C3 Lock Cylinder Removal

[Ariel Boston]

I have a C3 (1974) vette and i need to remove the ignition lock cylinder. I've taken off the steering wheel and the directional signal switch, but i can't get the lock out... My manual (Corvette 1966-1982 Shop Manual) tells me that I need to stick a small flat tool into this slot, but I can't figure out which slot they're refering too. There are only two slots that I can see that reach to the cylinder, but neither of them has anything to press on with the flat tool... any suggestions?

Btw my manual says: "Insert a small screw driver or similar tool into the turn signal housing slot. Keeping the tool to the right side of the slot, break the housing flash loose and at the same time depress the spring latch at the lower end of the lock cylinder. With the latch depressed, the lock cylinder can be removed from the housing."

thanks

[Wayne W.]

Re: C3 Lock Cylinder Removal

Well, follow the manual instructions. You have to break the housing to expose the release tab.

[Ariel Boston]

Re: C3 Lock Cylinder Removal

Well I have been following the instructions, but the manuals instructions and picture dont correspond with my actual steering wheel. I don't see any housing flash to break, let alone a slot with anyting in it that even slightly resembles 'housing flash"

[Wayne W.]

Re: C3 Lock Cylinder Removal

OK, These cars had several methods of holding the cylinder, some have an exposed area that is obvious, some that are not. Some are held in by a retainer screw. Since you do not see any release mechanism, I have to assume that you have the first type. If you have a new cylinder to look at, find the release tab on the new one and measure back to the tab from the flange. You should be able to deduce the location to dig into.

[Gary S.]

Re: C3 Lock Cylinder Removal

If you will take a very bright flashlight and look down just above and to the left of the area where the lock cylinder inserts, you should see a small slot. It is cast into the housing and I have seen casting flash in the two that I have worked on. There are a couple of possible areas that you will see but the correct one is uniform in shape and once you find it you will know it. Using the flashlight, you should be able to see down into the appropriate slot and see the head of the pin that extends into this slot. This pin, or protrusion, is a small raised ramp that must be depressed to release the lock cylinder. In addition, iirc, the key must be in the run position to do this. The last part is a bit fuzzy. I use a small, fine standard screwdriver to do this. In addition, take a look at the following web site:

http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/StdC3ColumnD&R127JN03.doc

The author, Jim Shea, is a retired engineer with Saginaw, the folks that built our steering columns. He has provided a plethora of papers over at www.corvettefaq.com that describe parts and repairs for standard and tilt columns. Click on the steering section and the start reading. Many of his papers are based on actual Saginaw manuals.

At the bottom of the article, is a reasonably decent photo showing the slot in question. Fwiw, I have downloaded most of Jim Shea's paper and have them saved to CD because they include some wonderful exploded parts diagrams and many troubleshooting guides.

Gary

[Ariel Boston]

awesome

thank you so much

[Gary S.]

So, does that mean

that you got the lock cylinder out?

While the Corvette Forum does have its faults, the www.corvettefaq.com section on steering is about as good as it gets. I have used this section many times and pass it along to everyone I can.
Gary

[Chuck S.]

Anyone Read The Engine Break-In Article?

Basically, "MotoMan's" theory is to forget the owners manual and run a new engine hard from the start to seat the rings. He says it provides a higher performance, cleaner operating engine, and has pictures to prove it. I had heard the performance aspect of this theory before, and wondered if it was unfounded "Clevis" technology.

Really nice site, Gary...Thanks.

[John H.]

Re: Anyone Read The Engine Break-In Article?

Modern moly-faced rings seat in about five minutes; the old chrome-faced rings took a LOT longer.

[Ariel Boston]

Re: So, does that mean

yea i did get it out