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I need to remove an inginition switch from a 66 Vette. Key fits but won't turn. Any suggestions?

try getting a paper clip and strainghten it out put the key in and there should be a small hole next to the key with the key in place push the paper clip in and it should release the tumbler with the key in place then get a new one from your key guy and start the car with a flat or standard screw driver ????

You have to turn the lock to the hard left before the clip will work. No turn? Get out the drill.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone (Post 168451)

You have to turn the lock to the hard left before the clip will work. No turn? Get out the drill.

What would cause the least damage, drilling out , or using a slide puller

You have to get the lock cylinder out of the ignition before the retaining ring can be unscrewed. Take a paper clip and put it in the small hole in the face of the ignition and turn the key. Once the cylinder is out the ring will come off. I have a 66 also and learned the hard way screwing up the retaining ring. If the key is not the right one buy a lock pick set from an online supplier.

If you do not have a working key the paper clip in the hole will not work. Otherwise anyone,(a car thief,eg.) could do it. As said earlier have the lock picked. They are not high security locks and are very easy to open with one.

Allan

On this particular ignition you can do 2 things. Providing you have the proper key. 1 drill a small at the top of key hole 1/8 inch about 3/8 deep and input a small wire to push down cap that holds springs in place. This is common for cap to pop up and go up into groove of housing. 2 facing lock and going to the 3 oclock position your can drill out the square sidebar that is stopping the lock from turning. about 1/4 inch right from key hole and as deep as the length of the key. 1/4 or 5/16 drill bit. Then turn with screwdriver. If you use a slide hammer more then likely the housing that holds the key cylinder will break and the complete switch assembly will have to be replaced. Could be a pain to swap out. Then turn counter clockwise, insert paper clip pushing in slightly and turning more counter clockwise and lock should come out. Lock picks would hardly work is you have to have all 6 wafers lined up at the same time to let sidebar drop in order to turn. Very unlikely you can do this in any reasonable amount of time but not impossible. You could drill out and buy new cylinder for about $20-$25 bucks. If you cant find 1 I have several here at my shop

Thanks for the advice. I was able to drill out the cyl. This is a restored # matching 350 HP 4 sp Coupe & I did not want to mess it up