1959-ignition switch stuck.

[Stephen R.]

Thought I'd put this out. Need some advice before I screw this up. Was correctly orientating the distributor and installing new plug wires on my 59 and went to start it up, didn't start (thank god) on the first try, went to turn the key to "start" and key won't move, switch is stuck in "run". Will not go to "start" or "off". I can take the key out and put it in but can't turn it. Disconnected battery. Squirted some PB blaster in the key hole and around the key lock mechanism, no luck. Tried two other keys, one of which is an "original" almost never used. No luck.

This is the same ignition switch that's been in the car from at least 1974. Also, the lock appears to be a replacement since it has two holes for the paper clip and not one.

I searched the archives and the answers to those problems deal with turning the key CCW and using a paper clip to remove the cylinder. My key won't move. I did find a thread that stated you can drill it out using a 1/8 inch drill bit. Is that what I have to do now?
Thanks

[Peter L.]

Re: 1959-ignition switch stuck.

Stephan - It sounds like either 1) the switch mechanism (back part of the switch) is frozen up because in the run position or ON position you should be able to operate the ignition switch lock cylinder (assuming the car has the Delco Remy #547 ignition switch) between the OFF ON, and START positions without a key. You should only need the key to move the switch lock cylinder to the LOCK position. Or 2) there is although it looks to be somewhat remote, the possibility that the retainer for the tumbler springs and tumblers on the lock cylinder has become loose and caught in one of the grooves in the bore where the lock cylinder fits, so the lock cylinder won't turn.

One of the methods the guys or possibly ladies who borrowed cars without the owner's permission with similar ignition switches like my 63 Chev I believe used a larger square shank screw driver and an adjustable wrench for leverage and turned the lock cylinder to break it. If you use this kind of approach, be sure to turn in the counter clockwise direction.

Good luck. Pete

[Stephen R.]

Re: 1959-ignition switch stuck.

Thanks Pete for the info. Another guy on the CF suggested tapping the end of the key with a screwdriver handle to see if that breaks loose anything. Really don't want to "Bubba" this up, but I'm at dead stop with the tune up.

[Peter L.]

Re: 1959-ignition switch stuck.

Stephen - Desperate times call for desperate measures, so try tapping the key and see what happens but the key does not need to be in place to turn the original 59 ignition switch from the OFF to ON to START positions.

An other option, would be to remove the ignition switch and take it to a Locksmith; but to do that you will have to pop the front bezel off the lock cylinder to remove the nut. Good luck.

Pete

[Brad H.]

Re: 1959-ignition switch stuck.

Had the same exact prob on my 58 last year, nothing I could do would free it up, so I bought a new one from ( choose your vender), Thanks Brad.

[Stephen R.]

Re: 1959-ignition switch stuck.

Well, got the lock/switch out. Desperate times. Used the screwdriver method, twisted the key cylinder all the way ccw, then used the paper clip, then used a pair of long nose pliers to pull the cylinder out. All of the tumblers/springs fell out. Apparently there is a small brass cover over the tumblers. This broke and got jammed in one of the keyway slots and prevented movement. Using the screwdriver, I apparently was able to bend the brass tab out of the way and that allowed the cylinder to rotate.
I'll go to a locksmith tomorrow to see if the lock can be fixed but I think it maybe toast. May want to replace it anway, it's 50 years old and was giving me some problems before.

[William B.]

Re: 1959-ignition switch stuck.

Was just at the lock smith 4/19 - same issue in my '60 - the retainer/cover - fortunately mine just wouldn't go to start position - more or less easy removal and more or less stayed together. My locksmith said cylinder was in good shape. I think he had to replace one of the tumblers but otherwise he said it was in good shape.No need to replace.