62 Ignition key comes out in Off position-Repair?

[Anthony P.]

Since the key should not be able to be removed when it is in the Off position, is there a way to repair an original ignition switch when the key can be removed in the off position?

If so, how?


Thanks,

Tony

[Paul J.]

Re: 62 Ignition key comes out in Off position-Repair?

Since the key should not be able to be removed when it is in the Off position, is there a way to repair an original ignition switch when the key can be removed in the off position?

If so, how?


Thanks,

Tony

How do you know that the key cannot be removed in the off position? You can remove it in 63-64 vehicles.

[Anthony P.]

Re: 62 Ignition key comes out in Off position-Repair?

The 62 Judging manual stated that, and that was one of the things I failed during judging.

[David K.]

Re: 62 Ignition key comes out in Off position-Repair?

I guess I didn't read the judging book. Both of the '62's I have or had, the key was able to be removed in the off position. Both had/have the original keys though and the keys are quite worn.

[Bill M.]

Re: 62 Ignition key comes out in Off position-Repair?

The '59 owner's manual says the key is only required to go to, or from, the lock position. The implication is that the key is removable in the off position. I believe that was done because there was only one key. The key could be removed in "off" and the engine could be started by a valet. That's why the ignition cylinder has those raised extensions; so the ignition switch could be rotated without a key. That way the valet did not have access to the glove box or trunk. I think the manual is wrong...at least for a '59.

[Anthony P.]

Re: 62 Ignition key comes out in Off position-Repair?

Wording from the 62 JM. Page 5, section 30: Ignition Switch & Seat Belts

"..... check to see that the key can only be removed when the switch is in the lock or on position. The key should not be able to be removed when in the off position. If the key was removed in the on position, in order to move to he lock position, the key must be reinserted."

[John F.]

Re: 62 Ignition key comes out in Off position-Repair?

My #0029 key can only be removed from the "on" or "lock" position.

[Dan H.]

Re: 62 Ignition key comes out in Off position-Repair?

How do you know that the key cannot be removed in the off position? You can remove it in 63-64 vehicles.

Paul, that's not correct, check your owners manual. I rebuilt my ignition lock and with new parts it cannot be removed (key) in 'off' position. They wear down and can eventually be removed in 'off' mode.
Dan

[Anthony P.]

Re: 62 Ignition key comes out in Off position-Repair?

Dan,

Is rebuilding the ignition switch to fix this just changing the lock cylinder?

Thanks,

Tony

[Paul J.]

Re: 62 Ignition key comes out in Off position-Repair?

Paul, that's not correct, check your owners manual. I rebuilt my ignition lock and with new parts it cannot be removed (key) in 'off' position. They wear down and can eventually be removed in 'off' mode.
Dan

Dan, you may be correct, but there was some discussion on this baord some time back that the "lock" feature for ignition keys in the off position was mandated after 1964. Perhaps your rebuild parts are not true to the originals. I'm too lazy to look it up now, but I'm involved with many pre-1965 GM products and almost all of them do not lock the key in in the "off" position. As I said, you may be correct, but this was a change for 1965 and later. Hopefully, someone will chime in who knows this issue better than we do.

Paul

[Peter L.]

Re: 62 Ignition key comes out in Off position-Repair?

Tony - As designed the original Delco-Remy 62 Corvette ignition switch, p/n 1116577 (embossed 577) will allow the key to be removed in the LOCK & ON positions and also the START position (but it takes 2 hands ) because at these positions the bore of the switch body where the ignition lock cylinder goes is larger so the lock bar of the ignition lock cylinder can move out and release the key. There is a step in the bore between the LOCK and ON positions that reduces the bore diameter at the OFF position so the lock bar cannot move out and the key will not release or come out. After some time the tumblers in the ignition lock cylinder and/or the key become worn from use and the fact that both the tumblers and keys are brass and then the key can be removed in the OFF position. An interesting feature in that as designed if the ignition switch was turned OFF you had an indication, i.e. could not remove the key, so that you needed to turn the switch to the LOCK position so you did not inadvertently leave the ignition switch operable or as noted if you knowing left the ignition ON and the car running and removed the key when you left the car with a Parking Lot attendant who would smoke your tires , he could not get in the compartment or trunk. Pete

[Dan H.]

Re: 62 Ignition key comes out in Off position-Repair?

Dan,

Is rebuilding the ignition switch to fix this just changing the lock cylinder?

Thanks,

Tony

No. you must replace all the tumblers in the lock, they wear out and let the key be removed in incorrect positions. Make sure your switch is good also. Even NOS locks sometimes don't work correctly.
Dan

[Philip C.]

Re: 62 Ignition key comes out in Off position-Repair?

Dan,

Is rebuilding the ignition switch to fix this just changing the lock cylinder?

Thanks,

Tony

Hi Tony, the lock cylinder has nothing to do with the fix, Tom Howey shows HOW TO in a nice short article in the restorer volume 36 number 2 fall of 2009. (I use pc7 epoxy for everything) Phil 8063

[Robert B.]

Re: 62 Ignition key comes out in Off position-Repair?

After reading this thread I went to the garage and checked the ignition operation on my '60 (it has a "577" original ignition) and it operated like the JM calls out: the key can only be removed when the switch is in the lock or on position. The key can not be removed when in the off position. If the key is removed in the on position, in order to move to the lock position, the key must be reinserted. Guess I'm lucky the old switch isn't worn out yet , hope it stays that way 'til its judged!

[Bill M.]

Re: 62 Ignition key comes out in Off position-Repair?

The '59 owner's manual says the key is only required to go to, or from, the lock position. The implication is that the key is removable in the off position. I believe that was done because there was only one key. The key could be removed in "off" and the engine could be started by a valet. That's why the ignition cylinder has those raised extensions; so the ignition switch could be rotated without a key. That way the valet did not have access to the glove box or trunk. I think the manual is wrong...at least for a '59.

edit: The NCRS manual is right; my interpretation of the owner's manual is wrong. I have the original ignition switch and key for the '59 and you can't get the key out in "off" position; it is removable in the "on" position...