Removing ignition switch assembly.

[vagt6]

74 MK III Midget.

Key broke off in the ignition switch, so it seems I've gotta take the switch out in order to extract the key.

I tried to extract the key for almost 3 hours yesterday, no joy. Took the car to two locksmiths today, one tried and couldn't get it, the other said he'd have to take the switch out to extract the key.

Holy moly, never know how much trouble a little key could stir up!

I've been told that the whole steering column must come out in order to remove the escutcheon and ignition swich. Is this correct? Does anyone have experience with it? Any suggestions or input on how to tackle the job?

Many thanks for the help, folks.

 

[Gerard]

74 MK III Midget.
I've been told that the whole steering column must come out in order to remove the escutcheon and ignition swich.

The column mounted switch is captive in a "clamshell" casting that is for the most part is permanently affixed to the column. The half that is separable is held in with two screws that have heads the shear off when it was originally assembled at the factory. I have removed them before, but it takes modification of the heads to get them out out. Because the heads are countersunk. I don't think there is enough access to cut a screw slot. I did it with an Easy-out. What I don't remember is whether the heads face up or down. If they are down, you may be able to do it in the car with the cowling off. If they are up, you won't be able to get at them. The other issue would be whether you could drill the hole centered and straight while trying to do it in an awkward position. I did it with the column out. Once they are out, you can replace them with socket head cap screws or Phillips head machine screws. IIRC, they are 1/4"-28

 

[vagt6]

Gerard, thanks for the info, especially the screw sizes.

Got to get a helper for this project . . .