Ignition switch removal?

Discussion in '1960-1966' started by tkconlon, Nov 20, 2002.

  1. tkconlon

    tkconlon Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2002
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    Location:
    Steamboat Springs USA
    Help!!!

    I tried to remove the ignition switch on my 1960 C-10 according to the instructions in the shop manual and I'm now in a pickle. I inserted a wire into one of the holes in the face of the switch and tried turning the key ccw to unscrew the lockset. Alas, it didn't turn so, being male, I applied pliers to the key. It still didn't turn much but now I can't put the switch into the locked position. So I'm lucky to live where no one would steal my truck (yet) but would like to be able to lock the ignition and even replace the switch.

    Any one out there with advice? I would value it greatly!

    Thanks,

    Tom:( :( :(
     
  2. cowboy

    cowboy Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2001
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    382
    I went though the same with my ignition switch. It was hard to get apart. all i can say is just keep fiddleing with it and no pliers.I fiddled with mine and it finally came a part.
    cowboy
    1961 chevy 1/2 ton shortstep known as sarah
     
  3. tkconlon

    tkconlon Member

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    Location:
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    Thanks Cowboy! The face on my switch has two holes, both on the right of the key. Do you have a suggestion on whether the upper or lower one is the most promising? I promise - no more pliers.

    Thanks,

    Tom

    '60 Apache shortbed
     
  4. cowboy

    cowboy Member

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    i think that you need to get a paper clip and bend it so you can putit in both holes. thats what i did. I forgot to mention that.
    cowboy
    1961 chevy 1/2 ton shortstep known as sarah
     
  5. trustyrusty65

    trustyrusty65 Member

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    Jul 16, 2002
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    Location:
    Carson City U.S.A.
    Does anybody know if the earlier style switch(60-63)only had one hole? Mine only has one, and the plastic electrical connector on the back looked like the old style, but I know the wiring was original. In 1964, I guess GM put a "theft-deterrant" connector on the switch(mine wasn't this design). Are there switches with just one small wire hole?
    --TrustyRusty
     
  6. cowboy

    cowboy Member

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    I have a 63 parts truck and the ignition switch only had one hole. i swaped the key part of my 61 to the part where the wireing harness atttaches to the switch to the 63 (i have 63 wireing harness).
    cowboy
    1961 chevy 1/2 ton shortstep known as sarah
     
  7. David

    David Member

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2000
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    When I first got my truck, my sis's boyfriend gave me an ignition from a 66'.(my 62' didn't have keys) It had two holes on the front, one on the left for an "accesory", and one on the right for the "on" position. The ignition switches should all be enterchangeable from 60-66. After my truck was atempted to be stolen I put in a 62' ignition switch from a wrecking yard, and my key for the other ignition switch worked on this one too.:)

    I have a question for you guys, How do you remove the old key lock so I can put in a new key lock in the ignition?
    I have another back up, my key won't work on it. :( This switch is out of a low mileaged 64' C30 Chevy truck.

    David
     
  8. trustyrusty65

    trustyrusty65 Member

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    Location:
    Carson City U.S.A.
    David, I just popped mine out a few hours ago. Since my lock cylider had only one hole on it, I took a paper clip and stuck it in the hole and felt the spring below compress. I took my key and turned the switch COUNTER-CLOCKWISE about a quarter turn and it popped up and I pulled it out. I didn't remove the switch from the dash, but I imagine that it would make it easier. If you have two holes in the switch, do what cowboy said to do above. Good luck, it may take some fiddlin' with to get. This is actually out lined in the '63 shop manual under engine electrical.
    --TrustyRusty
     
  9. tkconlon

    tkconlon Member

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    Location:
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    Wow! What an wealth of advice.

    I appreciate all of the info. I think Cowboy's trick of putting the paperclip in BOTH holes is the key to my dilemma. As soon as it quits snowing, I'll give it a whirl (probably about June).

    And I thought that International was the only truck with 20 variations on the same part.

    Tom in Steamboat
    '60 Short Fleetside
     

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