Bert -
I definitely need a new locking mechanism, and possibly a switch. What has happened over the past 28 years is that the metal piece that fits into the switch is worn out. One side of it is about 1/2 the size of the other. As the result, the cheap plastic on the switch has been slowly eaten away by this metal that no longer makes a good fit. So what happens when I turn the key to the starting position is that the tumbler is not turning the switch enough to make the electrical contact. I can start the car if I take the switch out of the tumbler and use a screwdriver instead of the tumbler to turn the switch.
I hope that makes sense. Are you willing to sell the lock and keys? If so, how much? I do think a new lock and key set will solve my problem. I'm just hoping that the switch hasn't been damaged too much, otherwise I might have to buy that as well.
Thanks a lot for the reply.
-Matt