Due to the loss of an ignition key I have to replace my ignition barrel on the column. My car is an 84. The part will be in tommorrow. Is this a fix best left to a proffessional?

meh... it's not hard, just time consuming.

Special tools:

Tilt Wheel pin puller

Wheel puller

e-clip compressor/removing tool thingy.

Here are the basic steps:

Remove the steering wheel - the horn cover pops off, remove bolt, but don't use the steering lock to hold the wheel, get someone to support it a bit. Using the wheel puller, remove the wheel

Remove the column from the car, trust me on this! There are two bolts (or is it 4?) on the firewall that hold the column to the firewall, and 2 more that hold it to the dash.

One more bolt holds the column to the intermediate colume, remove.

Remove column and put into a vice.

Once in vice, remove the e-ring that retains the lock ring.

Now start digging down the column...

The cylinder is screwed in, and will pop right out.

I would also replace:

Turn signal hardware
High beam switch
Ignition switch itself
Tilt wheel pins (check cage for structural integrity)

If you don't have it already, get the Helm Factory Service manual to help with some of the details I have missed.

the basic goal is to rebuild the column once and be done with it. A rebuilt column will cost about $250 in parts and about 3 hours in labour, the two hours is what it take to just swap out the ignition switch, might as well go all the way in.

The only pain? the telescopic wheel... I don't remember how to deal with that little bugger.

I did this on an 87. When you go to the auto parts store to rent the tools you need then purchase a "turtle". It is a plastic thing that keeps the guts from grounding to the horn. Relatively inexpensive but usually gets torn up when you are removing parts.

This write-up will give you a good idea of what to do. Just disregard the air bag info.
Notice the small set screw that holds the tumbler in place.

Joel

http://ls1tech.com/forums/general-mai ... ssembly-removal-pics.html


http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/ ... lumn_repair/photo_03.html

Okie Dokie. You had me at thingy e clip. So I am going to get a pro and do the column rebuild. Thankyou for the info guys. Does anyone want to adopt my son who lost the keys? I will deliver and pay your mortgage.

Its really not that bad of a job. The most important part is having the correct tools with you can rent for free. Use the search function on the left side of the screen to look for 1979 Corvette ignition And you will find step by step pictures of the one I did on my dad's car. It may not be identical but it will be very similar.

Hope that helps

Matthew

Sorry for any typos I'm using the voice to text feature on my phone.

you did well, not one reference to "oral sex."