1960 ignition switch removal

[Tom L.]

I'm helping a friend w/ a 1960. We need to get the ignition switch out. The piece that the key fits into is wider that the nut that holds the switch in the dash, so it needs to come out first. There's a pin hole in the piece. It looks as though you put something through the pin hole to depress something to remove the piece. I've tried in every key position, but no luck. The switch also has a "Lock" position, but the key won't turn that far left.

Does anyone know how this comes apart? Thanks.

[Richard T.]

Re: 1960 ignition switch removal

Open a large paper clip and insert it into the hole. You will feel a spring loaded pin, push it down with the clip and then turn the key. The lock will come out. Now you can unscrew the bezel and remove the switch. Rich

[Ray C.]

Re: 1960 ignition switch removal

Insert the key into the ignition and turn it as far to the left as you can. Insert a paper clip into the small hole and you will feel a small pin, depress it. Pull the key toward you to remove the switch locking core.

Ray

[Tom L.]

Re: 1960 ignition switch removal

Thanks guys. I think we have the wrong key, which is why it won't turn to the lock position.

[Peter L.]

Re: 1960 ignition switch removal

Tom - You are right. If the key isn't the correct key, the lock cylinder cannot be moved to the LOCK position and therefore the lock cylinder cannot be removed as far as I know. So unless you can either find the correct key or get the lock picked in the car, the options I can think of to get the ignition switch out is either cut the nut or drill out the ignition lock cylinder. If you can't get the lock picked in the car, I'd cut the nut and remove the switch and then find a locksmith who can pick the lock cylinder to remove it. It ain't pretty. Pete

[Tom L.]

Re: 1960 ignition switch removal

Pete,

Picking the lock is well above my pay grade. We're just going to send the entire bezel with the switch in place to Jesser's so he can make a key. Thanks.

Tom

[Gary B.]

Pete; picking an ignition lock

Pete,

Aren't the '60 ignition locks "side bar" locks? If so, it's my understanding that they are very difficult to pick, even for pros. Not true?

Gary

[Gary B.]

Re: 1960 ignition switch removal

Pete,

Picking the lock is well above my pay grade. We're just going to send the entire bezel with the switch in place to Jesser's so he can make a key. Thanks.

Tom

What about the Glove Box? Should be the same key.

[Dan H.]

Re: 1960 ignition switch removal

I found the key code stamped in my door locks. Might be a plan unless it has a bunch of replacement locks everywhere etc.
Dan

[Jim S.]

Re: 1960 ignition switch removal

If you are really desperate:

Tale a 1/8" bit and drill to the side of the key slot (the side with more space). Drill about one inch deep. This will make the lock mechanism no longer functional. You should now be able to turn the lock cylinder witout the key. Turn it back a click, insert a paper clip in the little hole and the lock cylinder will slide right out! After cleaning out the metal shavings, insert the new lock cylinder.

Jim

[David D.]

Re: 1960 ignition switch removal

Whoa, whoa! No need to do Bubba work on this lock. Just put them all in a bag, send them to Pete Lindahl in Los Alamos and you will get a set of lock coded to the number on your door locks. Yes, they should all be the same, 60's have the concentric circle type bezel on the doors and trunk.