71 Ignition Switch Removal

This is my 1st project truck, Dads 71 C-10, I am doing a complete tear down and for some reason this ignition switch will not come apart, it looks like the chrome ring just unscrews from the ignition switch, but gets so far just turns and thats it, is there a trick or special tool needed?  

you have probably already gotten it out but here are the instructions anyway..

first disconnect the battery....

with the Ignition key in the lock...  turn the lock to the accessory position..    1/8 of a turn to the left..   can you see a small round hole in the face of the lock.. use a small paper clip to depress the plunger behind the lock face about 1/8 of an inch while turning it farther to the left. the lock will now turn another 1/8 of a turn to the left.. you can yank the lock out .. then remove the lock mounting ring..


warning.. this leaves the ignition switch in the WRONG position for having the battery hooked up...

once the lock is out..   remove the switch from the dash.. let it dangle... or unplug it..   and reinsert the lock cylinder into the switch..



please USE extreme care when threading the bezel back on the ignition switch... you don't want to cross thread it..


these ignition switches are usually under 20 bucks..

please also inspect the electrical connector that there are NO burned wire terminals...



these are part number 642 at AZ stores.. about 15 bucks..  

Great tip, I would have never figured it out unless I bought a book. I am doing a complete tear down to the frame. Love this forum! Thanks, BAD71  

i hope that you have invested in several boxes of zip lock bags... 2 cheep digital cameras...  incase one breaks... a ruler to lay next to the parts.. .  

you will also want some kind of masking tape...  and some sharpies.. so  you can mark the big parts..

some stores still have parts tags...


if you look carefully .. almost every part has a number on it..

when taking things apart.. you will want to take a photo first.. then print it.. mark the actual part numbers down on the print.. then you can scan it..

please also use a paint marker on the rubber body mounts.. identifying lower.. middle and upper rubber sections.. along lower middle and upper washers for each locations..    probably the length of the bolt also.. and how many shims if any...