68 Ambassador ignition switch/key cylinder loose

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   I'm in the process of getting my 68 Ambassador roadworthy and the ignition key cylinder attached to the ignition switch was hanging below the dashboard opening (next to the cigarette lighter). I pushed it backwards/upwards/forwards into the cylinder hole, attached the bezel that locks onto the two raised "pins", but there's no way to make all of this tight in place. If i don't hold some part of this whole assembly when turning the key, it just spins the whole thing. I was told there were tabs that may have broken off, but nothing specific on how to fix the issue. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm not above a DIY "hack", just wanted to know how you Concours folks would resolve the issue.
Thanks!

Brian

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skynless Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Nut Joined: Aug/29/2013 Location: Michigan Status: Offline Points: 256	Post Options Post Reply Quote skynless Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: 68 Ambassador ignition switch/key cylinder loose Posted: Aug/20/2018 at 3:19pm
	I'm in the process of getting my 68 Ambassador roadworthy and the ignition key cylinder attached to the ignition switch was hanging below the dashboard opening (next to the cigarette lighter). I pushed it backwards/upwards/forwards into the cylinder hole, attached the bezel that locks onto the two raised "pins", but there's no way to make all of this tight in place. If i don't hold some part of this whole assembly when turning the key, it just spins the whole thing. I was told there were tabs that may have broken off, but nothing specific on how to fix the issue. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm not above a DIY "hack", just wanted to know how you Concours folks would resolve the issue. Thanks! Brian
	1968 Rebel SST 343 1968 Ambassador SST 343

6768rogues Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Jul/03/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 6241	Post Options Post Reply Quote 6768rogues Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Aug/20/2018 at 3:53pm
	I don't have an Ambassador, but on my Americans there is the key switch mechanism with two round pins. Those pins lock into the trim bezel, with a push and turn (like a turn signal bulb). Do you have a spring on the part that goes behind the dash? On my Americans, there is a spring that gets compressed when putting the bezel on. It sounds as though your spring is missing.
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george w Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Supporter of TheAMCForum Joined: Jan/27/2013 Location: New Jersey Status: Offline Points: 2899	Post Options Post Reply Quote george w Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Aug/27/2018 at 7:51pm
	I concur. Maybe a missing spring which provides some compression pressure on the switch body to keep those 2 stubby pins on the switch body seated in the bezel notches.
	Long time AMC fan. Ambassador 343, AMX 390, Hornet 360, Spirit 304 and Javelin 390. All but javelin bought new.

AMXAL Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Nut Joined: Feb/19/2012 Location: IL. Status: Offline Points: 324	Post Options Post Reply Quote AMXAL Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Aug/27/2018 at 9:37pm
	I might also add on my 67 Marlin I had the same issue, spring on ignition switch but still loose when attempting to install in the dash with bezel. You might try reaching up under the dash and feel for a U shaped bracket it would be laying on the bottom "shelf" of the dash, check all along that shelf as it may have slid away from the switch, it will be laying loose. If in fact you have one or find one this will allow the switch to be installed tight.