Advice please on drilling out the ignition barrel
 

Hi all,
After a great first day of Amazon ownership day two has taken a turn for the worst.

When i picked the car up the ignition key was a bit sticky, but managed to get the car started and drove 70 miles home no problem (no mean feat given the car had only done 130 miles in the last 7 years).

This morning tried the key and it just would not turn. tried some graphite powder and jiggling the key to no effect. Went off to town to a get a replacement cut on a spare blank for my 1800 hoping that would do the trick. Tried tapping the new key when all the way in to see some of the "pin-stacks" would drop. No change. Resigned myself to having to put a new barrel in so I ordered one from Simon.

After a few hours of trying lots of different key positions the key turned as far as Position 3 (Driving position). Rather oddly the key wont go to the Start position or the Radio position.Great i thought push the release pin (with the key in position 3 and out will pop the old barrel and no drilling required. Well after another hour of lying on my back (penetrating fluid sprayed on the button) I could not get the pin to move. Sounds like its time for the drill.

Has anyone any advice regard drilling?
Where to start?
What am I trying to achieve by drilling?
If the pin won't move will the barrel ever come out?

How will day 3 turn out?

Phil

barrel
 

Hi Phil

No need to drill it. If you force the barrel to turn, the locking pin will jump out and then pull the barrel out. you could lever it near the locking pin to create a bit of play to remove with the pin.
Hope you get on well. If you video call me I can show you how

Ta
Kassie

Hi Kassie
Thanks for the reply.
If I understand correctly do I stick a screwdriver or the like into the "lock cylinder" and try to turning the "lock cylinder"/barrel until the pin is forced under the collar of the "ignition switch assembly" and the lock cylinder come s out? I've attached one of Ron Kwas's figures from his website (www.sw-em.com) to clarify the terminology

By "lever it near the locking pin" are you talking about the Ignition Switch Assembly or the Lock Cylinder?

It would be fantastic if that worked.

Phil

Have you taken the ignition switch out of the dash?

Hi blueosprey
Everything is still in the dash. I’ve removed the two screws which hold the Ignition Switch Assembly to the lower lip of the dash. But it stubbornly refuses to move.
Phil

Don't forget the armored ignition cable.You will be pushing against that.

fb;

My advice? Don't do it!

See: https://www.sw-em.com/Broken%20Vinta...tion%20Key.htm

Good Hunting!

Hi
 

Hi Phil

Yes that is it. if you screw the ignition back in, it's easier to split the locking pin. If you want to video call me, I am available. Ta Kassie 078 2887 9494

Hi all,
The good news is "Charlie" (the reg number is HRH....) now has a new ignition barrel and new key so thanks for all the advice.

Firstly, I removed the front seat to gain proper access (and re-web the base while I was at it). Assembled all the "poking, prodding and hitting" tools I could find and made a comfortable "bed" (photo).

Just as I was about to start the new lock cylinder arrived from Brookhouse (less that 24 hours after it was ordered, thanks Simon). I could see tfrom the new one that the lock cylinder retaining button should move easily and released mine must be "stuck" (after 54 years!).

I took Kassie's advice and moved the assembly a little to gain better access, got a drift and a small hammer, turned the key to position 3, lined up a drift and gave it a sharp wack. Button moved and out popped the cylinder! In the end a 5min job (only because the key turned as far as position 3, but no further).

Of course getting the new cylinder in took over and hour along with lots of swearing but as they say "all's well that ends well."

Thanks again,
Phil

Good news!