no key - remove ignition cylinder? - The AMC Forum

That ignition switch is different than the one I had removed. Probably because of the model, as I think I may have selected one from an AMX or Javelin. But there was a wagon I remember in my parts picking group of cars.

I agree it looks like the bezel is jammed. A shot or two with liquid wrench, and a good wait, then try and tighten the bezel a wee bit, to break free, before trying to undo it.

Looks to be straight forward, no clip hole, just pressure to release the locking spring as given in a past reply.

If impossible, then a door lock will need to be used.

I had a lock smith make a key for my 73. It broke off in the ignition switch. He fished out the broken bit, and keyed the ignition cylinder. I told him that the door lock was the same, but he said it did not matter, and he did not mind sitting in the car while fiddling with the lock and filing a new key.

I imagine the only way to properly key without an original, is to remove the tumblers from a cylinder, so a door lock may be your best bet, if your unable to remove your ignition switch.

Edited by 304-dude - Sep/23/2018 at 4:18am

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myrambler Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Nut Joined: Oct/10/2012 Location: Cedar Rapids,IA Status: Offline Points: 298	Post Options Post Reply Quote myrambler Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep/22/2018 at 12:03am
	Good Luck

myrambler Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Nut Joined: Oct/10/2012 Location: Cedar Rapids,IA Status: Offline Points: 298	Post Options Post Reply Quote myrambler Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep/22/2018 at 12:08am
	Now that I think about it the bezel may not turn since I think it has a slot or notch in it to hold it in position in the dash. Just try pushing and turning the switch while holding the bezel against the dash. Its been a while since I had mine apart, but they interlock as I mentioned. The spring is stout so push hard against it.

Patrick_J Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Apprentice Joined: Sep/03/2018 Location: Healdsburg, CA Status: Offline Points: 30	Post Options Post Reply Quote Patrick_J Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep/22/2018 at 7:47pm
	yes that spring is stout indeed! i can not seem to free it no matter what... will see if I can find another set of hands to help me push and twist more... stay tuned!

304-dude Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Sep/29/2008 Location: Central Illinoi Status: Offline Points: 9082	Post Options Post Reply Quote 304-dude Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep/22/2018 at 8:17pm
	It's been a long time since I removed one in the 80s it was not too difficult. Not sure how it is removed now as I had done a few others from other cars. If I had a good close up picture of the front of the switch to jog my memory. So this is just tossing a thought or two. As I only removed one of them types of switches. So it may have been beginners luck for me, or I am some sort of key switch/lock wisperer. I do remember turning the bezel, but... I think there is a slot to push through with a paperclip or jewlers driver in the 12 o clock position or a hole on the key face. Never had to press against the bezel hard, if anything it was to grasp the indentations with my finger tips to turn.
	71 Javelin SST body 390 69 crank, 70 block & heads NASCAR SB2 rods & pistons 78 Jeep TH400 w/ 2.76 Low 50/50 Ford-AMC Suspension 79 F150 rear & 8.8 axles Ford Racing 3.25 gears & 9" /w Detroit locker

Patrick_J Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Apprentice Joined: Sep/03/2018 Location: Healdsburg, CA Status: Offline Points: 30	Post Options Post Reply Quote Patrick_J Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep/22/2018 at 10:12pm
	Hi here is a pic. Right now it's turned about 45 degrees to the left but that's there end of travel and I can budge it https://photos.app.goo.gl/URb84LpByBJLNz818

Patrick_J Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Apprentice Joined: Sep/03/2018 Location: Healdsburg, CA Status: Offline Points: 30	Post Options Post Reply Quote Patrick_J Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep/22/2018 at 10:16pm
	..I can NOT budget it!!

g-man Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Jul/05/2007 Location: Cal Coast Status: Offline Points: 703	Post Options Post Reply Quote g-man Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep/23/2018 at 2:02am
	Brother, Save yourself the hassle...I guarantee that the door cylinder is the same as the ignition, and it is a whole lot easier to disassemble. If you have even the slightest doubt that the door key has been changed, then take the cylinder from the passenger door. Just trying to help you out. g-man
	AMC only daily driver

maximus7001 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Supporter of TheAMCForum Joined: Jun/27/2011 Location: Winnipeg,Canada Status: Offline Points: 1086	Post Options Post Reply Quote maximus7001 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep/23/2018 at 3:18am
	When I got my 68 Javelin it had no keys. Took the ignition switch out and the glove box lock, took them both to a local locksmith. They make a key for each. The doors were the same as the ignition and the trunk is the same as the glove box. Problem solved. There was a bit of risk involved. What if the trunk or the doors had got re keyed at some point? Your dash looks a bit "weathered" and rusty. The switch is probably just stuck in place with corrosion. Edited by maximus7001 - Sep/23/2018 at 3:24am
	1968 Javelin SST 1997 GMC Safari AWD 2001 Daewoo Nubira SX (Winnipeg only model) 1997 Honda Accord EX (Canadian Model) Winnipeg, home of the Jets.

304-dude Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Sep/29/2008 Location: Central Illinoi Status: Offline Points: 9082	Post Options Post Reply Quote 304-dude Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep/23/2018 at 4:15am
	That ignition switch is different than the one I had removed. Probably because of the model, as I think I may have selected one from an AMX or Javelin. But there was a wagon I remember in my parts picking group of cars. I agree it looks like the bezel is jammed. A shot or two with liquid wrench, and a good wait, then try and tighten the bezel a wee bit, to break free, before trying to undo it. Looks to be straight forward, no clip hole, just pressure to release the locking spring as given in a past reply. If impossible, then a door lock will need to be used. I had a lock smith make a key for my 73. It broke off in the ignition switch. He fished out the broken bit, and keyed the ignition cylinder. I told him that the door lock was the same, but he said it did not matter, and he did not mind sitting in the car while fiddling with the lock and filing a new key. I imagine the only way to properly key without an original, is to remove the tumblers from a cylinder, so a door lock may be your best bet, if your unable to remove your ignition switch. Edited by 304-dude - Sep/23/2018 at 4:18am
	71 Javelin SST body 390 69 crank, 70 block & heads NASCAR SB2 rods & pistons 78 Jeep TH400 w/ 2.76 Low 50/50 Ford-AMC Suspension 79 F150 rear & 8.8 axles Ford Racing 3.25 gears & 9" /w Detroit locker

Patrick_J Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Apprentice Joined: Sep/03/2018 Location: Healdsburg, CA Status: Offline Points: 30	Post Options Post Reply Quote Patrick_J Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Sep/24/2018 at 12:09am
	Ok great suggestions all! I finally managed to unstick the bevel... Pliers helped and yes weathered is an excellent description! 👍🏼😁 Now for the glove box, that is going to save me a second trip to the lock Smith! Hope it's easier https://photos.app.goo.gl/bKhB3kssKffzZMsc8%20 -