C1 Ignition Switch and Lock Cylinder

[Christopher R.]

I have the correct 577 ignition switch in my '62. However, the ignition key can be removed in the "off" position. This is incorrect. The ignition key should not be able to be removed in that position. I am informed that this condition results from wear.

What needs replacing? The lock cylinder? Or, the 577 switch?

[Terry B.]

Re: C1 Ignition Switch and Lock Cylinder

I have an original switch in my 62 and even with over 100,000 miles the key cannot be removed when in the off position. I thought removing the key while the switch was in the off position was a technique for identifying a non-original switch!

[John F.]

Re: C1 Ignition Switch and Lock Cylinder

Take the lockset to a locksmith and have the tumblers replaced. There should be a 4 digit code on the lockset. Also your key could be worn.

[Donald H.]

Re: C1 Ignition Switch and Lock Cylinder

There was a restorer article (Fall 2009) on how to fix a reproduction ignition switch that allows the key to be pulled out in the OFF position. Not saying yours is a restoration, but you might inspect the area of the ignition switch that this article addresses to see if some how it has been damaged.

If you don't have the issue, I have a PDF I can send you. I can't post the file as it is larger than allowed. Send my your email address if you want a copy.

Don Harri

[Jerry C.]

Re: C1 Ignition Switch and Lock Cylinder

Send it to Pat's Locks Ltd. 2507 Roy Terrace Fallston, MD 21047 He just fixed my 60. Very nice work and quick return. 410 879 9647

[Gary B.]

Re: C1 Ignition Switch and Lock Cylinder

Guys,

I recently helped the owner of a '62 with exactly the problem you describe. The first thing to do, because it's the cheapest, is to have a new key cut from the key code to see if the problem can be fixed with a new, non-worn, key. The second thing to do, because it is second cheapest, and because it preserves your original lock cylinder (if it's decent cosmetic shape), is to have the tumblers replaced. If a new key and tumblers doesn't fix the problem (and it did not fix the problem in the case of the person I helped), then the next thing I did was replace the lock cylinder with a CORRECT repro lock cylinder and that did fix the problem. The reason I think that a new lock cylinder was needed is that the 3rd item that can wear in these key/lock cylinders (in addition to the key and tumblers) is the internal, pointed tip of the "side bar" that interfaces with the moving tumblers. The side bar can also be replaced on its own, but that is more work than is typically worth the cost, provided you can find a correct repro lock cylinder. And correct repro lock cylinders do exist. A correct lock cylinder has one lock release hole in the bezel, not two. And a correct repro cylinder will indeed operate properly in terms of the position were the key can be removed.

So, in summary, while you might hear some folks say you just need a new key cut to code or you just need new tumblers, but while those are worth trying first, and in that order, those two repairs will not always fix the problem.

Gary

[Tom I.]

Re: C1 Ignition Switch and Lock Cylinder

I may be mistaken but I seem to remember the lock was designed to allow removing the key in the off position as well as in the lock position. This allowed starting and operating the vehicle without a key. Two lips protrude from the lock to allow this operation. To my knowledge mine always operated this way.
Tom.

On page 5 of the 1962 owners manual in reference to Ignition Switch, its states:
THe key is required only when turning to or from Lock position.

[Gary B.]

Re: C1 Ignition Switch and Lock Cylinder

Tom,

This is a case where the Owner's Manual is confusing things. For '60, '61 and 62' Corvette, the ignition key should only come out in the LOCK position, the ON position, plus the START position. The latter, of course, would require turning and pulling out on the key at the same time.

I think what the Owner's Manual is trying to say is that if, for example, the car is running with the key removed and the key slot aligned with the ON position, you will be able to turn the bezel to the OFF position, but not into the LOCK position until after you re-insert the key, and you can do that only after turning the lock back into the ON position to insert the key.

Gary

[Jaime G.]

Re: C1 Ignition Switch and Lock Cylinder

Send it to Pete Lindahl in NM. He is the master of locks for Corvettes. Once he gets it, he will let you know what needs to be done to restore it to its original and correct
operating condition. There is nobody in our hobby with his knowledge and integrity. All my cars have been done by Pete and all work flawless.