QuestionQUESTION: How do I replace the Ignition Cylinder in a 1968 Camaro?
ANSWER: I'm not exactly sure what you are asking. If you need to replace the lock cylinder (the part that includes the key slot and the tumblers), you insert the key and also a pin in the tiny hole in the face of the lock. Press in on the pin while you turn the key to the left, beyond the normal stop. Then the cylinder will come out with the key when you pull on the key. A replacement cylinder may be available through the Chevrolet parts sellers - or you may have to take the old one to a locksmith for repair.
If I have not understood what you are asking, ask again - and give me a little more information about what you need to do and why.
Dick
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QUESTION: I appreciate the follow up, however my car does not have a key. I ordered a new set with the new cylinder, but do not have one for the old one.
ANSWER: Take the new cylinder and key, along with the old lock, to your locksmith; he will have the special tools and skill to swap the new cylinder for you. I do not know of anyway to get the old cylinder out without the key - the locksmith may have to make a key for it before he can swap the cylinders; he has the know-how to do that.
If you want to avoid removing the ignition switch from the dash, you can also take one of the door locks to the shop (or drive the car there) - he can make a key from the door lock or the ignition lock; they are the same key (if no one has swapped locks).
Dick
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QUESTION: Thank you once again for the feedback. I guess I will have to have a locksmith come out and take a look at it as I can not drive the car, since I do not have the original key. I actually bought the entire kit, door locks, trunk lock, glove box lock, and the ignition cylinder. What if I was to use a knife or screwdriver to get it out? Would I risk ruining the switch? Maybe I should just replace the entire thing, switch and cylinder, then I can just take out the entire thing.
AnswerThose lock cylinders are pretty well engineered to prevent getting them apart any other way than what I described using the key. I wouldn't advise trying it - you are very likely to ruin the lock.
You can still take one of the old door locks off the car and take it to the locksmith - that will be a lot cheaper than having him come to the car!
You could also hot-wire the car and drive it there, but you might not be comfortable doing that.
Since you have all new locks for the other locations on the car, you certainly could consider putting in a brand new ignition switch also - but to keep the matching key setup, you'd have to install the correct lock cylinder in the new switch. Ignition switches wear out - so it might be prudent to just replace it with a new one. It must be nice to work on a car for which you can buy new parts!
Dick
