58 ignition lock

[Brad H.]

My ignition lock seems to have locked it self in the position just before start naturally where it springs back after starting and cannot be released. Lockman said if has to release back far enough so that his tool? can be applied to release the cylinder, anyone had this happen or is it a buy the whole mech. situation. Thanks Brad?

[Mike M.]

Re: 58 ignition lock

insert key in switch, rotate key to counterclockwise position, insert bent end of paper clip into hole in bezel/esteuchion of ing. switch, rotate key counterclckwise additionaly as you put pressure on paper clip,then pull ingntion switch lock cylinder out of ing switch.once switch lock cyl out of switch, remove ing. switch from the vette. by prying the tabs of ignition outboard, you can remove the black bakelite piece from ign. switch housing and clean/buff contacts and lubricate with silicone paste the contacts. xhould work perfectly thereafter.mike

[Brad H.]

Re: 58 ignition lock

Hi Mike, My lock has only 1/4 inch of movement from the start position to the left, so it seems that pin to hole wont find the right spot to get the cylinder to turn, can this be worked by taking the switch out or are they connected until the cylinder is taken out? Thanks and if I have to buy a whole new unit can the key I have be used with the new unit? Brad

[Verle R.]

Re: 58 ignition lock

Brad,

Chevrolet ignition switches are made to be disassembled in sequence:
remove the switch tumbler cylinder (turn cylinder counter clockwise until stop, push paper clip in hole to depress spring loaded stop then turn CCW and pull out)
remove the switch bezel (unscrew counter clockwise)
remove switch from back of dash.

When I had to remove a switch without a key the bezel did not slip over the cylinder end. I had to tear off the cylinder end to get the bezel off then removed the switch. At that point a locksmith may be able to get the rest of the cylinder out of the switch.

Verle

[Brad H.]

Re: 58 ignition lock/did'nt work

This lock was installed in 2000 with restoration but will not disengage as said before it only moves 1/4 inch from start posistion so can't turn counter clock wise to get cylinder turning, also key was left in start position over night for some reason, and when tried to turn off it was then stuck in that position. Thanks Brad.

[Terry R.]

Re: 58 ignition lock/did'nt work

As Clem suggested you may have to get the Bakelite piece off first to free it up to where you can get it to turn. Might be a little tough laying on your back. Without getting the lock out I don't think there is anyway to take the nut off that holds the switch in. Good Luck