Removing ignition switch without key.

You should not have to drill out anything. Have to check, but I believe it's a lot easier than that...

Donty ou just remove bezel.? I know you have to a small pin or something in to remove the assemble and you need key for that.

No, the OP is correct. The bezel just holds in the ignition switch "module" to the car. The key barrel can't be removed from the ignition switch "module" without the key. They are two separate pieces that are combined.

To re-key a classic, you have to have the original key for the ignition. Not for the other locks obviously, but specifically for the ignition.

I just went through both Chilton and Haynes manuals and essentially, it says to remove the cyl you have to insert the key, turn it, and slip a wire into the hole....

Then, to replace the switch, it says the same thing, followed by...

...then press on the rear of the switch and rotate the switch 1/8 turn counter clockwise. Remove the bezel, switch and spacer. Next, remove the nut from the back of the switch. Remove the accessory and gauge feed wires from the accessory terminal. Pull the insulated plug from the rear of the switch. Follow reverse order to install the new switch.

If you are replacing the switch and cylinder, then destruction of the old is not important. It seems I recall a large screwdriver being used. Lets see if anyone has any information on that before going with it. ANYONE?

I thought the thieves used a slide hammer? Then they put a big screwdriver in to start the car? Fred

Then, to replace the switch, it says the same thing, followed by...

...then press on the rear of the switch and rotate the switch 1/8 turn counter clockwise. Remove the bezel, switch and spacer. Next, remove the nut from the back of the switch. Remove the accessory and gauge feed wires from the accessory terminal. Pull the insulated plug from the rear of the switch. Follow reverse order to install the new switch.

If you are replacing the switch and cylinder, then destruction of the old is not important. It seems I recall a large screwdriver being used. Lets see if anyone has any information on that before going with it. ANYONE?

Without the key on an old car like that you can pick the lock and avoid a lot of trouble. I'm no locksmith but I've done it lots of times.

Al

Are you a thief?

Here is a possible alternative.... contact a locksmith. My dad seems to recall that they can cut a key with just enough on it to turn the cylinder, and it would only be a couple of bucks, kronor, Deutsche, Euros, lira, pesos, escudos, shillings, or whatever : 0 ) Don't even need a key for a pattern.

No... no it isn't. Three twists to screw it in One - MAYBE two yanks on the slide and POW you are gone.

Provided the SOB starts right up and runs.

KJK

On some of the older models, if the ignition is well worn you can slide the key in and out rapidly while putting forward force on the key (as in turning it on to start it) and with some blind luck you may hit just the right spot and it will turn BUT this is much more common in older GM vehicles than in Fords. In older GMs it was pretty easy much of the time.

KJK :

Hmph! Shoulda done that in the first place

KJK