65 Ignition Switch Problem

[Michael M.]

Hi, I have a problem with my ignition switch that I have hesitated to post. I have messed with this thing for a month but it has stumped me. Sometime ago I bought an NOS 660 Switch for my car and about a month ago purchased an NOS keyed lock cylinder (LICS)for it. I thought it a simple matter of inserting the lock cylinder and turning it would lock it in but not so. You can pull it out regerdless of what position it is in. I have inserted pin and turned counterclockwise(like you remove). I have oil both parts, tapped on but it will pull right out with key or not. Yes I did align the half moon part on bottom of lock cylinder and matching female in the switch. Does anyone know exactly what part locks the cylinder in the switch or has anyone else ever heard of this. I did not have an old switch to try lock cylinder in as car was stripped when purchased. Thanks, Mike

[Peter L.]

Re: 65 Ignition Switch Problem

Michael - Here goes. This will be like describing a spiraling stair case without using your hands.

The 660 ignition switch has 2 bosses that stick out from the ignition lock cylinder bore towards the back in front of the plastic piece that the bottom end of the ignition lock cylinder mates into. It sounds like these bosses could be missing (broken off) from your switch.

When the ignition lock cylinder is engaged in the switch these bosses fit in a groove in the lock cylinder. You might also check that the groove in the ignition lock cylinder is not broken but that seems unlikely but please check it out unless of course the bosses are missing. Good luck.

Pete

[Michael M.]

Re: 65 Ignition Switch Problem

Michael - Here goes. This will be like describing a spiraling stair case without using your hands.

The 660 ignition switch has 2 bosses that stick out from the ignition lock cylinder bore towards the back in front of the plastic piece that the bottom end of the ignition lock cylinder mates into. It sounds like these bosses could be missing (broken off) from your switch.

When the ignition lock cylinder is engaged in the switch these bosses fit in a groove in the lock cylinder. You might also check that the groove in the ignition lock cylinder is not broken but that seems unlikely but please check it out unless of course the bosses are missing. Good luck.

Pete

Peter, I beleive you told me exactly what I needed to know. I don`t see any bosses inside my Switch They must be broken off. I included a couple of pictures incase you see something else but I will look for another 660 armed with new knowledge of what to look for. Thanks, Mike

[Peter L.]

Re: 65 Ignition Switch Problem

Mike - Check your E-mail. Pete

[Lynn H.]

Re: 65 Ignition Switch Problem

I thought I read an older Restorer article about this recently (I do a lot of that) where they described putting this boss in with JB weld. Not sure exactly when it was or how old of a Restorer (I have most and really enjoy reading through the early ones), but I am sure I remember seeing this.
Lynn

[Wayne M.]

Re: 65 Ignition Switch Problem

...... I don`t see any bosses inside my Switch They must be broken off. I included a couple of pictures incase you see something else but I will look for another 660 armed with new knowledge of what to look for. Thanks, Mike

Mike -- here's a pic I posted only about a week ago, on another thread (maybe yours ?). You can see one of the two "bosses" that Pete L. mentions at approx. 11:30 am position in the pic. You can barely see a corner of the 2nd boss at 5:30 pm; it is about 20% larger (ie. continues for more arc) than the first.

On the switch, you can see the matching D indent and raised bar (in the plastic turn plate that you have mentioned); and on the tumbler at the bottom of my pic, you can see the matching D and bar AND a slot at the top of the tumbler D (matching slot on the bottom of the other side cannot be seen in my pic). Between those two slots for the bosses, there's a circumferential groove cut in the tumbler, in which the bosses ride, that prevents it from being removed from the switch, except when they line up with the slots, which happens only when you have turned the key to the extreme left while using some tool to push in the brass pin.

So you either have no bosses (which doesn't seem to be the case, or the deep end of your tumbler does not have that groove.

[Michael M.]

Re: 65 Ignition Switch Problem

Thanks Wayne! Great Picture. Mine does not have two bosses or tangs in the bottom of the switch. After seeing this picture and looking in mine I think I see where they were. Looks like they have been broken off. I bought on E-Bay several years ago and only recently bought the cylinder and discovered the problem. I think I will have have to do some more shopping. Thanks to you and Peter for all your help. Mike