55 Chevy lock cylinder head scratcher

Hi guys. I've got a head scratcher on the ignition switch for the '55. The lock cylinder doesn't want to stay in the switch when the key is in the lock position. The whole lock cylinder assembly wants to slide out of the switch. It stays in fine in the off, on, and start positions.

I realize these are made and sold as separate pieces, but there must be some retaining mechanism (expansion ring or ??) that is missing or damaged. Otherwise I am doing something wrong assembling it, but sure can't see anything. The service manual is silent on this subject. The DPO (dreaded previous owner) couldn't figure it out either, so he started using it like a security device (in other words, he would walk around town with the lock cylinder in his pocket).

Anyone run into this before? I don't want to buy a new switch and/or lock cylinder just to find out it is a 10c snap ring that is missing or we put it together wrong. Any thoughts? Thanks!

 

There is a pinhole in the face of the lock that you put a pin or paperclip in for removal. you push the pin in then turn the lock and it pops out. thats how u change the cylnder. this must be whats going on with yours, check it out, and good luck.
(Sometimes Their impossible to get out when you want them to.)

 

Yep what he said.^^^^ Some times its hard to get the little pin to engage. I've also had the pins stick, once they are pushed in if they are dirty. If someone forced out, the first time it was removed, it can get bent and jammed or broken.

 

Thanks Alfred and Chris. Great tip. Unfortunately it looks like it might have been forced when removed because the locking mechanism is damaged. I can get it in and locked in place for a while, but any force on the cylinder and it will pop out. I was already going to buy new lock cylinders, looks like I'll be buying the whole shooting match.

As an aside, when you mentioned the hole it gave me a flashback. I remember being a fairly young kid and riding in my grandpa's '64 Skylark (exact same switch). I pointed to the hole and ask what it was for. He said it was to oil the lock so it would turn easily. When we got back to his house he let me "oil" the lock with WD-40. He taught me the love of cars and all the basics of car repair, but I guess he missed on that one! He really was a great old guy. Thanks for the great memory!

Mike

 

Lightning, Then again, If someone had "oiled yours" It might not be broken now.....

 

I got my new lock & cylinder and installed it the other day. 15 seconds and it was done - exactly as you described above. Amazing how well everything works when the pieces are not bent and broken. Thx again for the advice!