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Ignition switch restoration

Started by Ghoste, October 19, 2005, 03:45:31 PM

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Ghoste

October 19, 2005, 03:45:31 PM
Looks like my ignition switch is toast.  I have a new one ordered and it should be here tomorrow.  My question is, what is the proper way to separate one of these things?  I'm sure I am supposed to use my existing key cylinder.

Troy

#1
October 19, 2005, 06:52:51 PM
The lock cylinder itself has a little hook that you push in which allows the cylinder to be removed. It's silver or bronze colored and maybe a bit thicker than a dull pencil. You can find it near the end of the switch in the threaded area for the bezel about 1/3rd of the way around from the slit.

Troy
Sarcasm detector, that's a real good invention.

Ghoste

#2
October 19, 2005, 06:56:06 PM
Yeah, I've been working on that sucker for about 30 minutes now and the lock has to be frozen in there with 38 years of gunk cuz it ain't movin'!
That's why I was wondering if there was some other way.  I had never taken one apart before and when I tried that bronze button this morning it didn't work.  I'll shoot it with some WD40 and give her another go.
Thanks.

John_Kunkel

#3
October 20, 2005, 03:13:21 PM
Do you have the switch in the ON position when trying to remove the lock cylinder?
Pardon me but my karma just ran over your dogma.

Ghoste

#4
October 20, 2005, 04:16:07 PM
The start position actually, but yeah I was even doing that part right.   It did finally come out after soaking overnight in wd40.   I guess if it was that full of crap I shouldn't be too surprised it failed huh?
Thanks guys.

471_Magnum

#5
October 29, 2005, 08:04:06 PM
I've actually had some success taking those switches apart, them cleaning, greasing and reassembling. Pretty tricky, but it can be done.

Probably not worth the trouble on a pre-'69 switch since those can still be had new.
"I can fix it... my old man is a television repairman... he's got the ultimate set of tools... I can fix it."

Ghoste

#6
October 29, 2005, 08:19:21 PM
I was a little amazed at how much gunk was in there.  It's probably not the worst maintenance thing guys could do for their 69's.

471_Magnum

#7
October 29, 2005, 08:35:59 PM
Gunk inside on the contacts or just around the lock cylinder?

Those lock cylinders are supposed to be packed with grease. The actual contacts inside the switch just need a coat of dielectric grease.
"I can fix it... my old man is a television repairman... he's got the ultimate set of tools... I can fix it."

Ghoste

#8
October 30, 2005, 07:37:33 AM
No, this was just crap that had gathered around the lock cylnder and then hardened in the grease to the point that I couldn't pull it out.  Automotive fossilization I guess.
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