Topic: Unable to turn key to ACC position

[Bluepony]

I recently purchased a 64 1/2 coupe and am a couple of months into the restoration.  I had noticed before buying it that the ignition switch cup spacer was on the outside of the dash with the ignition cylinder and bezel installed, indicating that it must have been removed previously (see attached photo).  I didn't think much of it, but am now finding that I am not able to turn the key to the ACC position, thus am not able to remove the ignition cylinder, bezel, and switch from the dash.  I also noticed that the key slot does not align with the OFF marking on the bezel (it's closer to the ON marking).  The key does turn to the ON and START positions, although I have not yet tried to start the engine with the key.  Has anyone encountered this, and if so, how do I go about removing the ignition cylinder and switch assembly?

[jwc66k]

Craig,
Have you pushed a straightened out, small paper clip in that small hole to the upper left of the key slot and then tried turning the key? It's along shot.
Jim

[Bluepony]

Yes, I tried that.  I also tried to squirt some silicone lube into the key slot and tap around the edges of the key cylinder in an attempt to loosen the tumblers, to no avail.  While I was tapping, the front spacer and bezel fell off and I found that one of the switch assembly nubs had broken off which allowed me to remove the switch assembly from the dash (mission accomplished!).  I then found that all of the wires coming out of the back of the switch had insulation missing which makes switch replacement a necessity.  Was planning on doing a complete electrical system replacement anyway, so it's all good. 

[midlife]

With flakey ignition switches like you describe, it is best to disconnect the battery.  NOW.
Thanks.

[Bluepony]

Yep, battery was removed several weeks ago.  Good suggestion, though.