The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay how do I remove an ignition switch?

I have an ignition switch with the toggle face plate. It has a small hole the size of a paper clip wire. Is that the hole for removing the face plate? The face plate doesnm't seem to be pressed on.

Not sure what a toggle face plate is, assuming you have a toggle switch for a ignition switch? What vehicle, what year, stock ignition switch? Picture would really help. Some toggle switch plates have an anti-rotation tab that fits into a hole on the dash. Regular Ign switches have a hole for releasing the tumbler. Please clarify what you have specifically.

Some you turn the switch all the way to off and some all the way to on. When in the correct position you stick a paperclip in the hole. When you're in the correct position you'll feel a spring resistance to the paperclip. When you have the spring depressed all the way turn the tumbler about another 1/8 turn and it'll pull right out.

What Tiny said. The face plate will come out with the tumbler.

...<CLICK>...

Do you have the key?

No that's the problem. I don't have a key. Don't want to destroy the ignition if I don't have to. I'd like to remove the tumbler to have a key made.
Ben

Do you have the switch out of the dash? If so then take it to your local locksmith and he will remove the tumbler. Otherwise mine had a nut, like what is on a toggle switch, that once removed the switch came out the back side of the dash.

A locksmith will need a set of master keys or else pick the lock to get it out. Better to remove the door lock. It will have the code number stamped on it.

cletis
Not certain this is the original ignition, so code numbers wont help.

Looks like a locksmith is your only option then. Have you tried a key yet. These old switches are often worn to the point where anything that fits in the hole will turn it. I had a 55.1 panel that I used a can opener (church key) to turn the ignition.

I had the same issue. I couldn't get the tumbler out without the key so I clamped the ingition in my vise and very carefully drilled out the tumbler....it's risky but it worked.Just don't go too deep or wide. I then installed the new tumbler.

AD thanks, but the question was on removing an ignition switch which is still in the dash.

Sometimes you can turn the mounting collar and take the whole thing out without needing the key. Then take it to your locksmith. GM only used 54 (I think) key combinations in those days, so it's pretty easy to get new keys cut.

My 53 3600 has two clutch-head machine screws that hold the entire ignition assembly to the dash. I pulled those two screws located under the ignition and backed the entire ingition assembly out. I marked the wires and unhooked them from the ignition. I was then able to tackle the tumbler. I don't know the big bolts..they might be different

AD I am a Journeyman Carpenter who took some classes and became a certified Locksmith to benefit my construction career. You sir scare me( in a locksmith sort of way) and you don't even know how lucky you were when you drilled that lock.

I've found that I scare many...and I've also fund that luck is when opportunity is met with good tools, precise measures and lots of patience.

LOL....that is one way to look at it!!!