Hi guys!

Well, we're in the middle of replacing the interior harness and have pulled everything but the ignition switch. We can't quite figure out how to pull the lock cylinder out. I know it has to do with the pin hole but am stymied from there. Anyone able to explain it to me?

Thanks.

Jerry

Put your key into the switch and then insert a paper clip into the little hole. While pressing on the paper clip turn the key counter clockwise. You should then be able to pull the cylinder out.

You should be able to put something in the pin hole & pull it out.

Well, we tried that and apparently, the previous owner has screwed up the switch by means unknown so it won't come out. Anyone got any ideas on how to get it out by any means?

Jerry

slid hammer?

$35 at the locksmith. Or, I have heard that if you get some sort of pin in that hole you could turn the key switch with a big pair of pliers and the cylinder will come out. If you start thinking about it, $35 at the locksmith starts sounding pretty good.

Isn't there a neat picture in the '68 Firebird manual showing some mechanic boring out the cylinder with a 3/4 inch drill bit???

I always wondered if there was a less traumatic approach.

BHawkmeck, your neanderthal army aviation mechanic approach is one possibility.

Actually, I beleive you put the paper clip in the hole first, then turn the key to the "accessory" position I beleive. I've done mine in the past and it was something to that effect...

1st put it in ACC, then put the wire in the hole and rotate CC. It just falls out after that. It surprised me the first time i did it.

67-68
"remove the lock cylinder by positioning the switch in the accessory position and inserting a piece of wire (paper clip) in the hole in the cylinder face. Push in on the wire and turn the key counterclockwise to remove the cylinder."


If that doesn't work, i'd use a drill. Slide hammer might hurt the dash, and could destroy the bezel. Basically the only thing being saved is the bezel. You'll need a new cylinder and probably the switch too.

Well guys, we ended up using a dremel with a cutoff wheel to cut through the bezel. Once we had that off the rest just came out. The thing was so buggered up I had to change out the switch and lock anyway.

Jerry

Jerry, you got it done at least. Painful as it was.