Ignition Switch...Im about to lose my mind

[Anonymous]

Replacing ignition switch..I cannot get the switch to twist into the bezel to save my life...everything lines up fine, I just cant get a grip to twist, and the cup pushing on the spring doesnt help when trying to grip it. I know it's a stupidly easy concept to this. Any body got any tips, or had trouble getting the darn switch into the bezel before?...i put some light oil on the nipples that go into the bezel, etc........
Thanks Kelly

 

[Anonymous]

Kelly,
When I replaced mine, I unscrewed the instrument bezel, pull it forward a bit, and was able to reach down and get to the back of the switch pretty easily. Don't know if that is something you have tried yet but thought I would throw it out there. Good luck.
Ryan

 

[TheDude]

I also nearly went insane trying to relpace that damn thing. After trying to install it from under the dash (lying on my back) I sat in the drivers seat and reached my right arm under the dash and held the Ignition Switch in place and lined the bezel up with my right hand. After a few attempts I had it in place. It is easier to do it this way because you have more control over the bezel in an upright position. I hope that made sense.

 

[Anonymous]

Yeah, I have the instrument panel out...I can get to the switch pretty easily, a few wires in the way, but for some reason I cant push the switch into the hole and get it lined up with the bezel and then I cant actually get a grip to turn it to lock it in.I have put a little oil on the nipples that go into the bezel to try and help, but it's not a sticking problem, it's just a matter of grip and positioning. Im thinking of maybe trying to spread some needle nose pliers into the bezel to hold it still and try and twist the switch to lock it.....it mates up fine when i take the whole assembly out of the dash, its something about keeping everything still and lined up from behind and in front of the dash when installing

 

[TheDude]

it mates up fine when i take the whole assembly out of the dash, its something about keeping everything still and lined up from behind and in front of the dash when installing

I know EXACTLY what you are talking about.

First, you know how the bezel should look when it is properly installed. Sit in the drivers seat and position the bezel in place. Hold it in place with your left hand.

Then, with the switch in your right hand, hold it upright. Reach under the dash with it (keeping it upright) and press it up against the bezel. Turn it to your right slightly, press in hard and turn the switch to the left. It will take a few tries to do this correctly but it is the best way to go.

 

[Anonymous]

Alright, well it makes me feel a little better knowing I'm not the only one who has gone through this right of passage of sorts...I had to run my kids in the house after a while when my foul language started to get the better part of my frustration.....Seemingly, it's a matter of sticking it just right after many, many, many tries...Thanks Dude

 

[TheDude]

Alright, well it makes me feel a little better knowing I'm not the only one who has gone through this right of passage of sorts...I had to run my kids in the house after a while when my foul language started to get the better part of my frustration.....Seemingly, it's a matter of sticking it just right after many, many, many tries...Thanks Dude

I am so glad I was able to help . I was pretty well pissed when I was trying to install the ignition switch. I try not to use too much profanity because I believe it just makes one look unintelligent. Of course, when working on an old car profanity is definitely acceptable. I had to get out of the car several times and recompose myself because I feared I would just smash the new ignition switch if I did not calm down and release a few (alright, MANY) obscenities. :roll: