Installing New Ignition Cylinder

[roadking77]

I just swapped out my worn out ignition cylinder for a new one. The following are the few steps to get the job completed. Its pretty simple, about a 15 minute job.

This will start after the steering wheel and hub have been removed. I will post that step in another thread.
2021-02-15_11-55-03 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
This is whats you see after the hub and plastic dust cover has been removed.2021-02-15_11-55-14 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
There is a small lock ring that holds the lock plate in place. A lock plate removal tool needs to be used to compress the spring enough to release the lock ring. I used 2 small screw drivers to pry the lock ring loose. The service manual says to discard this piece but I have not seen a replacement so I reused mine.2021-02-15_11-55-24 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

Once the lock ring is off the lock plate slides up and off.
2021-02-15_11-55-36 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

2021-02-15_11-55-47 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2021-02-15_11-57-58 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
On top of the lock plate is the turn signal cancel cam. It lifts off.

Next in order is the turn signal switch. There are 3 screws that hold this in place, along with a small metal tang that is screw into the switch itself. This attaches to the turn signal arm and must come off as well.
2021-02-15_11-56-03 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
2021-02-15_11-56-15 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
Gently lift the switch out of the way. 
2021-02-15_11-57-08 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr
The white plastic part with the 2 copper leads need to come out. This is the key buzzer. I used a pair of pliers and gently pulled it out.

Once this is removed you can access the screw that locks the ignition cylinder into place. Remove this screw and the cylinder will pull out easily.
2021-02-15_11-57-27 by Kerry Grubb, on Flickr

Once in place, replace the set screw and reverser order. One thing I will add, if doing so on the bench the back drive lock at the base of the column must be in the right orientation or the key cylinder will stay in the 'run' position.

[darrylta]

Great info Kerry!

[glenn911]

Did one on a '78 a few years back and don't remember tearing into the column like that.  Seems the ignition switch simply popped out (not supposed to thats why I replaced it) and the new one just popped right in and stayed in (I think someone had the wrong switch in it) 

[roadking77]

I did a quick you tube search before I did mine. Not sure what year the car was, may have been a 77 or 78. He did tear it down with the same steps, however there was not a set screw holding the cylinder in place, there was a tab that he pushed in with a flat screwdriver to release it. The new one pushed in and locked into place. My example was on a 1979 column, SO, I believe they may have changed at some point. There is no way possible for this to push in or pull out without first removing that set screw. I can see how the older style can though.

[FormTA]

Same here, I replaced a few of them too, back in the day. They were all the ones that you just pushed down the tab ant it popped out. Guess I was lucky.  Nice write up Kerry I hope we can save this and maybe sticky it when the updates are done.

[glenn911]

I believe '79 was different than '78 and earlier.  Different part #'s for the switches if I remember correctly.