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Technical Buick questions

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by Arzoo, May 19, 2025.

  1. Arzoo
    Joined: May 19, 2025
    Posts: 1

    Arzoo

    Hey everybody just picked up a 54 special. Have an ignition lock problems. The cylinder won't turn with the key anymore probably cranked it about 10 to 15 times everything was fine but now it's in the lock position and I can't turn it at all so I can't remove the cylinder. This key still opens the doors the trunk and the glove box so I'm at a loss. Is there any easy way to drill that cylinder out without damaging the back of it because it's a pain in the butt to get to my big head and non-vision don't work like that anymore
     
  2. Sometimes spraying some WD-40 into the lock and then "jiggle" the key slightly as you try to turn it may work. The cylinder and key are probably worn heavily. Do you have another key? Is the lock an original type with the accelerator pedal start?
     
  3. Bandit Billy
    Joined: Sep 16, 2014
    Posts: 15,291

    Bandit Billy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I had a similar experience last year on my 442. The trunk had always worked perfectly...until it didn't. I stuck the key in to open the deck lid and nothing. Wouldn't turn and wouldn't let go of the key. I have a vacuum trunk release, so I fired up the engine and popped it open, removed the cylinder and took it to the local locksmith who is an old car guru. He could not get that key out. He had never seen one just freeze up to that extent. He had another cylinder, rekeyed it to my keys and off I went about $50 less wealthy.

    I hope you have an easier time, but I would be considering removing the switch and taking it to a locksmith.
     
    Toms Dogs likes this.
  4. 302GMC
    Joined: Dec 15, 2005
    Posts: 8,405

    302GMC
    Member
    from Idaho

    See if the release button on the switch lines up with the little hole in the cylinder ... if it does, push button & turn cyl. CCW to release.
     
  5. Roadhog56
    Joined: Apr 8, 2023
    Posts: 23

    Roadhog56

    The ign is the most used lock and the tumblers wear along with the key. The result is lock tumblers worn plus key worn results in a "Locked up lock". Have a new key made and see if it will do the job!
     
    tb33anda3rd likes this.
  6. Rusty Heaps
    Joined: May 19, 2011
    Posts: 1,000

    Rusty Heaps
    Member

    don't use WD40 on lock cylinders, GRAPHITE!
     
    51 mercules, Torana68 and 5window like this.
  7. F-ONE
    Joined: Mar 27, 2008
    Posts: 3,619

    F-ONE
    Member
    from Alabama

    Hmmmmm
    What a pain in the butt.

    You are most likely not holding your mouth right. Pucker, pursed lips, lips to left, lips to right, clenched teeth, slightly open teeth or at last result the Fess Parker/Davy Crockett Grinning it unlocked.......
    You’ll have to figure this out.

    Lube...
    Push in...
    Jiggle....
    Pull....
    Jiggle....
    Lube...
    repeat...
    Make sure you are using the right key if you have multiples.
    Don’t get mad and break stuff. This may take time.
    Gentle but not limp wristed baby stuff but not hillbilly force it and break stuff like the key.
    Firm but gentle.
    Maybe it will open.

    Seem like the key is in the dash on these but if it’s on the column, make sure it’s in neutral or park.
     
  8. have a new key made and try it
     
    F-ONE likes this.

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