Steering Column Repair: 72 el camino, starter switch, hi tim

Question
The actuate rod for the key to neutral starter switch has moved when I removed the old switch It is stuck with the 45deg bend facing the windshield not the radio. I can NOT move it so I can insert the rod in the switch without trashing the rod. Hoew do i get it to move?

Answer
Hi Tim:

The rod for the ignition switch on that vehicle should point straight up from the column, not towards the radio.  The ignition switch may have a couple of places to insert the rod, so make sure you are attempting to mount the switch properly.  There really is no way for that rod to shift in the column, as it is held in place by other mechanisms that will not allow it to move.

Take another good look at the switch and you will see that you may have been attempting to mount it upside down, therefore trying to insert the rod the wrong way (I've done that, that's how I know)

Good luck

Doug