Had some work done on my 1960 which required the instrument panel to be disassembled. I now cannot get the key into the ignition switch, no matter how much I move the switch. I can start the car however as the switch is not in the lock position. I can't take the car back to the guy who did the work so I would like to try to correct this myself. I have looked in the AIM, Adams, and the ST-12 and cannot find a picture of the switch to start trouble shooting the problem. Can anyone tell me where I can get a diagram? If anyone has any suggestions on how to start I would appreciate it. I am a novice, does this sound like a job that I could correct on my own or will it require some expertise? Thanks for your help.
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Re: C1-Can't Get Key Into Ignition Switch
John, The only thing I can suggest is that you try probing with a paper clip in the hole used to access the pin which releases the switch. Perhaps it is possible that when the tumbler assy was removed to take the switch out of the dash, it didn't get back in just right. If all else fails, your local locksmith may be able to help. -
Re: C1-Can't Get Key Into Ignition Switch
John, The only thing I can suggest is that you try probing with a paper clip in the hole used to access the pin which releases the switch. Perhaps it is possible that when the tumbler assy was removed to take the switch out of the dash, it didn't get back in just right. If all else fails, your local locksmith may be able to help.Comment
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Re: C1-Can't Get Key Into Ignition Switch
This may be dumb, but, did the shop give you the correct key back? Will your key open the glove box and trunk?Comment
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Re: C1-Can't Get Key Into Ignition Switch
This may be dumb, but, did the shop give you the correct key back? Will your key open the glove box and trunk?Comment
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I'm inclined to agree...
It sounds like you have the wrong key for this switch tumbler, because the key should go in (serrations down) even if the lock was improperly installed. Perhaps the repair shop returned the wrong key, or you'vs forgotten which key is for this car... do you have spare keys you could try?
If the key is correct, then it sounds like the wrong tumbler was installed, which will present problems. The lock body is positioned in the correct rotation by a tang on the dashboard, I believe, extending slightly into the dashboard hole for the lock, fitting into a slot on the lock body... the lock body is inserted into the dash hole from the rear, engaging the tang correctly, then a bezel and a spacer are added from the front and a large bezel-nut is screwed onto the nose of the lock body sticking out of the dash, and that in turn is locked in place (I think) by the key/tumbler assembly (called an "ignition lock cylinder" in the Corvette catalogs) that is inserted from the front with the top of the key at the 11 o'clock position and rotated clockwise.
In order to remove the lock, you have to insert the correct key (which retracts all the tumblers) and firmly press a pin (an unbent paperclip will usually do the trick) into a small hole just right of the key slot (2 o'clock on the face of the tumbler) to retract an additional "tumbler", then rotate the tumbler/key assembly counterclockwise slightly to free the tumbler, which then slides out from the lock; then unscrew the bezel/nut so you can pull the lock body out of the rear of the dash.
If the tumbler and bezel/nut cannot be removed, you will have to engage the services of a locksmith... hopefully he can pick the lock to free and remove the tumbler so you can either have him make a new key, or you can replace the tumbler with one that comes with a key (about $35 in Corvette catalogs).
You can try unscrewing the bezel/nut to see if it will clear the tumbler assembly (unlikely, but perhaps possible). If you were able to get the bezel/nut off, along with the spacer and the other bezel (also unlikely), you would have to break off the dash tang that aligns the lock and bezels in order to remove the entire lock and replace both the lock and tumbler (about $75)... not a desireable solution.
So, look for a spare key to try, and if that doesn't pan out, drive to your local locksmith to see if he can help.Comment
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I'm inclined to agree...
It sounds like you have the wrong key for this switch tumbler, because the key should go in (serrations down) even if the lock was improperly installed. Perhaps the repair shop returned the wrong key, or you'vs forgotten which key is for this car... do you have spare keys you could try?
If the key is correct, then it sounds like the wrong tumbler was installed, which will present problems. The lock body is positioned in the correct rotation by a tang on the dashboard, I believe, extending slightly into the dashboard hole for the lock, fitting into a slot on the lock body... the lock body is inserted into the dash hole from the rear, engaging the tang correctly, then a bezel and a spacer are added from the front and a large bezel-nut is screwed onto the nose of the lock body sticking out of the dash, and that in turn is locked in place (I think) by the key/tumbler assembly (called an "ignition lock cylinder" in the Corvette catalogs) that is inserted from the front with the top of the key at the 11 o'clock position and rotated clockwise.
In order to remove the lock, you have to insert the correct key (which retracts all the tumblers) and firmly press a pin (an unbent paperclip will usually do the trick) into a small hole just right of the key slot (2 o'clock on the face of the tumbler) to retract an additional "tumbler", then rotate the tumbler/key assembly counterclockwise slightly to free the tumbler, which then slides out from the lock; then unscrew the bezel/nut so you can pull the lock body out of the rear of the dash.
If the tumbler and bezel/nut cannot be removed, you will have to engage the services of a locksmith... hopefully he can pick the lock to free and remove the tumbler so you can either have him make a new key, or you can replace the tumbler with one that comes with a key (about $35 in Corvette catalogs).
You can try unscrewing the bezel/nut to see if it will clear the tumbler assembly (unlikely, but perhaps possible). If you were able to get the bezel/nut off, along with the spacer and the other bezel (also unlikely), you would have to break off the dash tang that aligns the lock and bezels in order to remove the entire lock and replace both the lock and tumbler (about $75)... not a desireable solution.
So, look for a spare key to try, and if that doesn't pan out, drive to your local locksmith to see if he can help.Comment
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Re: I'm inclined to agree...
The bezel cannot be removed without the lock cylinder being removed. Therein is the real prblem. Unless the cylinder just did not snap into place correctly, and is blocking the pins, you very possibly do have the wrong key. If you don't have it figured out by now, a locksmith is probably going to be required. If none of the locks have been changed, one key should fit all.Comment
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Re: I'm inclined to agree...
The bezel cannot be removed without the lock cylinder being removed. Therein is the real prblem. Unless the cylinder just did not snap into place correctly, and is blocking the pins, you very possibly do have the wrong key. If you don't have it figured out by now, a locksmith is probably going to be required. If none of the locks have been changed, one key should fit all.Comment
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Re: C1-Can't Get Key Into Ignition Switch
Do you know about the straightened paper clip in the hole in the bottom of the face to get the tumbler out? I believe that's covered in the manuals you list. Maybe the tumbler was not put back in correctly; or, one of the pins in the tumbler was damaged; or, some of the pins were changed around when it was taken out by the repairmen. See if you can get the tumbler out and try to fit it back in.
If you can get the tumbler out, you can take the tumbler and your key to a locksmith to get it to fit.Comment
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Re: C1-Can't Get Key Into Ignition Switch
Do you know about the straightened paper clip in the hole in the bottom of the face to get the tumbler out? I believe that's covered in the manuals you list. Maybe the tumbler was not put back in correctly; or, one of the pins in the tumbler was damaged; or, some of the pins were changed around when it was taken out by the repairmen. See if you can get the tumbler out and try to fit it back in.
If you can get the tumbler out, you can take the tumbler and your key to a locksmith to get it to fit.Comment
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