'67 Ignition switch removal

[Scott Marzahl]

I am trying to remove the ignition switch from the guage cluster with no luck. I place the switch in the far Counter Clockwise position and you can see the little release pin through the small hole of the cylinder. I push down on the release pin with a paper clip and try to turn the key Counter Clockwise but it will not turn. I even tried a small pliers on the key for added leverage but it will not budge. Anyone have any tips on getting this stubborn switch out?

[Bill W.]

Re: '67 Ignition switch removal

Scott, I think what you are seeing through the pin release hole is not the spring loaded pin. Try inserting your paper clip with the key in the verticle position, use the largest paper clip that will go through the hole. The release pin is spring loaded. Feel around until you can depress it, then rotate the key CCW, You shouldn't need a plires to turn the assembly, it will come out easly when you get the pin depressed. Good luck, Bill

[Wayne W.]

Re: '67 Ignition switch removal

Should be removed from the accessory position.

[Scott Marzahl]

Switch is out, what about paint for the cluster?

Thanks Bill and Wayne. I kept playing with it and it took some force to turn it and then lift it out. On my way to restoring the cluster. Any suggestions for paint. Looks like Krylon 1613 for the body of the dash will be pretty darn close. Are the bezels painted a glossier black than the body?

[Duke W.]

Re: Switch is out, what about paint for the cluste

Applying a long lasting finish to the cluster can be problematic, but my experience may not totaly apply to you. My '63 cluster is a chrome plated zinc based die casting. The face is black and the individual bezels are silver with the outside edges left unpainted to show the underlying chrome. I had color matched acrylic lacquer made by a local paint store, but it wouldn't stick to the chrome. I finally primed the entire cluster with a phosphoric acid based primer purchased from a marine supply store. The paint is reduced with alcohol for spraying. The primer stuck, and finally, so did the color coats.

Duke

[Gary Schisler]

Re: Switch is out, what about paint for the cluste

When I took the instrument cluster out of my 66, I noticed that the bottom 1/4 had all of the usual scrapes and missing paint. Not wanting to do a complete strip and repaint, I tried Krylon 1613 just as a touchup. Very nice results that will pass even the most discriminating inspection.

[Jerry Clark]

Re: Switch is out, what about paint for the cluste

Once again I'll recommend the Black Satin product, it is a very close color match and is specifically formulated to be applied over chrome and its primary use is exactly what you are attempting to do, coat interior chrome.

jerry