C2 Ignition key question

[Dwight P.]

My ignition switch has 4 positions...ACCESSORY-OFF-ON-START.
When my key is in the ACCESSORY position or ON position the key can be pulled out. This is not normal.
Will this discrepancy cost flight judging points?(There is no mention of it in the judging manual).
Who offers the best repair service for this problem?

Dwight

[Donald T.]

Re: C2 Ignition key question

What year is your car? In 63 and 64 the key will only lock the ignition. You can start the car without the key if it is not locked. Starting in 65, the key is required to start the car. Hope that helps.

[Donald T.]

Re: C2 Ignition key question

Just read your profile and looks like you have a 65. So ignore my last post. Easiest thing to do is just replace the lock cylinder. Just provide one of the vendors with your key code so your ignition key will match your door locks. Very easy to change an ignition lock cylinder.

[Peter L.]

Re: C2 Ignition key question

Dwight - Check your car's Owner's Manual for the correct operation of the igntion switch because a fix might not be required. As the previous post mentioned, there are differences for the different mid-years. Pete

[Mike Swanson]

Re: C2 Ignition key question

Dwight,

My 67 Coupe does exactly as you described also. I can remove the key in acc and on positions.

Mike

[John Daly]

Re: C2 Ignition key question

Yes the key in my 67 did the same thing. It could be removed in any position.
You may not need a new ignition switch though. In my case the key was very worn. I removed the tumbler by following the instructions in the service manual and had a brand new key cut to the code stamped on the tumbler. Problem solved.

[Dwight P.]

Re: C2 Ignition key question

Thanks for the feedback. According to the 1965 Tech Manual/Judging Manual, the 65,66,and 67 are all identical. But, I still question if the key should be removable in the ACCESSORY and ON positions.

If someone responds with a good lead on a knowledgable locksmith, I will pursue the mystery.

Dwight

[Richard L.]

Re: C2 Ignition key question

Hi Dwight,

My '65 was judged in Orlando a couple of weeks ago and a test was done by the Judging team to ensure that the key could not be removed when in the "RUN" position...

I had Jesser's Classic Keys do my keys and they came out really nice...

Link to Jesser's is provided below...

Hope this Helps...

Rick

http://www.jessersclassickeys.com/

[William C.]

Re: C2 Ignition key question

I use Pat Kraus of Pat's locks, in Maryland. 410-879-9647

[Dwight P.]

Re: C2 Ignition key question

Bill:

Thanks for your input. I will put the question to Pat Kraus tomorrow. If I get an answer I will post it.

Dwight

[Dwight P.]

Re: C2 Ignition key question

Rick:

Thanks for the input. Interesting that your ignition was tested that way. The Judging manual does not mention any requirement for this.

Dwight

[Robert W.]

Re: C2 Ignition key question

Rick in the 1963-1967 Corvette Operations Manual & Performance Verification Test Guide on page 13 it states "All 65-67 models utilize a four position ignition switch with ACCESSORY-OFF-ON-START modes. The key may be removed in the off position only. It also explains the 63 and 64 switch if you care.

[Gary S.]

Re: C2 Ignition key question

Have you checked with a good old fashioned locksmith? My small town has one and they have lock cylinders that are identical to the one in my 72. I recognize that the 72 is the next generation but the locksmith may have what you need. He was going to charge something less than $40 for the cylinder and another $25 or so to re-key it. I took the cylinder out in under an hour so it must be easy to do.

Gary

[Dwight P.]

Re: C2 Ignition key question

Gary:

Removal of the cylinder is no problem. I would rather not have to re-key, so either repair of the current cylinder or re-cut new keys are the best options for me.

Dwight

[Peter L.]

Re: C2 Ignition key question

Dwight - I think someone mentioned it before; but the first thing you might want to do if you haven't already is go and have a new key cut. Many times that solves the problem. Pete