1972 Ignition cylinder replacement

[Gary S.]

Good afternoon to all. After a couple of hours with the Tilt/Tele troubleshooting guide from Jim S. and looking for key buzzer problems, I am certain that my ignition lock cylinder is faulty. So this question is directed to those who have purchased replacement ignition cylinders. What source did you use for an ignition lock cylinder that judged well?

A search here turns up lots of good information but not any on replacements that judge well. Also, can any competent locksmith re-key a replacement cylinder if I have a key with the codes on it?

Gary Schisler

1972 LT-1 with tilt/tele

[Bill L.]

Re: 1972 Ignition cylinder replacement

Good afternoon to all. After a couple of hours with the Tilt/Tele troubleshooting guide from Jim S. and looking for key buzzer problems, I am certain that my ignition lock cylinder is faulty. So this question is directed to those who have purchased replacement ignition cylinders. What source did you use for an ignition lock cylinder that judged well?

A search here turns up lots of good information but not any on replacements that judge well. Also, can any competent locksmith re-key a replacement cylinder if I have a key with the codes on it?

Gary Schisler

1972 LT-1 with tilt/tele

Hi Gary,

The problem I found with all the replacements was the ears and casting on the cylinder. There is a ridge that none of the replacements exhibit.

The spring action when you push and turned seemed a bit different too.

I ended up buying a good used cylinder with a key and had a lock smith rebuild my original by taking parts from the donor cylinder.

Complete cylinders pop up on eBay and are not all that expensive. I think I paid may $20 for the cylinder and another $40 for the lock smith.

Do you have the cylinder out of the column? The white bottom getting stuck in or out was the issue with my cylinder. I could easily duplicate the problem with the cylinder removed just by inserting and removing the key. The buttom would get stuck maybe 1 of every 5-10 insertions and removals. We had to replace just the collar on the back side of the cylinder to help keep everything aligned and tight. Before I reinstalled cylinder the button had to move freely and not get stuck for a hundred insertions and removals in a row.

The buzzer has been working correctly for the last year or so.

Kind Regards,


Bill

[Gary S.]

Re: 1972 Ignition cylinder replacement

Bill,

Good comments, thank you. Yes, the cylinder is out of the column for about the 10th time.

I initially thought I would turn to the parts section of the Driveline but then I did not know if the used replacement would be any better. I posted some questions a while back and some suggested that the lock should be lubricated with a dry lubricant such as graphite. I cleaned it well the other day and then put in some dry graphite today. I can say that the small white tab on the bottom was sticking but now it seems to be ok. Oth, I still don't have a good buzzer actuation even though the buzzer and door switch work when I troubleshoot them. According to Jim S's paper, that points squarely at the ignition switch. I do get a fair amount of vertical movement in the lock cylinder hole when I push up on the cylinder. I just noted Jim S's measurement of the white tip protrusion and I guess I will go down to the garage and measure that.

Gary

[Russ S.]

Re: 1972 Ignition cylinder replacement

I would think you should be able to find a NOS GM one on Ebay.

[Gary S.]

Re: 1972 Ignition cylinder replacement

Russ,
You may be right but I don't think there is anyone I know of who is more leery of ebay and the claims about products made there. Whether it is classic car parts, militaria or ...

I guess if I go there, AC Delco was the only OEM manufacturer?

Thank you,

Gary

[Anthony F.]

Re: 1972 Ignition cylinder replacement

Gary,

I had the same issue with my 72, and I agree with Bill. The Delco replacement cylinders are very close, but there is a slight difference.

I contacted Jesser's Classic Keys, they said they had NOS cylinders, but the total cost including re-keying the cylinder for my original key was over $200. Pricey, but it may be worth it to you. I eventually decided to have my original cylinder rebuilt with 'guts' from a new cylinder, total cost was less than $75.

Whether you decide to buy a NOS cylinder or a replacement, make sure that the cylinder is for a 'C' code key or it most likely will not accept your original key (and also for judging you will need a 'C' code). Most of the sellers on eBay do not list the key code, so you will get whatever they happen to have. You can get 'C' code cylinder sets and key blanks from many of the Corvette suppliers (Paragon is one), but they are probably not NOS so will not be exactly as original.

[Russ S.]

Re: 1972 Ignition cylinder replacement

It's easy to ask the seller what the key code is. I for the most part have had great experiences with my many ebay purchases.

Gary,

I had the same issue with my 72, and I agree with Bill. The Delco replacement cylinders are very close, but there is a slight difference.

I contacted Jesser's Classic Keys, they said they had NOS cylinders, but the total cost including re-keying the cylinder for my original key was over $200. Pricey, but it may be worth it to you. I eventually decided to have my original cylinder rebuilt with 'guts' from a new cylinder, total cost was less than $75.

Whether you decide to buy a NOS cylinder or a replacement, make sure that the cylinder is for a 'C' code key or it most likely will not accept your original key (and also for judging you will need a 'C' code). Most of the sellers on eBay do not list the key code, so you will get whatever they happen to have. You can get 'C' code cylinder sets and key blanks from many of the Corvette suppliers (Paragon is one), but they are probably not NOS so will not be exactly as original.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1972 Ignition cylinder replacement

Ask Peter Lindahl or Gary Beaupre. Both, among many other things, sell locks and keys and are far less expensive than Jessers. Either can be reached through the contacts list at the top of the page.

If you get new keys, and they are for judging, you want keys cut with a shear tool, not the grinding tool used by most locksmiths now days. Both Pete and Gary can cut keys the same way Brigs & Stratton did and I know Pete can stamp the numbers on the key knock out plug. I am not sure if Gary can do that, but if for judging, be sure to ask.

[Gary S.]

Re: 1972 Ignition cylinder replacement

Terry,
I have both a PM and email in to Peter since he did some keys for me many years ago. And I know Gary by reputation of course. I will wait and see what Peter has to say about replacing my cylinder.

Thank you all for your comments.

Gary