Remove and replace the ignition lock cylinder assembly on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette, including steering column disassembly and lock plate removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Ignition lock cylinder × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lock cylinder retaining clip (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering column lock plate retaining ring (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Disconnect negative battery cable and isolate the terminal away from the battery post.
2. Set parking brake and ensure transmission is in Park (automatic) or Neutral (manual).
3. Position driver's seat fully rearward for workspace access.
4. Gather all tools and parts before beginning procedure.
5. Insert ignition key and verify it turns smoothly through all positions before removal.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove steering wheel horn contact
   Remove the horn button or center cap from the steering wheel by prying gently with a flat blade screwdriver or pressing the release tabs. Disconnect the horn wire connector beneath the cap. On 1966 Corvette models, the horn contact is typically a center button that pulls straight up after light prying.
2. 2

   Remove steering wheel retaining nut
   Using the appropriate socket, remove the steering wheel retaining nut from the steering shaft. Mark the relationship between the steering wheel and shaft with a reference mark for proper reinstallation alignment. The nut is typically 1/2 inch or 13mm.
3. 3

   Remove steering wheel
   Install a steering wheel puller onto the steering wheel using the threaded holes provided. Tighten the puller center bolt gradually and evenly until the steering wheel releases from the shaft taper. Do not strike the steering shaft or use excessive force, as this may damage the column bearings.
4. 4

   Remove turn signal canceling cam and spring
   Remove the turn signal canceling cam (plastic or metal cam assembly) from the top of the steering shaft. Note the orientation for reassembly. Remove the upper bearing spring that sits beneath the canceling cam.
5. 5

   Compress and remove lock plate
   Position the lock plate compressor tool over the steering shaft and compress the lock plate downward to expose the retaining snap ring in the groove of the steering shaft. Using snap ring pliers, carefully remove the snap ring from the shaft groove. Slowly release the lock plate compressor and remove the tool. Remove the lock plate and the directional signal canceling spring beneath it.
6. 6

   Remove turn signal lever and hazard knob
   Unscrew and remove the turn signal lever by rotating counterclockwise. If equipped with hazard warning flashers, remove the hazard warning knob by pulling straight out (it may have a small set screw to loosen first).
7. 7

   Remove turn signal switch screws
   Locate and remove the 3 Phillips head screws securing the turn signal switch to the steering column housing. These screws are typically located around the perimeter of the switch housing beneath where the lock plate was positioned.
8. 8

   Pull turn signal switch forward
   Carefully pull the turn signal switch assembly upward and forward away from the column, but do not disconnect the wiring harness. Position the switch assembly out of the way with adequate slack to access the ignition lock cylinder. Use care not to damage the wiring harness.
9. 9

   Remove ignition switch rod and buzzer switch
   Locate the buzzer switch assembly (a small two-wire switch) positioned in the lock cylinder housing. Remove the buzzer switch by gently prying or removing its retaining clip. This must be removed to access the lock cylinder retaining pin.
10. 10

    Remove ignition lock cylinder
    Insert the ignition key and rotate the lock cylinder to the RUN position (first position clockwise from OFF, not the START position). Locate the small lock cylinder retaining pin hole on the right side of the lock cylinder housing. Using a small punch, paper clip, or appropriately sized wire, depress the retaining pin through the hole while simultaneously pulling the lock cylinder straight out of the housing with the key. The cylinder should slide out easily when the pin is fully depressed.
11. 11

    Install new ignition lock cylinder
    Insert the key into the new lock cylinder and rotate to the RUN position. Align the lock cylinder with the housing opening, ensuring the actuating rack on the cylinder aligns with the sector in the housing. Push the cylinder firmly into the housing until the retaining pin clicks into place. Verify the cylinder is fully seated and the key rotates smoothly through all positions (OFF, RUN, START).
12. 12

    Reinstall buzzer switch
    Reinstall the buzzer switch assembly into its retaining clip or mounting position in the lock cylinder housing. Ensure the switch is fully seated and properly oriented.
13. 13

    Reinstall turn signal switch
    Guide the turn signal switch wiring back through the column housing and position the switch assembly over the steering shaft. Align the switch with the mounting holes and reinstall the 3 Phillips head screws. Tighten screws evenly and securely, but do not overtighten plastic housings.
14. 14

    Reinstall turn signal lever and hazard knob
    Thread the turn signal lever back into the switch assembly and tighten by rotating clockwise. Reinstall the hazard warning knob if equipped by pushing into place or securing with set screw.
15. 15

    Reinstall lock plate assembly
    Install the directional signal canceling spring over the steering shaft. Position the lock plate over the spring and shaft. Using the lock plate compressor tool, compress the lock plate downward far enough to expose the snap ring groove on the steering shaft. Install the snap ring into the groove, ensuring it is fully seated in the groove around the entire circumference. Release the compressor tool slowly.
16. 16

    Reinstall canceling cam and steering wheel
    Install the upper bearing spring and turn signal canceling cam onto the steering shaft in the correct orientation. Align the steering wheel with the reference marks made during disassembly and slide the wheel onto the shaft taper. Install the steering wheel retaining nut and tighten securely. Reconnect the horn wire and install the horn button or center cap.
17. 17

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery post. Test the ignition lock cylinder through all positions (OFF, RUN, START) to verify smooth operation. Test turn signals, hazard lights, and horn to confirm all steering column functions operate correctly.

Reassembly

1. Ensure the lock plate snap ring is fully seated in the shaft groove to prevent lock plate or steering wheel separation.
2. Verify the steering wheel is aligned straight when the front wheels are pointing straight ahead.
3. Confirm all electrical connectors are properly seated and all column functions tested before closing the job.

Verification

• Turn ignition key through all positions (OFF, LOCK, RUN, START) and verify smooth operation with no binding or excessive play.
• Verify key can be removed only in the LOCK position and steering wheel locks when key is removed.
• Test turn signals in both directions with canceling function working properly.
• Test hazard warning lights if equipped.
• Test horn button operation.
• Verify no warning lights remain illuminated on the instrument cluster with key in RUN position.
• Start the engine to confirm the ignition switch and lock cylinder function correctly under load.

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