Getting ignition switch out without a key?

[blubuckaroo]

I own the car. I have the title. I have no key.
Yes, I have a paper clip, but no key.
I want to get the car painted, I don't want to mask the switch. How do I get rid of the switch?

 

[Jimboss77]

https://classicbroncos.com/ignitionswitch.shtml Don't know if I copied this link correctly but this is a great tech article on ignition switch removal with or without a key.

 

[helo-mech]

Without a key you'll need to jam a screwdriver in so you can turn it or as the tech article states, drill into it. As for the rest of the housing, hopefully the below helps.

Ignition--Used a Paper Clip to push into the small hole under the key. Turned the key to the left until the key stopped and paper clip engaged the internal release. The pulled out on key and tumbler housing. Once tumbler was out, turned ring on outside of dash opposite of ignition housing behind dash while pushing them together.

 

[thegreatjustino]

A decent locksmith can make you a key for around $30.

I've done this with hard top lift gates that I never had a key for.