So my neighbor just called and is trying to replace the ignition switch [not key switch] on his 60's chevy. He has the column dropped and the old part off but the rod coming down from the key seems to be sprung or something? It will not line up with either slot on the side of the switch without some serious twisting of the rod. What am I missing? Since I didn't take it apart I'm not sure. He did say that it sounded like something moved or sprung when he unbolted it. Note the rod end is pointed up and needs to enter from the side. Thanks for any help.
The other end of the rod hooks to the rack and if your not careful you can unhook it. I would very carefuly try to fish around the upper end of the rod at the same time twisting it to try and rehook it. You will know you have it when you turn the key and the rod slidesup and down the column. The other posibility is to disassemble the column and reattach it. There is also the possibility that the potmetal rack is broken and needs replaced. Columns aint magic and if you are going to own an old car you should learn how to repair one.
Thanks for the reply. So you think it came out of its slot up top by the key switch and that's why its pointed the wrong direction by the switch? Makes sense, the car is at my neighbors and I didn't want to just start ripping the steering wheel off so I thought I would try HAMB power first. Believe me, I KNOW how to work on old cars. I just dont know everything......yet. Does anyone?
That last line wasn't mean't as judgment , just as encouragment. I have friends that will rebuild their own engines and ask me to work on their columns which i think are much more simple.
It looks right to me. The switch sits with the metal part vertical, the plastic part sits directly above the column, the wires plug in from the right side. So the end of the rod needs to point up to fit into the hole in the switch. ( I confimed the orientation of the switch by looking at my 80 chevy pickup, which is the only thing I have right now with one of those columns)
Jim, the holes in the switch for the slide are on either side of the switch. There is no hole in the bottom for it to engage. If we bolt the switch to the column the rod will have to be tweeked hard left or right. Or...maybe I should have waited until tomorrow to look at it. Been a long long day for me and I'm gassed. Maybe a set of rested eyes would be better. This fellow is 77 years old has drag raced and worked on Chevy's forever. He even had a couple of old switches from other cars laying around so I know he's done it before. Really appreciate the help guys. No offense taken Grahamsc.
Read my description again (after you're rested), maybe it'll make sense. drawing is from the point of view of looking down the steering column. Rod points up, between the plastic and metal parts of the switch. so it fits into the hole and moves the slider inside the switch.
Are you kidding me!!!!!! What a dufus I am! We were trying to bolt it to the column the exact way it's sitting in my pic. We had it installed upside down.......well I said that I didn't take it off so it was on the floor mat when I got there. Man do I feel like an ASS! thanks Jim for the drawing. I'm headed across the street now.
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