70 Ignition Switch Issue /Rebuild

[Bill L.]

Bad Switch-The small white button that pops out to activate the the buzzer switch when the key is inserted basically is stuck out. I removed the ignition switch to compare to a known good switch. The pushing and twisting of the key to the start/on position seems to be binding a bit as well.

Good Switch-When the key is inserted into this switch the white button pops out and is free floating when the key is removed. This makes it easy for the spring on the key buzzer switch in the column to push the white button back in to know when the key is removed and break the connection that activates the buzzer.

Can the original ignition switch be rebuilt using the parts from my spare? Can someone point me in the direction of someone that can perform the service if the switch can be rebuilt or is this something I can do? I do not see how the switch comes apart.

This is a tilt column if that makes a difference.

Thanks,


Bill

[Joe L.]

Re: 70 Ignition Switch Issue /Rebuild

Bad Switch-The small white button that pops out to activate the the buzzer switch when the key is inserted basically is stuck out. I removed the ignition switch to compare to a known good switch. The pushing and twisting of the key to the start/on position seems to be binding a bit as well.

Good Switch-When the key is inserted into this switch the white button pops out and is free floating when the key is removed. This makes it easy for the spring on the key buzzer switch in the column to push the white button back in to know when the key is removed and break the connection that activates the buzzer.

Can the original ignition switch be rebuilt using the parts from my spare? Can someone point me in the direction of someone that can perform the service if the switch can be rebuilt or is this something I can do? I do not see how the switch comes apart.

This is a tilt column if that makes a difference.

Thanks,


Bill

Bill------

I don't have a definitive answer for this question but I'll offer this:

First, the part you are referring to is not the ignition switch. It's called the "lock cylinder". The ignition switch on 1969+ Corvettes is located on the lower steering column and is connected to the lock cylinder by a rod.

If you have an original SERVICE lock cylinder (GM #3981938) or a used switch from another 1970 column, I would guess that components of it could be used to repair your existing lock cylinder. I have no experience with this so I can't say, for sure. If you have a later SERVICE lock cylinder or a lock cylinder from a non-1970 column, then you might have a problem in this regard. Later cylinders may not use the same components as the original and the components may not be interchangeable.

[Bill L.]

Re: 70 Ignition Switch Issue /Rebuild

Bill------

I don't have a definitive answer for this question but I'll offer this:

First, the part you are referring to is not the ignition switch. It's called the "lock cylinder". The ignition switch on 1969+ Corvettes is located on the lower steering column and is connected to the lock cylinder by a rod.

If you have an original SERVICE lock cylinder (GM #3981938) or a used switch from another 1970 column, I would guess that components of it could be used to repair your existing lock cylinder. I have no experience with this so I can't say, for sure. If you have a later SERVICE lock cylinder or a lock cylinder from a non-1970 column, then you might have a problem in this regard. Later cylinders may not use the same components as the original and the components may not be interchangeable.

Thanks Joe.

Yes indeed it is the lock cylinder.

[Joe L.]

Re: 70 Ignition Switch Issue /Rebuild

Thanks Joe.

Yes indeed it is the lock cylinder.

Bill------

Out of curiosity, does the face of your lock cylinder have the position indexing mark (i.e. the small "slot" on the perimeter which indicates the position the lock cylinder is in) painted red?

[Bill L.]

Re: 70 Ignition Switch Issue /Rebuild

Bill------

Out of curiosity, does the face of your lock cylinder have the position indexing mark (i.e. the small "slot" on the perimeter which indicates the position the lock cylinder is in) painted red?

Joe,

There is no evidence of red paint in the slot.

As far as the problem with the lock cylinder, I used brake cleaner to clean all the gunk out. One clean I put a few drops of 3-1 oil in and I am optimistic that the cylinder is working as intended.

I was frankly surprised at all the stuff that came out when spraying the brake cleaner in the cylinder. Now no binding when turning the key and the white tab seems to go up and down freely. The key also goes in and out freely.

Hopefully a small victory.

Kind Regards,


Bill

[Joe L.]

Re: 70 Ignition Switch Issue /Rebuild

Joe,

There is no evidence of red paint in the slot.

As far as the problem with the lock cylinder, I used brake cleaner to clean all the gunk out. One clean I put a few drops of 3-1 oil in and I am optimistic that the cylinder is working as intended.

I was frankly surprised at all the stuff that came out when spraying the brake cleaner in the cylinder. Now no binding when turning the key and the white tab seems to go up and down freely. The key also goes in and out freely.

Hopefully a small victory.

Kind Regards,


Bill

Bill------

I didn't think that 1970 had the red paint in the position indicating notch and your lock cylinder would seem to confirm that. I believe that feature was unique to 1969.