The '64 is on its way from Oahu and one (of the many) tidbits that wasn't disclosed to me is that the ignition has a key broken off in it. While I can work around it, say with a screwdriver or even make a stubby key I thought I might look into possible replacements.

Anyone have any experience messing with ignition switches. My only knowledge is that getting them out is a PITA, but maybe I had a rare case of a frozen release button.

Thought maybe one from a VW might work, they seem to be only about $20. Volvo seems to be around $65.

I'm not too worried about keeping her stock, the amount of welding I'm going to have to do on this car to get her back in order will probably mean she'll only ever be a "good from 10 footer".

Thanks as always.

-Mario E.
Kea'au, HI

I would go with Ron's "final fix". The push-button start has several advantages over the stock ignition, both practical ones, and security considerations. I heard of one guy who left his key in his ignition at a gas station while he paid (dumb, I know). A thief got into the car, but could do nothing in that vital 20 seconds because of the hidden push-button and ran away thankfully empty handed.

Tom

Mario;

I don't think a VW switch will hep because it doesn't address the fact that the IGN switch is an assembly with the armored cable and coil ...it would require a lot of work to convert over (including separating the armored cable, and at this point, there's really no reason to cut everything up)...I'd recommend turning the IGN switch to the IGN ON position by whatever means possible, and extracting the lock cylinder (stuck release button can usually be freed by applying some light oil and repeated manipulation)...once removed, you have the option of replacing or using a stubby screwdriver (0$ solution) until you do find a (used) replacement (<$65 solution), or extract the key remains and have a replacement key made (~$20 solution)...the screwdriver obviously is not nearly as susceptible to breaking off, but if you replace the lock cylinder (either with current one or a replacement one), a start pushbutton is clearly recommended (additional $20, but the final fix!).

Cheers

Would it be possible to bypass the switch with a push-button start? I would say just remove the switch and put a new one in, maybe $65, but then you can start your car without any fuss, without finding the screwdriver rolling around on the floor, etc. save yourself a headache.

Any decent lock smith has a set of tiny barbed rods for fishing out broken keys. If you can start it with a screw driver and drive it to a lock smith, it should be about a 5 minute project for a decent lock smith. There is no need to cut the coil. Depending on how much of the key is in the lock, the lock smith may be able to simply cut you another key from it. Thus no need to get another cylinder.

Of course, hadn't considered the obvious. I've tried to remove a few different ways but kept thinking I needed a highly specialized tool to get in there and grab whats left of the key.

I have extra ignition keys so I'll give this a go.

Now to source patches for all the rust.

Thanks,

Mario E.
Kea'au, HI

If the need arises, I have already pulled the ignition tumbler, key, and door handles off your 65 and I'd be happy to send them to you gratis if you want to cover the postage to HI.

Regarding your current problem, I bought a replacement dash a while back and found a key broken off in the tumbler. It was too far gone. After trying in vain for quite some time to release the tumbler lock, I ended up drilling out the keyway. This allowed me to remove the tumbler easily. I had a couple spare key/tumbler sets so I could afford the sacrifice, but I still hated wasting a good tumbler.

Consider it a last-resort solution.

So you made it over there OK!
Good to hear from you.
From my experience in Panama I would say that more rust-resistant a paint job you
can get, the better off you will be and that includes underneath as well as on top.
Also do whatever you can to make sure that water doesn't leak in and wipe out your
floorboards from the inside.
And a rainproof carport will be worth a lot.
Are you still into woodwork?
--
George Downs, Bartlesville, Heart of the USA!

Yup, made it here more or less intact.

Nathan, thanks for the offer of the ignition switch and door handles. I might take you up on that. Would be kind of nice to have something from the old girl. All the parts I have were either add-ons or from the '68. Our container with our possessions is due to arrive early next week and then unload and unpack regarding your visor. I know its in there somewhere. However your personal e-mail is on my computer in the container, if you could send me a message off the board I'll have it again.

George, subtropical car restoration is going to be interesting. The first thing I'm planning is to attack the rust and hopefully there will still be a car left. The owner wasn't exactly accurate when describing the rust situation. I think it can be saved but the '65 I sold to Nathan was probably in better shape. (Nathan, did you save the roof you cut off? I could use a small section.) I should be a decent welder by the time I am done.

Living in Hawaii is very different from vacationing in Hawaii. Most folks back on the Mainland react as if its Paradise over here when I tell them where I've moved. Its not Paradise...(although I do live in Hawaii Paradise Park, and just off Paradise Street, no kidding). But there are spots on this island that do seem unreal they are so beautiful and I've already had the chance to swim with sea turtles. Also the surfing is much better than in Kansas.

One thing is Latino culture is barely a whisper out here, at least in Hilo; so the Mexican restaurants are embarrassing. Taco Bell might do a better job. On the bright side there is a guy at the farmer's market that sells GREAT tamales and that goes a long way. I'll just have to talk Mom into letting me have her recipes to take care of the rest.

I've thought about starting a blog to document the restoration of the '64 out here as a Palm Tree Mechanic. I can already tell that I'll have to be a bit more creative than back on the Mainland. Lots of things are not readily available and shipping is reserved for things that fit in small boxes or only as a last resort.

I think I finally get to pick up the '64 from the dock today, then the fun begins.

-Mario E.
Kea'au, HI