Ideas on how to pull ignition switch tumbler with no key

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nothingbutdarts

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I have a good ignition switch with a tumbler already in it, however I have no key that fits the tumbler so I can't turn the tumbler to the correct spot to be able to push in on the release button. Any ideas how to get it out?
 
Only advice I have is to carefully drill the lock so you can turn it. I've done this "scaredity" on 2 or 3 different locks with success but never sure I wasn't gonna end up with a paper weight.

Use small drills and work up. Use a "weak" drill or a light finger on the "variable." Hold lock opening down so cuttings fall out. Increase drill bit size and do again. Use screwdriver and see if you can turn it
 
Lock smith can take a new key blank, take and put black torch soot on it. Take the new key blank, put it in the lock and work it around and mark it.

Then they will take and cut the key to the tumbler marks and make a new key for you.
 
I would remove it and take it to a locksmith if you just WANT to save that particular lock cylinder. Be much more cost effective to replace it.
 
Photos show 68 and earlier, but principal still applies.

With a flat L shaped piece of spring steel, sized to fit into the key way.

Apply rotational pressure toward the run position.

While applying the pressure take a paper clip with a short hook on the end and depress the farthest in pin / wafer slightly till it moves up and you should feel a bit of a click in the spring steel L

Repete for the rest of the pins.

Old loose lock cylender are pretty easy to pick.


Or as others have said pull the entire lock and cylender and any locksmith can remove it for you.

The right one might not even charge you if you buy some keys from him.



Another method is the twist any key that fits into the keyway to the run position and rapidly saw the key in and out.


Lastly if you don't care about the cylender you can drill out the retainer pin.


If you are trying to replace the actuall cylender, see the lock smith. Springs, pins in the correct, hole, not easy.

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You going to go to the golden super Cruse July 2nd?
 
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I dont think you need a key to remove the cylinder. You have to pull the steering wheel and depress the small plunger to release it.
 
I dont think you need a key to remove the cylinder. You have to pull the steering wheel and depress the small plunger to release it.
Key has to be in run position to depress the pin.


I'm assuming the op is asking about 67 (probably earlier) through last year the key is on the dash..

Just say OP is talking about 69, different parts same principal.
 
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Take it to a locksmith. You will be there 30 seconds, get a spare key cut while yer there, you may make a connection.
 
I was there for the June Saturday, not sure for July yet
I was driving home from SD for the June Cruse.

We usually park by the gas station in the king supers parking lot.

Look for a red and a blue 67 dart convertibles, mine (blue) might have a 10 foot surfboard sticking up out the back.
 
I have a good ignition switch with a tumbler already in it, however I have no key that fits the tumbler so I can't turn the tumbler to the correct spot to be able to push in on the release button. Any ideas how to get it out?
There's a variety of ways to get the lock cylinder out of a '69 ignition switch. I like to pick them into the ON position when I can. Sometimes that works, sometimes it's too stubborn. A '69 switch and lock cylinder are unique. No other year uses those parts, so be careful or that could get expensive. If the lock cylinder hasn't been re-pinned, you can have a key made by the 3 digit code stamped into the top (when mounted in the dash) side of the switch body. A locksmith should have a manual to look up the proper cuts needed to make the key. Another way that sometimes works, is to take a door lock cylinder (usually the passenger side is the one most likely to be original) to a locksmith and have them make a key that matches the pins in that lock. If the ignition cylinder is also original and matches the door cylinder, the new key should work in the ignition lock.
 
They also made a 5 and 6 terminal switch. The 6th terminal is a ground needed on some models.
 
A '69 switch and lock cylinder are unique. No other year uses those parts, so be careful or that could get expensive
Learn something new every day!

Are there any exterior tattle tails, like the od of the cyl?

Never mind... The lock housing is totally different
 
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If you can't find a local locksmith to do the job, you can ship your ignition and door locks to me and I can key everything alike. I have all the factory parts to do it. Just let me know via PM and I'll get you a quote......
 
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