62 Ignition lock cyl.

[Ken J.]

I am having trouble with the key coming out in the on position and think I need a lock cyl. Does anyone know where to obtain the correct quality cyl.?
Thanks in advance.
Ken

[Dick W.]

Re: 62 Ignition lock cyl.

Search for Pete Lindal or Pat Krauss in the archives. Either should be able to help you

[Don H.]

Re: 62 Ignition lock cyl.

Pete is a wonderful resource, friendly and honest.
Give him a holler. He can be reached by email at
pclindahl@comcast.net

[Peter L.]

Re: 62 Ignition lock cyl.

Ken - There are 3 different Delco-Remy ignition switches (#512, #547, & #577) used originally in the 55-62 Corvettes and they have some differences in the positions when the key can be removed. Also some of the after market replacement switches differ from the orignal Delco-Remy ignition switched as to when the key can be removed. So, if you have confirmed that you have an original "correct" D-R ignition switch for your 62, then I'd doublecheck to confirm the operation as to when the key can be removed, and if that is not as designed, I'd suggest having a new key cut and check it out and if it fails to perform as designed, it's more than likely that the the tumblers in the lock cylinder are worn and will have to be replaced to restore as designed operation. Pete

[Ken J.]

Re: 62 Ignition lock cyl.

Peter;
I will check the ign. switch for DR. Is the fix on the tumblers something that you can do for me? If so, I will need an address to send.
Thanks for the help to all.
Ken

[Jack H.]

Re: 62 Ignition lock cyl.

If the issue is simply a matter of worn tumblers/wafers, any locksmith can re-code your ignition cylinder. Prior to '67, there were four different tumblers/wafers and factory originals were color coded (copper, nickle, black, yellow) for ease of visual ID.

It's simply a matter of taking the lock cylinder to a locksmith, asking him to re-code the lock 'as is' and code cutting a fresh key. Over the years as keys wear and copies are made from worn originals, then copies from copies, you can lose precision with respect to the key's fit in the lock.

A set of fresh wafers/tumblers and a precision cut fresh key can be your 'fix'. But, there may be other issues working against you like general wear in the lock cylinder's keyway in addition to the fit of the key and the freshness of the tumblers/wafers...