Removal of ignition switch

[garycroix]

I'm getting ready to get my 66 back on the road after 8 years off. Problem...can't find the key. Buying a new key/switch is easy enough, but how can I get the old switch out with no key? Thanks in advance.

Gary in GA

 

[iskwezm]

my buddy lost the key on his too. I took a drill and drilled the center out snd then just kept wiggling it around to hog it out.After it was "weak" enough i broke out the rest and removed it.

 

[Woody31]

If you had a key, insert a paperclip in the little hole that is top and left of the keyway and turn the key far left and the lock will come out of the housing. Now, you ask, what good does that do me without a key?
Find a good locksmith and see if he has tryout keys for ford and find one that will turn it, or if he can impression a key for you or pick the lock.
But, if you don't want to do that, unbolt the entire thing and replace the lock and the housing.. your choice.
Good luck.

 

[Woody31]

oh yea.. I forgot to mention that that if you replace the entire lock and switch, you must unscrew the bezel that holds the lock in place. The outer ring is the bezel. It should have three slots in it. Using a screwdriver or similiar object to tap it to get it started, unscrew it counterclockwise. It will come right off.
Woody

 

[dennis112]

I'm getting ready to get my 66 back on the road after 8 years off. Problem...can't find the key. Buying a new key/switch is easy enough, but how can I get the old switch out with no key? Thanks in advance.

Gary in GA

When I am in the same situation, normally I screw a slide hammer into the lock and pop it out (very, very easy to do.) The only problem with this method is it ruins the switch in such a way that the new lock will not stay in so I replace the switch too. Replacing both is normally cheaper and less hassle than dealing with a locksmith. . . . . .

 

[dennis112]

oh yea.. I forgot to mention that that if you replace the entire lock and switch, you must unscrew the bezel that holds the lock in place. The outer ring is the bezel. It should have three slots in it. Using a screwdriver or similiar object to tap it to get it started, unscrew it counterclockwise. It will come right off.
Woody

You can't get the bezel off if the lock cylinder is still in place.

You can't unscrew the bezel with a screwdriver either in a 65/66' unless you want to destroy the dash in the process.

On a 65/66' you should first disconnect the battery. Then you need to remove the lock cylinder. Next you will need to reach up under the dash to grab the rear of the switch. You then push the switch in (pulling toward you which collapses a big spring) and then rotate the switch--sorry I don't remember if it gets rotated CW or CCW. Then the switch can be dropped out from under the dash--pay attention to the order of the spring and cup washer found on the switch.

The bezel can then be removed. Note that it was "keyed" to the hole in the dash.