Topic: 66 IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT

[69cobrajetrugae2]

Today it was 95 here in Los Angeles. The car was outside for a while heating up. When I attempted to start the car the electrical portion of the ignition switch split in two. The key portion seems okay. I fished out the connector from under the dash but my fat hands and pudgy fingers made the going tough. It seems that putting it back together  from under the dash would be an uphill battle, there is not enough room.

Do I have to remove the cluster?  If so, what are the tricks of the trade?  Here is a pic. Thank you very much.

[midlife]

First trick when this happens is to disconnect the battery!  Ask me how I know...

It's almost impossible to replace the ignition switch without removing the dash cluster.

[69cobrajetrugae2]

Thanks Midlife, I was afraid that the cluster would have to be removed. I assume that the spedo cable has to be detached then remove the sheet metal screws. Do you have any other pointers? Thanks.

[ChrisV289]

I'd put a cloth or rag on the steering column to avoid scratching it.

[Brian Conway]

     I was just there doing the wiper switch and yes disconnect the battery and remove the cluster.  My car is a 4 speed GT so the rally pack, two bolts, and wire guard, 1 screw, come off and set on the floor.  Jack up the car unclip the speedo cable from the passenger side floor pan, behind the H-Pipe, and shove some of the slack 2-3 inches, toward the cluster.  You may need to pull the slack up from inside the car, behind and above,  the gas peddle.  Now your ready to go after the cluster, 6 screws, remove the screws and tilt the cluster to separate from the metal dash .  Reach in and undo the speedo cable.  I usually leave everything, gauges and dash lights, connected and just move the cluster to one side.  Much easier to get to the switch from above.  Brian

[69cobrajetrugae2]

Thanks a lot!     

[fast66]

2nd video that show up if you google - skip the CJ pony video (1st! as it goes from the bottom... looks easy but is very hard to do, IMO.

//Claes