Ignition Lock Tumbler Face Removal
Does anyone know how to remove the ignition lock tumbler face on a '56. This is the chrome plated part where the key is inserted. Mine is scarred up where it appeared someone tried to remove it with pliers. The lock and ignition switch work great. It just doesn't look too good. I know I could replace the entire lock but I found that the face is available separately and would like to try that route. Thanks in advance!
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Re: Ignition Lock Tumbler Face Removal
Locksmith, Brooks. -
Re: Ignition Lock Tumbler Face Removal
If yours is similar to the picture then just slowly bend the rim outward. I used many different screw drivers, small pliers, ect
Just take your time, but if you have a new one then it is a much faster job since you need not be concerned with damage.Comment
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Re: Ignition Lock Tumbler Face Removal
Alan, on '56s the lock tumbler face is about 5/8ths of an inch long. It appears to be a cast part that is plated. It is different from the picture you submitted. I still don't know how to post a photo on this forum or I would. A picture is worth a thousand words. It looks like I may have to take it to a locksmith. If it looks like the cost is getting too high, I will just replace it. Corvette Central carries a new correct tumbler face that I thought would take care of my problem. Maybe not. Thanks just the same!Comment
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Re: Ignition Lock Tumbler Face Removal
What I see in the picture is that Alan's is a door or trunk tumbler, not an ignition one. My experience with 56-62 (and the later ones are different than the earlier) is quite similar toAlan's advice--carefully pry off the cap without damaging the cast piece behind, and a new cap will snap right on.Comment
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Re: Ignition Lock Tumbler Face Removal
Try a very thin screwdriver, like the old sewing machine screwdrivers. I had to grind the end of the blade a little "thinner". Mount it in a vise---when I punctured my finger with the sharp blade it really hurt
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Re: Ignition Lock Tumbler Face Removal
Maybe you're using the wrong words to describe what you're after, but the plate denoted by yellow highlight below is what retains the tumblers or 'wafers' in the ignition lock cylinder. It simply 'snaps' into place...Comment
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Re: Ignition Lock Tumbler Face Removal
I believe the chrome piece the key goes into is easily removed by taking a large paperclip and straighten out one bend then with the key in the key hole insert the paperclip in the small hole in the front of the chrome piece. When you push it in you will feel some spring pressure. Hold it in and turn the key I believe to the left and the tumbler and the chrome piece will pop out of the switch .Comment
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Re: Ignition Lock Tumbler Face Removal
Ed, you are correct. It is the chrome plated part that the key slides into. Earlier this evening I used a small thin screwdriver which caused a chip to come out of it. The part is chrome plated "pot metal" which I plan to cut off using a dremel tool. It appears that when it was made a crimp was put at the end to hold it in place. I will know more after I cut the old one off.Comment
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Re: Ignition Lock Tumbler Face Removal
Brooks - You're on the right track. Depending on if the face piece is crimped all around the circumference you might have to make several (3-4) cuts around the edge and it should loosen and you'll be able to pop it off. If it's the kind that is staked in 4 or 5 places around the edge a couple of cuts on the edge should do the trick.
To stake the new face piece in place I use a smaller flat round punch and just catch the back edge. Staking it at 5 places along the circumference should hold the new face piece in place. Also, I suggest using a piece of hardwood rather than something metal as a backing when you do the staking operation.
Have fun. PeteComment
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Re: Ignition Lock Tumbler Face Removal
Guys, I just finished removing the lock tumbler face from the ignition lock. It is definitely "pot metal". Holding the lock in a vise, I took a hammer and screwdriver and broke the lower part away from the lock all the way around the lock till the face fell free. Later today a friend, who is also in NCRS, is coming by and perhaps he can help me to post some pictures. A picture is definitely worth a thousand words. I will now order the new tumbler face from Corvette Central and try to install it. I will let you know how it goes. By the way someone asked about putting a paper clip thru the hole in the tumbler face--this is how you remove the ignition lock from the ignition switch. Thanks again to all who replied to my initial question. This is one way to learn more about these wonderful automobiles.Comment
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Re: Ignition Lock Tumbler Face Removal
Guys, here are pictures of the lock and tumbler face including pieces.Comment
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Re: Ignition Lock Tumbler Face Removal
Oh, you're talking about the keyway bezel of the lock cylinder. Well, as you've discovered this a pot metal component that was crimped to the cylinder.
It was designed to 'break away' leaving 'telltale' evidence of attempted lock jimmying activity. It's not intended to be replaced. The guys at Briggs & Stratton intended you to purchase a fresh/new lock cylinder and re-code it to match.
Some claim to have saved their bezels by either re-crimping or the strategic use of 'glue'. But, the few rework attempts I've seen didn't last too long before the side loading action of inserting a key and turning the lock cylinder caused the bezel to fall off again...
BTW, where did you get the phrase "lock tumbler face" from? The keyway bezel doesn't have much to do with accessing the lock's tumbler/wafer components as they come out sideways...Comment
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Re: Ignition Lock Tumbler Face Removal
Jack, ignition lock tumbler face is what Corvette Central calls the part.Comment
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