73 Ignition Lock Cylinder Removal

[Robert D.]

When I purchased my 73, it was a partial basket case, frozen in time for four years. The owner never could find the ignition key for it. I spoke to a local locksmith about it yesterday. He said it was fairly simple to do. There is a "hidden" button that would allow me to easily remove the cylinder, without having the key. Then he asked if I had a tilt-telescoping steering column, which I do. He said that makes the removal more difficult.

So my question is; can anyone describe how to remove the cylinder from this type of steering column?

Thanks in advance,

Rob

[Wayne W.]

Re: 73 Ignition Lock Cylinder Removal

It is not easy. You have to take the steering wheel off and the other stuff, down to the cylinder. There are a couple of designs of releases. One is a slot and the other is a screw. I don't remember which for `73. You may be able to get the code from one of the other locks if it is the same as the ignition key.

[Jim T.]

Re: 73 Ignition Lock Cylinder Removal

Robert not knowing what the previous car owner gave you, have you looked at all the paperwork and owners manual to see if someone might have written down the numbers that were on the key knock-outs? Examine the rear storage compartment to see if the knock-outs are hiding there.
I wish the dealer had not done it, but my knock outs were removed for my 70 and strung on a thin piece of wire and put in the holder.
If you still have original carpeting, remove the seats and see what could be hiding?
Find the oldest key maker and see if he has one of those key rings with hundreds of keys to find one that fits your car.
My 70's ignition key is the same key that locks and unlocks the doors. I would recommend removing the door key lock cylinder and taking it to a locksmith to make a knew ignition switch key if your 1973 uses the same key for the doors and ignition.
If you remove the door lock take advantage of having the door panel off and clean and lubricate your window tracks, you windows will move up and down better.

[Robert D.]

Re: 73 Ignition Lock Cylinder Removal

It is not easy. You have to take the steering wheel off and the other stuff, down to the cylinder. There are a couple of designs of releases. One is a slot and the other is a screw. I don't remember which for `73. You may be able to get the code from one of the other locks if it is the same as the ignition key.

Wayne, thanks for your reply. The service manual shows a slot, but I don't understand what the differences are between the standard column and mine is. Maybe it just takes more to disassemble, to get to the slot. I read a post from 2005 that mentioned the door locks. Unfortunately, those were replaced.

[Joel A.]

Re: 73 Ignition Lock Cylinder Removal

Without a key to turn the cylinder, it's gonna be hard to do. You can either grind the tab off, or...I have been known to knock the crap out of the tab with a screwdriver & hammer. The key cylinder will be useless, of course after that, but it can be replaced. You never know who might have the original key, either....

The '73 will have two different keys for the doors/ign. The square head key is only for the ign., and the round key for the doors, compartment lock, alarm, and spare tire lock.

[Robert D.]

Re: 73 Ignition Lock Cylinder Removal

Robert not knowing what the previous car owner gave you, have you looked at all the paperwork and owners manual to see if someone might have written down the numbers that were on the key knock-outs? Examine the rear storage compartment to see if the knock-outs are hiding there.

I didn't get much from the previous owner. The car has quite a history, and may even be haunted...

Find the oldest key maker and see if he has one of those key rings with hundreds of keys to find one that fits your car.

Great idea Jim. I asked my local Chevy dealer if they had a ring exactly like that. My step-father owned a used car lot, and he had 3 different rings.

If you remove the door lock take advantage of having the door panel off and clean and lubricate your window tracks, you windows will move up and down better.

When I got the car, the panels were off. I plan on going through everything once I put the body back on the frame.

Rob

[Robert D.]

Re: 73 Ignition Lock Cylinder Removal

The '73 will have two different keys for the doors/ign. The square head key is only for the ign., and the round key for the doors, compartment lock, alarm, and spare tire lock.

Joel,

Thanks for the info on the other locks, I've been trying to decide what to do with them. The only keys I have are for the replacement door locks. Do you know which of the others can be re-keyed? I bought a new alarm lock and spare tire lock, but something tells me the compartment can't be re-keyed.

rob

[Richard C.]

