Iginition Cylinder on 1973 needs to be changed out for New Keys

[Robert K.]

I am in the process of restoring my 1973 and have come to the part where I need to change out all the locks to a new key. The door locks and the alarm key change outs where easy. Now I need to remove the cylinder in the steering column. I have the Service manual but it not clear weather i need to remove the plate in the picture (attachment) to get access to the cylinder components. I would appreciate any help on this, its not my area of car knowledge of the past 40 years.

[Terry M.]

Re: Iginition Cylinder on 1973 needs to be changed out for New Keys

I am in the process of restoring my 1973 and have come to the part where I need to change out all the locks to a new key. The door locks and the alarm key change outs where easy. Now I need to remove the cylinder in the steering column. I have the Service manual but it not clear weather i need to remove the plate in the picture (attachment) to get access to the cylinder components. I would appreciate any help on this, its not my area of car knowledge of the past 40 years.

I don't have a Chevrolet Service Manual (CSM) here with me at work, and you should have one appropriate for your year with you or the appropriate AIM is sometimes helpful, but from memory on my 1970 the answer to your question is YES you have to remove that plate to get to the lock cylinder release tang.

I am assUm(e)ing the 1970 is the same as the 1973. I think it is BWTFDIK. I would bet some of Jim Shay's links will cover this also, but I can't get there from work either.

[Edward J.]

Re: Iginition Cylinder on 1973 needs to be changed out for New Keys

Bob,Terry is correct the lock plate will have to be removed and then the turn signal switch phillips head screws that attach to switch to bowl and there is one screw that attachs the lever to the signal switch. then go to under the column and the wiring harness is secured to the column viva a bracket, the harness just slides upward. then unplug, next slide the plastic switch upwards enough to slide over the steering shaft to access the key buzzer switch ( be extra careful because if the switch is original It will break easy). next the access for ing. key and cylinder removel is under the key buzzer switch, a small flat blade screw driver will be all you need to push in the release button.

Hope I did not confuse you. Ed

[Terry M.]

Re: Iginition Cylinder on 1973 needs to be changed out for New Keys

Thanks for the add on Ed. I had forgotten all the rest of that stuff -- it has, thankfully, been too long since I did that job.

Hey, some time if we get together, I'll tell you a real funny story about ignition lock cylinders back in the late '70s. Working in a dealership you would appreciate it.

[Edward J.]

Re: Iginition Cylinder on 1973 needs to be changed out for New Keys

Terry, sound good to me.

[John H.]

Re: Iginition Cylinder on 1973 needs to be changed out for New Keys

Ed -

The illustrated step-by-step procedure for lock cylinder removal should be in the "Ignition" section of the Chassis Service Manual; that's where it is in the '69 manual.

[Harmon C.]

Re: Iginition Cylinder on 1973 needs to be changed out for New Keys

Be aware that the opening for the release lever may be covered with a thin layer of metal.

[Jim S.]

Re: Iginition Cylinder on 1973 needs to be changed out for New Keys

There are complete instructions on removing the ignition lock cylinder from a standard (non-adjustable) steering column.

Go to www.corvettefaq.com
Click on Steering
Click on Jim Shea's Steering Papers
Click on Corvette Steering Papers
Scroll down to the Standard Steering Column area
Click on 69-79 Standard Column Disassembly & Repair Paper #1 and Pic #1

There are complete instructions. You may need a new lock cylinder with a cross slot. They were introduced around 1979. I don't know if there is a universal lock cylinder or not.


Jim

[Peter L.]

Re: Iginition Cylinder on 1973 needs to be changed out for New Keys

Robert - I did not see any mention of the lock keyways for your new ignition switch lock and other locks but I trust if your plans are to have the car judges after all your work that the new set up has the "E" keyway for the ignition & door locks and the "H" keyway for the compartment, spare tire, & alarm locks and not other "letter" or universal keyways as the original locks for 73 were the "E" and "H" letter keyway locks & keys. Pete

[Robert K.]

Re: Iginition Cylinder on 1973 needs to be changed out for New Keys

Thanks for all the help. As this is my first attempt at using a forum, my kids had to tell me how- very embarassing, I was overwelhemed by the reponses.

Again thank you for all the time and consideration of this matter. Bob

[Robert K.]

Re: Iginition Cylinder on 1973 needs to be changed out for New Keys

Just an update on my original request for help in changing out of the ignition key cylinder lock. All the responses were helpful in doing the project, which I decided to do over the Memorial Day Weekend. Well all went very well, although there where some places that took a little head scratching. The new key lock is in and working perfectly. (From the attached picture, this is where I need to get to in order to push on the holding tab of the cylinder lock.)

It was my lucky day to find NCRS at Carsile and decided to join. I can see that those who belong are here for the purpose of discussing Corvette topics and share their knowledge. I will be happy to contribute in that sharing of knowledge when the time comes. Again thanks to all that helped. Robert Kohler