ignition switch

[JimL65]

Does anyone have an ignition switch that they could part with?

[Loren At 65GS]

Do you need one with a lock in it?

Loren

[wheelz]

Hi. I have a 65 ignition switch but it has no key.  I THINK any locksmith can find the keyway numbers and make a key OR match the Ign Switch to your existing door locks etc.
Wheelz, Tampa Bay

[elagache]

Dear Jim, Loren, Wheelz, and mid-60s "locksmiths,"

Does anyone have an ignition switch that they could part with?

If you don't mind some oddities, Original Parts Group has reproductions that worked just fine on my 1965 Special.  It appears that Specials and Skylarks used different switches (but the same locks,) so it matters which car you have.  Also for a Special, the reproduction switch ends up mounting the lock 180? from normal.  I decided to go this route because my car isn't very original, so I try to leave original parts for the guys who really want them.  It is another option depending on your need and interest.

Cheers, Edouard

[JimL65]

I purchased a 1965 Gran Sport convertible last fall. The previous owner, from Vermont, had started restoration before he took ill and passed away. I know from the previous inspection sticker that his registration plate number read, MY65GS.  My plan is to drive it for a year or so to get to know it before I start to finish restoring it.  (and because it?s a lot of fun!!) When it is finished I hope to be able to show it to his family.
Things that I know that are new on the car:
All new refinished interior , Dual exhaust, Shocks and springs, all new brakes and brake lines, 5 new tires(even the spare is brand new),   New timing chain, Steering box looks like it has been replaced.                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
 Things I know it needs so far:
New top, body work and paint, both rear quarters have a lot of plastic, trying to locate some rear quarter repair panels or donors , ball joints, bushings, tie rods etc etc. trunk pan could also be replaced in the future. And the list goes on.                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
I have discovered that the ignition switch is not original to the car. Probably from a 68 or newer GM.              I do not need the key cylinder but it would be nice to have. Shipping would be to 01373
Thanks
JimL

[Brian]

There were two different ignition switches used in 65.  The very early built models had the same switch as a 64, which looks completely different and is made so that you can operate it without the key, provided you don't turn it to the "lock" position.  Once the factory stock of those was gone, they started using the switch that is most common in the 65 (and in all 65 GS models since they were mid-year production start).  Same switch continued into 66 and 67.   
  The comment earlier about the Special having a different switch that the skylark is probably because one of the two that were observed was an early built unit and had the carryover 64 style switch in it.  The picture below shows a 64/early 65 ignition switch.

[wheelz]

Hey JimL, If I understand Brians explanation correctly, this one is a later standard 65 ignition switch.  Removed from a 65 foedoe.  The besel is decent & shiney and the electrical tabs on the backside are nice, not corroded or rusty or bent...
Again, NO KEY.

I am no where near a 65 guru as Brian and others here are, but its possible, the '663' number may indicate a key code??? 

$48.12 shipped.

Wheelz, Tampa Bay   

[JimL65]

Wheelz,

I'll do some more research.
I'll talk to my local locksmith about your switch to see if the 663 is a code he can make a key for or if they can make a key from just having the switch.
I have a key cylinder but from what I understand you can not remove the key cylinder from the switch without having a key?
Probably take me till the weekend before I get a chance to talk to the locksmith

Thanks
JimL

[Brian]

...and you can't remove the nut/bezel holding the switch into the dash without removing the lock cylinder.  It is made that way on purpose to prevent tampering.  The outer diameter of the lock cylinder is larger than the inner diameter of the threaded portion of the nut. 

[JimL65]

Brian,

In one of the images that Wheelz has posted the nut/bezel is removed from the switch.
Is this because the switch is not mounted in the dash?

JimL

[Brian]

Good question.  Every one of them I have ever messed with, the nut won't pass completely over the lock cylinder.   Looks like in the pic where it is on the swtich, it is not on all the way, so that may be as far as it will go without removing the lock cylinder.   Maybe Wheelz can shed some light on it for us.

[jmos4]

Hi,

The one in my 65 post car comes off with the key cylinder in it, and the ones from 2 of my parts cars all came off as well, maybe there is a few different retaining nuts?

Or the ones I have are worn enough to fit over?

Regards,

[Brian]

Interesting that they come apart with the lock cylinder installed.  Maybe I was doing something wrong.  Last one I took apart was on a 66 and I couldn't get the nut to come off til I took out the lock cylinder.  Maybe something is different with the 66 that is subtle?

[Loren At 65GS]

Brian,

 You are correct that the lock cylinder has to be removed in order to remove the switch from the dash.

 The procedure is described in the service manual in section 10-40.

I also have been able to remove the nut without removing the lock. Nut turns real hard and can be damaged though. Also the face of the cylinder can be damaged if the cylinder is not removed.

 Loren

[wheelz]

Well Guys!  I duunno?  the switch was TIGHT in the dash... so all I did was simply unthreaded the chrome besel from the switch, pulled the switch out from behind the dash, unclipped the connector and snapped the pix as shown.???

Wheelz, Tampa Bay