removing ignition switch without a key

[mtrEb]

I lost my key to my ignition and was wondering if anyone had any ideas on how I should remove the ignition without it???

 

[Jeepster]

got a drill ?

 

[77' IslandStyle]

You plan on keeping and re-using the old one or you gonna get a new one?

 

[HotWheels]

actually took my old one off with a scredriver and twisted the backside by hand simultaneously...

 

[Jess Luvs 2Romp]

how do you take it out with the key? mine is still sitting in my unattached dash.

 

[mtrEb]

I'd really like to save the switch I got and just get a key cut for it.
hotwheels did you break the cover to get it off?

 

[mtrEb]

got a drill ?

either this or I thought about taking the whole dash out.

 

[NicksTrix]

how about about calling a locksmith?
prob cost yu 45 bucks for the service call. he's either cut a key for it, ot he can drill it out

 

[Skuzzlebutt]

Most 30 yo switches are so worn that any similar sized key will work with a little jiggling.

 

[ricks77eb]

how do you take it out with the key? mine is still sitting in my unattached dash.

If I remember correctly you have to rotate the key back to the acc. position and then there is a very small hole in the face of the tumbler that you have to push in, then the whole tumbler will slide out.

Its only been about 8 years since I did it so that may not be exactly the order but it will get you in the ballpark.

Rick

 

[TOFIC]

I lost my key to my ignition and was wondering if anyone had any ideas on how I should remove the ignition without it???

Oh Man BAD karma with this one. You have 3 options because of the way the switch is made.

1. Get the drill. You will have to get a new switch assembly. By the way if you go this route the door locks will have to be done at the same time.

2. The screwdriver method. this is the 50/50 method of salvage. Get a screwdriver that JUST fits in the switch. Twist the cylinder of the switch counterclockwise until the cylinder comes out. If your very lucky the cylinder comes out with little or no damage and you can reuse it but you need to get a key cut for the cylinder and get and install a new ignition switch because this method really buggers the switch.

3. The door lock method. Most Broncos, the door lock and the ignition switch is the same key. Take one of your doors apart ( I did the passenger door) and take out the door lock. Take the assembly to a locksmith and have him make a key for the lock. Usually fairly inexpensive because you brought the lock in instead of them coming out and working on it in a vehicle. Tell them you are not in a hurry and give them a reasonable amount of time to do it. After they return the lock with the new key, try it in your ignition. If it works, start the Bronco, drive to the nearest hardware store and have 3 spares made. Now you will never have to worry about this problem again because you will always have a key somewhere. If it does not work, a PO changed the locks on the door or ignition and you are hooped.

The door method saves the switch but it is an expensive bet that the locks match

TOFIC

 

[edjolly]

I'd really like to save the switch I got and just get a key cut for it.
hotwheels did you break the cover to get it off?

Carquest or Napa will sell the switch for around 20 bucks. You can get a barrel with 2 keys for about 15. This is probably cheaper than a locksmith would charge to make a key, and you'd also have a completely new switch assembly.

I'd not even bother drilling the thing out. Just go buy a new assembly, force a honkin' big sheet metal screw into the old barrel, and yank it out with vice grips. Then install the new setup.

Saves time, and probably money.

Ed

 

[Skuzzlebutt]

Oh Man BAD karma with this one. You have 3 options because of the way the switch is made.

1. Get the drill. You will have to get a new switch assembly. By the way if you go this route the door locks will have to be done at the same time.

2. The screwdriver method. this is the 50/50 method of salvage. Get a screwdriver that JUST fits in the switch. Twist the cylinder of the switch counterclockwise until the cylinder comes out. If your very lucky the cylinder comes out with little or no damage and you can reuse it but you need to get a key cut for the cylinder and get and install a new ignition switch because this method really buggers the switch.

3. The door lock method. Most Broncos, the door lock and the ignition switch is the same key. Take one of your doors apart ( I did the passenger door) and take out the door lock. Take the assembly to a locksmith and have him make a key for the lock. Usually fairly inexpensive because you brought the lock in instead of them coming out and working on it in a vehicle. Tell them you are not in a hurry and give them a reasonable amount of time to do it. After they return the lock with the new key, try it in your ignition. If it works, start the Bronco, drive to the nearest hardware store and have 3 spares made. Now you will never have to worry about this problem again because you will always have a key somewhere. If it does not work, a PO changed the locks on the door or ignition and you are hooped.

The door method saves the switch but it is an expensive bet that the locks match

TOFIC

#3 is the best answer yet! I had two keys made from a door lock cylinder for $18.

 

[rjlougee]

Lets not lose sight of the fact that you can remove the switch from the dash without the key very easily. The bezel is what holds the switch in the dash. You can just apply pressure from the front and back of the switch (using one hand on each), then rotate the back clockwise and they'll come apart. You can then easily remove the switch from the wiring haness and replace with one that has a key.

Then go through step# 3 above and get one that matches the door set, then just replace the key cylinder when you get the matching key. Or just live with two different keys.

If you tried to order a set of three matched lock sets, they were about $60 last I looked, but you could get a used switch from the junkyard or a complete new switch pretty cheap.
HTH, Joe

 

[CraZYWiLLiE]

Thanks for all the info.
I however have different keys for the doors and ignition, so I am assuming someone before me done the ignition swap.
I ended up clamping down the vice grips on the outer bezel and turning till the whole unit fell apart, I already have a new lock set and ignition which are 2 seperate pieces, however I toasted the bezel, is there a part # for that or am I ..SOL ?

 

[Jeepster]

most of the venders have them. Last I knew there were about $22, I think.

 

[73stallion]

if you were close i could pick the lock for you.

 

[j.r.nice]

If you want to send me the door lock, I will punch you a key. ;D

As a registered locksmith, method 3 (pulling the door lock) is the cheapest, most efficient unless you are a locksmith or have skills

I agree that some locks that age are pretty well worn, but once out it can be repinned. If you drill, the plug is destroyed. Your choice!

J. R.

 

[DirtDonk]

If you tried to order a set of three matched lock sets, they were about $60 last I looked...

Holy crap! I hate it when I'm rudely reminded of the passage of time. I bought a lock set from the dealer and it was about $12 or something like that with two keys, door locks and an ignition cylinder. OK, so that was YEEEEEEAAARRRRRS ago, but I wonder if they've still got some laying around. You'd think they'd fit many sixties vintage vehicles.
Were the switch cylinders the same for multiple vehicles back then? Or were they unique to the Bronco? I know the door locks were similar to others used on same vintage Fords, but wasn't sure about the ignition.

Paul