63 Ignition Key

[Enzo C.]

I would like to ask a key question for a friend in my chapter. Is the ignition key removable when the motor is running??and secondly do all doors,ignition,glove box and tire lock keyed alike ??

[Dan H.]

Re: 63 Ignition Key

Yes. The owners manual explains it quite well. Shouldn't come out of ignition switch in the off or acc position, only in on and lock. Same key for all locks.

[Edward J.]

Re: 63 Ignition Key

Enzo, There is one key for everything for 63 and I believe the key is removable when running and there is only one position that locks the switch as It says on the instrument cluster.

[Enzo C.]

Re: 63 Ignition Key

Hi Ed, so one key for all locks and key is removable when engine is running ... How convenient by Generous Motors

[Dan H.]

Re: 63 Ignition Key

That's so you can get your .45 out of the glove box while driving?

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 Ignition Key

I would like to ask a key question for a friend in my chapter. Is the ignition key removable when the motor is running??and secondly do all doors,ignition,glove box and tire lock keyed alike ??

Enzo, if it doesn't work that way you may have the incorrect ignition lock installed. I believe 63 was a one year one lock I believe it had 435 embossed on the side.

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 Ignition Key

Enzo, if it doesn't work that way you may have the incorrect ignition lock installed. I believe 63 was a one year one lock I believe it had 435 embossed on the side.

That sounds right - the same key should unlock the spare tire tub lock...

[Dan H.]

Re: 63 Ignition Key

The biggest problem I see is the key can be pulled out in the 'off' position. If it can, the tumblers are worn and need renewed. 63/64 same switch, part number.

[Gary B.]

Re: 63 Ignition Key

It's possible that the key is excessively worn, or that the lock wafers are excessively worn, or that both are worn. The easiest thing to do is to get a new key cut to the code and see if that fixes the problem. The key blank doesn't need to be an expensive NOS blank. Just a new key cut properly to the key code. Obviously you don't want to just have a copy made of a worn key.

Gary

[Peter L.]

Re: 63 Ignition Key

The original Delco-Remy ignition switch for the 1963 Corvette was p/n 1116635 & is embossed "635". This switch was also OE on the 1964 Corvette.
The Chevrolet Parts History, Revised January 1, 1973 lists "1116635 USE 1116650 07-66". Pete

[Michael G.]

Re: 63 Ignition Key

After thousand of repeated clockwise rotations, the internals of the 63 ignition lock tend to become permanently rotated slightly out of its designed alignment. This slight misalignment allows the key to come out when it looks like it's in the 'off' position, because the internals are really more aligned with the 'lock' position. While you can't force the ignition back to its original alignment, you can trick the ignition into working like its properly aligned.

Remove the lock and study its operation. While it's difficult to explain here, you will find that by putting a bit of JB Weld in the proper location and filing it to the proper shape, it will work as designed.