Re: 73 Ignition Lock Cylinder Removal

Robert,Ican help you w the column if you want call me at the shop 615-255-3939. for the key stuff Jessers classic keys 330-376-8181 time and $ well spent

[Jim S.]

Re: 73 Ignition Lock Cylinder Removal

You do NOT have to have the key to remove the lock cylinder from a locking C3 steering column. You do have to remove the steering wheel, hub, retainer, retainer clip, and locking plate. You will need two special tools. You will need a steering wheel hub puller and you will need a special lock plate compressor tool. They can usually be rented, borrowed, or purchased from most major automobile supply stores.

You need to remove the turn signal lever and hazard warning knob. You will have to remove three screws and pull the turn signal switch partially out of the column head. Also there is a flat lever on the underside of the turn signal switch. (It is the part that the hazard knob screwed into. Don't forget it when you reassemble the column.) You will then need to pull the switch far enough out of the column housing so that you have access to the floor of the column head. Then you can insert a narrow screw driver blade into a slot in the housing. This will depress the locking tab that is part of the lock cylinder. You should then be able to pull the lock cylinder right out.

BTW, if your column hasn't been apart in recent years, you might just as well purchase the plastic retainer GM #7808385 before hand. It will most likely break into pieces when you try and remove it. It is available through most Corvette suppliers for less money than through GM dealers.

Merry Christmas,
Jim Shea

[Robert D.]

Re: 73 Ignition Lock Cylinder Removal

You do NOT have to have the key to remove the lock cylinder from a locking C3 steering column. You do have to remove the steering wheel, hub, retainer, retainer clip, and locking plate. You will need two special tools. You will need a steering wheel hub puller and you will need a special lock plate compressor tool. They can usually be rented, borrowed, or purchased from most major automobile supply stores.

You need to remove the turn signal lever and hazard warning knob. You will have to remove three screws and pull the turn signal switch partially out of the column head. Also there is a flat lever on the underside of the turn signal switch. (It is the part that the hazard knob screwed into. Don't forget it when you reassemble the column.) You will then need to pull the switch far enough out of the column housing so that you have access to the floor of the column head. Then you can insert a narrow screw driver blade into a slot in the housing. This will depress the locking tab that is part of the lock cylinder. You should then be able to pull the lock cylinder right out.

BTW, if your column hasn't been apart in recent years, you might just as well purchase the plastic retainer GM #7808385 before hand. It will most likely break into pieces when you try and remove it. It is available through most Corvette suppliers for less money than through GM dealers.

Merry Christmas,
Jim Shea

Jim,

Thank you so much for the description and photos. It is just what I was looking for.

I know once I have the cylinder out, I can have a key made for it. Can that number also be used to make keys for the alarm, spart tire, and the compartment locks?

Rob

[Harmon C.]

Re: 73 Ignition Lock Cylinder Removal

The ignition key is only for the ignition. The replacement alarm switches sometimes have the correct keyway for a 73. The spare tire and compartment cylinders are easy to key to match the alarm. The original key codes are on the tank sticker.

[Robert D.]

Re: 73 Ignition Lock Cylinder Removal

The ignition key is only for the ignition. The replacement alarm switches sometimes have the correct keyway for a 73. The spare tire and compartment cylinders are easy to key to match the alarm.

Is my assumption correct that if I have the number on the ignition cylinder, that will lead me to the correct key for the original compartment and spare tire locks? If so, I can have the door and alarm locks re-keyed, unless there is something that would prevent re-keying either.

The original key codes are on the tank sticker.

Unfortunately all that remained of my tank sticker was a fragment on one of the straps.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[Harmon C.]

Re: 73 Ignition Lock Cylinder Removal

The code for the ignition that is square on the key head has nothing to do with the code for the round key head of the other three locks.

[Bill L.]

Re: 73 Ignition Lock Cylinder Removal

I have not tried this, but I was told that if you lock the column in position so it no longer telescopes that you can get away without needing the special compressor tool to get the clip back on. Does anybody know if that is true?


Bill

[Edward J.]

Re: 73 Ignition Lock Cylinder Removal

Bill, I did by 72 t&t column without the tool, It may take another hand to slide the clip back on when you push the lock plate back down, I used two flat blade screw drivers on push the plate down.