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ignition switch

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Randi

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My ignition switch is refusing to engage. sprayed lub,wigggled,cussed ...sprayed, wigggled ,cussed........B Victoria offers an assembly or just the switch. on the 79 the wheel is locked until the key is engaged. I've never taken it a part before-can anyone outline the pitfalls and any wisdom on assembly versus just switch? there is $100.00 difference! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gifRandi
 
If you just buy the switch then you will still be using the existing steering wheel lock assembly that is in your car. If the wheel is locked now then it may be what is causing your problem. My 76 gave me trouble like this and still does to some extent. I can lubricate the switch with a little wd-40 and get temporary relief but it eventually does stiffen back up. If you pull the cowl off the steering column you can see where to add a little lubricant to the lock mechanism as well. This will help for a while. Be careful with the old cowl parts. I broke mine trying to reinstall the 30 year old plastic parts. I would take the cowl off and mess around with it a bit before I dropped the coins for a whole new assembly.
JC
 
My switch was junk, had to pull it. You'll have to unbolt the steering column from the firewall and mount and move it back about 2". You don't have to pull it all the way out of the car. The switch is mounted with special bolts that don't have heads. You'll need to use a dremel tool and a cutting wheel to slot the bolts so you can use a screwdriver to take them out. Took me about 20 mins. all together to remove the switch.

There are switches pretty frequently on Ebay. One just ended this morning and sold for $30.00. Hope this helps you.
 
Yea guys! I'm printing off your letters and going to the mosquito and see what is what. The darn thing locks so I can't move it until I get it unlocked & then I'll leave the key turned (if I get it unlocked again) Lucky I'm at my shop-if this was the post office I'd be really upset!!! Thank you both for quick response-my husband wants to set fire to it when things break!!Can't let that happen@#$#@ Randi
 
pulled the cowl lubed everything ,undid steering blew out dirtdauber/think this was the problem........saturated ignition with wd 40,blew it through with air/ switch turns much much better-now to we put it all back?Order a switch? order an assembly? Blame it on the darn wasp and hope for the best??????????It's a squeaker to get in (even with no top) with the steering pulled out & the words set fire keep coming up..........Beware of Dad Zack if you are reading this!"ANOTHER ONE!!" is muttered right along with "set on Fire".............I know I couldn't have gotten all taken apart with out your good advice,so I'm leaving it in our shop tonight and pondering this problem. If I spend$ for whole assembly-how crazy will replacing it make me,uh us? Don't leave me guys!!!!Randi /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
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