Uh-oh, new car and already problems!

[73Vert]

Quick question for ya,

What would cause the key to not rotate all the way back to the OFF position?

I just got this car, and luckily the lock is worn in typical GM fashion allowing me to remove the key, but I can't roll the key back far enough!!

Any ideas? Is this a typical issue with these cars?

Thanks,
Paul

 

[matchframe]

Welcome to CAC Paul!

I am not sure about the 73s, but my 78 has a lever just below and forward of the ignition that you have to push down to release the switch back to the lock position. Hopefully that it is something that simple!

Post some pic of your Vette when you can. We would love to see it!

Bill

 

[clar2001]

Welcome to the forum and your continuing project ,on my 75 there is a cable from the stearing colum next to your master brake cylender if this is out of ajustment, the key will not turn off ,I have not made any ajustment to this so I can not lend advise there..

 

[73Vert]

Thanks Bill, but I didn't see anything like that, and it definitely feels like it is being "stopped" by something (that isn't moving out of the way)

I guess I'll keep looking!

I've attached a pic that is my wallpaper, I think this is a '72, having a chrome front bumper as well as rear, but other than that, mine is identical! (Well, it WILL be as soon as I get some light bodywork done on her!)

Later!
Paul

 

[73Vert]

clar2001, thanks, I'll give that a try as well!

I can actually feel the ignition rod that slides up and down the column, but I can't push it up any further like it needs to go!

I'll go down and look at that in a few!

 

[Thumper]

I just pulled the turbo 350 out of my 76, and besides the cable that goes to the automatic shifter, there is another cable that goes to the steering column. If you've noticed that your car must be completely in Park in order to remove the key, this other cable controls that function. If it is out of adjustment, you will not be able to turn your ignition all the way to off, or be able to remove the key. It took me a few minutes to figure out why I couldn't get my ignition all the way to off and get the key out. I opened the hood and made sure the lever at the base of my steering column was in the right position (can't remember if it was up or down) and wha-la, the key went to off and came right out.

 

[Thumper]

I forgot to mention that my steering column is out of a 73. So it should be the same as yours.

 

[arrio]

On my 76 I had the same problem. I bought the car with this condition. The key would not rotate all the way to the lock position. Just as Thumper said, there is an interlock cable that connects from the column to the tranmission shift selector. The cable on mine had kink in the cable at the transmission side. All I had to do was massage the cable a bit to straighten it out and re-align/bend :bang the bracket a bit to allow a straighter movement of the cable. Been working great ever since

 

[69_Dream]

Paul congrats on the new ride.

That pic is of a 69, as those side fender louvers are unique to 68 and 69's. 70-72's had the "eggcrate" openings. Suppose your vette was modified. Would love to see some pics when you got 'em.

Guess you'll need to tear open that steering column or follow the advice from arrio or Thumper.

Once again... enjoy the new toy!

Sly

 

[TWINRAY]

73Vert
Is it an auto. If so, the shifter maybe is out of alignment? I believe the shifter has to be in Park to get the key out and for the switch to be in the off position. The other thing is that maybe the lock is worn out

 

[73Vert]

Well, didn't get a chance to get down there last night, but I'll try again after work today.
Thanks for the suggestions all! It is a 4 speed, and I remembered this morning that my 78 T/A (also 4 spd) had a lockout rod that swung around to the steering column and rotated a lever for the key block. Original purpose was to ensure that the shifter was placed into R before turning it off and removing the key. Stupid idea, but that's the way it worked.
This is probably very similar, whether cable or rod operated.

Sly, now that you mention it, the vent openings are slightly different too, mine are just the bare openings like the rest of the 73's, but that was the closest pic I could find!!

Anybody have any slot-style rims they want to trade for AR racing Cragar SS type rims? I've got the fat/skinny combo (7" F and 9" or 10" R) with decent tread left on all. They are ok, just not my style!

Paul

 

[73Vert]

You guys were right! There s a cable from the Reverse shifter fork up to a lever around the steering column. The lever had lost the circlip holding on the cable. Replaced it and all is well!

Thanks again,
Paul