67 Ignition switch 686

[James M.]

Hi all,

In preparing my 67 for judging I have found yet another issue for questions. This time regarding the ignition switch. I have reviewed the info on the forum and in the archives and I am still a bit puzzled. There was a change in the ignition between 66 and 67 models. The 1116673 (673) was used in 66 and did not allow for the key to be pushed into the lock to get to the ACC position. In 67 the change to 1116686 (686) then caused you to have to push the key into the lock for ACC. I hope this is correct thus far.

My car allows a simple rotation to the ACC wit no depression. I thought that I must have the 673 switch. I then ordered a 686 switch only to find it did not work properly as well. The new switch was not identified on the case as a 686 although it look exactly the same. I then found someone with a "686 original" and tried it. It worked fine. In evaluating the cases I found a difference even though the same 686 was on each piece. The one from my car has only one brass pin and the 686 from the other car (686) has two pins. I was assured the ignition was original that was in my car.

Can someone please explain to me what may be going on with this? I tried to post photos, but haven't worked through that process yet.

Thanks,
James

[Gerard F.]

Re: 67 Ignition switch 686

James,

Just checked my 67 ignition switch (guaranteed original), and late 67. I don't have to push it in to go ACC, just turn it CCW.

The thing they look for on a 67 ignition switch is that it does not pull out when on ACC or ON, only pulls out on OFF. With a worn key, it will probably pull out in all positions.

[James M.]

Re: 67 Ignition switch 686

The thing they look for on a 67 ignition switch is that it does not pull out when on ACC or ON, only pulls out on OFF. With a worn key, it will probably pull out in all positions.

Jerry,

Thanks for your reply. I was recently judged at a regional and lost 6 points in ops because my switch would turn CCW without being depressed. This now produces more confusion. I understand judges can make mistakes from time to time. Do you think this is the case?

My car is a late 67 (late May). Would be interested in others judging experience on this.

Thanks,
James

[Ray G.]

Re: 67 Ignition switch 686

Hi all,

" In 67 the change to 1116686 (686) then caused you to have to push the key into the lock for ACC."
Thanks,
James

Hello James;

This portion of your search of the archives is correct.
Some OPERATIONS judges will look for this CCW movement only when depressing the ignition key.
Believe this instruction is also in the owners manual, although don't have same available at this writing.

Good luck with your projects.
Ray

[Gerard F.]

Re: 67 Ignition switch 686

James,

That is a new one on me. Never noticed that in almost 42 years with my 67, but it is in my 67 Owners Manual, which would be the basis of operations. I guess one gets so used to it, that you don't notice that you have to push on the key very slightly to get it to ACC.

I just tried it with a new key freshly cut to the numbers, and by golly, mine works so that you have to push it in, ever so slightly, to get it to turn CCW to ACC.

Try it with yours, and hold the key out slightly and you will see the difference from turning it CW to CCW.

I guess we learn to do the push automatically.

I learn something every day.

[Paul D.]

Re: 67 Ignition switch 686

James,on my late Feb '67 you have to push in the key slightly to go to left(ACC).I know that a May '67 car failed PV because the key did not go "in" to the acc mode. Email the team leader for 1967....Paul...

[Peter L.]

Re: 67 Ignition switch 686

James - Actually, the original Delco-Remy 1116673 ignition switch for the 1966 Corvette and Chevrolet and the original D-R 1116868 ignition switch for the 1967 Corvette should operate basically the same when the key is turned to th ACC position and the Owner's manuals read basically the same where that operation is described. The original Delco-Remy switches are embossed with the last 3 digits of the part number, i.e. 673 or 686, on the step surface where the switch body changes from the lock cylinder bore to the larger diameter bore for the switch mechanism.

It is important to note that Delco-Remy changed the 1116686 ignition switch internal design but not the part number sometime after 1967 Corvette production, so some of the newer 1116686 ignition switches do not operate are the original 1116686 igntion swtiches as far as the operation of turning to the ACC position.

Pete

Pete