1963 Ignition Switch

[Gary C.]

The Ignition switch on my 63 will allow the key to be removed while in the off position. The books tell me this is not correct. The switch otherwise functions exactly as the books tell me it should.

The PV manual mentions a few causes of this, but I have no experience here. Can anyone point me toward some possible fixes?

I plan to get a new key tomorrow on the outside chance it is the key, but my key does not look worn

Thanks

Gary

[mike mccagh]

Re: 1963 Ignition Switch

call pat kraus @ 410 879 9647. he can fix any lock or ign switch that's fixable. reasonable too. an ncrs member for years. good luck, mike

[Geoff C.]

Sounds normal to me

Comes out in lock or off
Starts with or without key from off

[Mike McKown]

Re: 1963 Ignition Switch

What position of the ignition switch would you like the key to be removed from?

[mike mccagh]

Re: 1963 Ignition Switch

here's the way the key and switch operate(correctly)on a 63 or 64 vette.the key can be removed from the switch in the LOCK or ON positions only.The key isn't removable in the OFF or ACCESSORY positions.The switch may be moved between ON, OFF, and START without the key.mike

[Gary C.]

Re: 1963 Ignition Switch

I would like my lock to operate like Mike said. Key can be removed from ON and LOCK positions only. My key is removeable in the OFF position as well and this is not correct. My key cannot be removed while in the ACC position, which is correct. None of this would bother me too much, except I am sure Carlton will tell me to hit the road and see ya next time if I show up for a PV with this switch in its current state.

So, I need to figure out how to return this switch to its original state where the key cannot be removed in the OFF position.

[mike mccagh]

Re: 1963 Ignition Switch

gary: the augusta midget(Carlton the Invisible) will indeed send your 63 to the PV minor leagues if the switch isn't fixed. the problem can arise from a worn key, worn tumblers in the cylinder or the cyl side bar is worn. The former can be fixed by you by replacing the key. the 2nd and third problems will require a locksmith such as Pat Kraus. his turn around time is quick, esp if you tell him its for ncrs judging that you are already signed up for. mike

[Dave S.]

Re: 1963 Ignition Switch

Gary,
I have the exact same situation with my 61. The key should not able to be removed in the off position and currently it can be removed. My current switch is a generic replacement so I assumed that I needed a Delco Remy #577 original switch to allow the proper operation. I just found one and am hoping it will solve the problem. I'll know in a week or so. Does 63 use a #577 switch.????

[Gary C.]

Re: 1963 Ignition Switch

Thanks Mike....Appreciate the referral
I will call him tomorrow

[Christopher R.]

Re: Sounds normal to me

Agree. Maybe I'm wrong. But that's how mine works and how I remember Chevys from the early to mid 60s.

[Joe R.]

Re: 1963 Ignition Switch

Gary,

Let me try to confuse this matter more and take it one step at a time. The 63-64 key will come out of the lock no matter what position. Here's the difference now. With the key out and in the off position you can start the car without the key. With the lock in the lock position you cannot start the car or move the lock to the off or other positions unless the key is inserted. Also you can only move the lock to the lock position with the key in the ignition.

Does this make sense? What this means is you can run around all you want without the key in the lock. The key is only needed to put the lock in the lock or acc position.

Sounds like yours is working fine. Keep up the good work!

Regards,

JR

[Joe R.]

Re: 1963 Ignition Switch

Dave,

63-64 use the 1116650 switch.

JR

[Mike E.]

Re: 1963 Ignition Switch

Dave--
The issue has nothing to do with your ignition switch. It has to do with the tumbler, which you will need to remove from your present switch and install in the 577.

[mike mccagh]

Re: 1963 Ignition Switch

JR; gary's isn't working fine. get out your midyear PV manual wherein the proper function of a 63-4 ign switch is described. believe it's also covered in the owners manual. mike

[Joe R.]

Re: 1963 Ignition Switch

Mike,

Just read the 64 owners manual as the 63 has long been gone and I believe I left the 63-64 PV manual in the little house out back.

64 Owners Manual states: Note: Key cannot be removed from the ignition switch when in OFF or ACC position, thus guarding against accidentally leaving switch OFF but not locked. Key may be removed when the switch is in LOCK or ON position and the switch may be moved between ON and OFF positions without the key."

Duh! Sounds like you could pull the key in the ON position and then move it to the OFF position and defeat the purpose of the above statement. Cause you can move it from ON to OFF without the key.

Maybe that is what confused me as I was stating from my part-timers memory bank. Come to think of it, my 63 should have failed PV also. Oh well, it's been 10 years and who remembers anyway. Not me.

Regards,

JR