 AM

The title of this thread makes me shiver!!! lol

The-1ton · 03-21-2012, 07:43 PM

Im not so sure my harness is in great shape either, the only wires connected to it were the ignition, solenoid and acc. Battery wire came off during the switch removal. Can these things be rebuilt? Or is it recommended to change it? Problem with changing it is i cant find them anywhere except in a complete wiring kit for the whole truck or finding one used out of another truck

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03-19-2012, 09:36 PM	#1
The-1ton Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Kaleden B.C, Canada Posts: 30	Drilling out my ignition Ok I got a 67 GMC and I'm trying to get the ignition out of the truck, switch, cylinder and all. I'm assuming the cylinder and probably the switch are stock because turning the key takes a special touch and weak hands won't cut it lol. so I tried taking the cylinder out properly and it will not budge at all. The ignition isn't tight up against the dash at all either so it makes attempting to do it properly a 2 person job to hold the switch still so it doesn't turn. I've given up on doing it properly and have decided to drill it out. I don't care if I destroy anything now because I already have a new assembly, minus the bezel I'll get that later. I got up to a 1/2" big with a drill bit, and am wondering if anyone knows to go bigger? I've heard of people getting it done with a 1/2"? Reason I ask is because I have nothing bigger lol, I have a pic here

03-19-2012, 09:45 PM	#2
aventur1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 676	Re: Drilling out my ignition Sounds like someone cross threaded it. Fine threads and it is easy to cross thread. I've seen channel locks and vise grips used to take them of. Well just keep drilling....I would think 1/2 is plenty big enough. __________________ 1968 4x4 Frame, with a 67 Cab and Bed A Shorter Step 1999 Dodge 2500 Cummins Diesel

03-19-2012, 09:51 PM	#3
The-1ton Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Kaleden B.C, Canada Posts: 30	Re: Drilling out my ignition Yea I've heard that is easy to do and makes sense in my situation. The cylinder still won't budge with a 1/2 hole, anybody used bigger?

03-19-2012, 10:23 PM	#4
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,712	Re: Drilling out my ignition I just sawzall it 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

03-19-2012, 10:26 PM	#5
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Drilling out my ignition How do we know this is really your truck? __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

03-20-2012, 07:32 PM	#6
The-1ton Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Kaleden B.C, Canada Posts: 30	Re: Drilling out my ignition I can show you the bill of sale if you want haha, I got ahold of a 3/4" bit and will hopefully mangle this thing enough to come out of the dash, will post pics later

03-20-2012, 11:54 PM	#8
The-1ton Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Kaleden B.C, Canada Posts: 30	Re: Drilling out my ignition Alright I used the 3/4" and it came out in seconds, I think I need a new spacer along with a bezel, the old bezel was cross threaded so I know this has been done at somepoint before. Anyways heres a pic of the ignition now lol

03-21-2012, 01:18 AM	#9
Bus Ted Knuckle Son of a gun Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas Posts: 1,636	Re: Drilling out my ignition I'm glad you got it! Next time grab it with a pair of vice-grips and break it __________________ Bill BEATERS ARE NEATER

03-21-2012, 10:12 AM	#10
ricks71pu Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: salem oregon Posts: 225	Re: Drilling out my ignition The title of this thread makes me shiver!!! lol __________________ In the words of my favorite poet, singer/songwriter (Paul Thorn):"What ever you believe, you might be wrong"

03-21-2012, 07:43 PM	#11
The-1ton Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Kaleden B.C, Canada Posts: 30	Re: Drilling out my ignition Im not so sure my harness is in great shape either, the only wires connected to it were the ignition, solenoid and acc. Battery wire came off during the switch removal. Can these things be rebuilt? Or is it recommended to change it? Problem with changing it is i cant find them anywhere except in a complete wiring kit for the whole truck or finding one used out of another truck Posted via Mobile Device



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