Ignition Tumbler Removal Problem

[Rick G.]

i just discovered that my newly purchased '54 Corvette has an ignition switch that cannot be switched to the "lock" position with either key that came with the car. in other words, there is not a matching key for the ignition switch, and if i try to use the trunk key in the ignition, the key does NOT turn to the left in the lock position.

i know that the ignition tumbler can be removed by sticking a small pin into the key holder, but i believe the key needs to be in the fully left (locked) position in order for the tumbler to be removed. i tried the pin method in all other key positions and the tumblers did not budge.

does anyone have a recommendation on how i might get the ingition tumbler out so i can get it re-keyed to match the trunk lock?

thanks.

[Rick G.]

Re: Ignition Tumbler Removal Problem

i just did a search of the archives.......looks like i will have to contact a locksmith to pick the lock to get it turned to the 11 o'clock position to get the tumbler out.

[Willard M.]

Re: Ignition Tumbler Removal Problem

I'm puzzled by your comment about two keys. I think that one key does both ignition and trunk. Maybe one has been changed over the years.

[Rick G.]

Re: Ignition Tumbler Removal Problem

let me clarify the key situation -- the prior owner gave me two keys. i assumed one was for the trunk and one was for the ignition. but i read in NCRS manual that one key was supposed to operate both the ignition and trunk.

so i tried the "ignition" key in the trunk and it would not unlock it, but the "trunk" key would. then i tried the "trunk" key in the ignition and it started the car. next, i just turned the ignition switch WITHOUT a key, and it turned freely! so i was puzzled.

then i noticed that the ignition was always in the 12 o'clock position. i figured there had to be a way to "lock" the ignition and remove the key. sure enough, i learned of the 11 o'clock position and realized the ignition did not have the correct key.

so now i need to remove the ignition tumbler and get a key to match, and have my trunk lock re-keyed to match the ignition key.

does it make sense now??

[Troy P.]

Re: Ignition Tumbler Removal Problem

Another option is to cut through the ignition switch chrome retaining nut with a Dremel cut off wheel. Then you can hand carry the switch in to be re-keyed. New nuts are $6.

[Rick G.]

Re: Ignition Tumbler Removal Problem

i took my '54 to a local locksmith. he was unable to pick the lock without drilling a small hole in it. he did that, got the tumblers out, and rekeyed it to match my ignition key. i had purchased an ignition tumbler off eBay just in case he had to destroy the lock. turns out he rekeyed the spare to match the ones in the car.

all for $85 ! not a bad price -- i was expecting several hundred.

they all enjoyed working on the car, and admiring it. these cars are so cool to share with others !