i searched the forum and was not able to find any info on this:

so i have to replace a faulty ignition switch, and i pulled the steering wheel off and i took the c-clip off of the column. i got enough slack in the wires to pull out the turn signal switch. now i'm staring at the rest of the steering shaft and the metal/plastic housing of the column. how do i get to the tumbler?

thanks in advance

You'll need a lock plate removal tool, which will allow you to remove the toothed plate into which the steering wheel lock pawl engages. A good(!) auto parts store should be able to sell you one made by Lisle or K-D or the like; some stores rent them out. Once the lock plate is out, you should have access to the cylinder. You have to depress a pin on the side and turn the key past "Start", if I remember correctly (have the battery disconnected) then the cylinder will pull out. But double-check this procedure against your service manual.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Would that be the same deal for my '74 dodge dart? I lost the key and need to replace the cylinder and get new keys (NAPA has it in stock too), but it sounds like I'm going to need a key just to get the old cylinder out? So far I just have the wheel off.



It's been a number of years since I've been on the board, but I'm getting closer to moving the dart in the garage and getting her started and back on the road. In the meantime I have restored an old speed boat and in-line 6 merc, as well as a classic travel trailer. Now it's the dart's turn, but I lost the key!

Thanks for any help, it will be much appreciated.

Frank[/img]

Nope, and my advice regarding a lockplate removal tool was not correct for the previous poster's '73, either. The lock plate is held in place by a simple roll pin which you drive out with a pin punch after removing the collar that surrounds it. See here for play-by-play. Once the lockplate's off, you will see a very small hole staring you in the face. Put a thin rod (straightened-out paperclip, tiny screwdriver, something like that) in that hole and push on it while you turn the key to the "Start" position and hold it there while pulling the key. The lock cylinder will come out the side of the column, then you can R&R the ignition switch.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

I believe that ignition switch shares same key code with door lock on Mopars of your vintage. This is true if and only if someone did not change one of the locks over the years.

Easiest way to get a key to work your ignition is to remove a door lock preferably passenger’s side (they are never used so guts are like new), and drop it off at a locksmith shop. The shop can make a key in no time. No chrome caps have to be replaced, just pop off tumbler cap, measure size of pins, and cut a new key by dimension.

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67' Dart GT Convertible; the old Chrysler Corp.
82' LeBaron Convertible; the new Chrysler Corp
07' 300 C AWD; Now by Fiat, the old new Chrysler LLC