Hello i have a 1983 firebird with the key broken inisde the original ignition switch. i can start it right up and turn it off no problem however i just wanna replace the ignition switch anyways. I bought the new one but have no idea how to put it in correctly so someone HELP!!

 

Do a search, there is a great step by step with pictures on it here on the site.

Pullt he horn cap, disconnect the horn wire. Take off the snap ring, unbolt the nut. Put your steeringwheel puller on it and pull the steering wheel off. That's the start.

take off the plastic protective cap. Now you'll see the turn signal switch assemmbly.

Take apart the bottom of the column to expose the wires and unbolt the column from the bottom of the dash. This will allow you to move the wires. Three screws to take out the turn signal assembly but be careful, watch how it comes apart because it's just held in there by pressure (the switch part that connects to your hi-beam lever). This will free up the wires enough to move them arund so you can get the white turn signal switch up over the column piece. Also, you'll need the steering wheel puller parts (get the full kit, not the wheel puller part, you'll need the whole thing) to compress the spring to get the lock-ring out. You'll know what I"m talking about once you get it out, you'll see it. One screw holds in the ignition switch.

Install is reverse.

It took me about 4 hours the first time I had to pull apart my column to tighten it up.

 

It is possible to compress the plate to get the lock ring out without the tool but not by one person. It's a little hard on the thumbs but it can be done. The compressor tool makes it a lot easier. If you already have a steering wheel puller, the compressor tool can probably be borrowed or rented from your local auto parts store. Places like Harbor Freight sell inexpensive ones.

Here's a full kit
http://www.harborfreight.com/steerin...set-68982.html

 

damn i was hoping this would be quick and easy to do with my father. Guess im gonna have to take it to a mechanic since i do not have any of those tools. however i was thinking of getting the key out of the current ignition switch gluing it back together and try to make a copy of it. has anyone ever tried doing that before??

 

No, don't take it to a mechanic!!

The full kit costs like $40 from Autozone!! You can even rent it. A mechanic will cost you like $4404040949448.00

 

I agree, why take it to a shop when you can buy the tools for 1/3 of the labor price the shop will charge you.. Now you can do the repair, have new tools that can be used for the next 50 years and still come out cheaper than taking it to the shop.

 

I think im gonna just get the other part of the key out of the ignition then glue the two very carefully back together and make a copy of the key since i work at a place where i can make it myself.

 

HAHA, exact same thing happened to me on an old ramcharger, snapped it in the ignition. I did the exact thing, superglued the sh*t out of it and they made a perfect copy.

 

If it's a clean break and you take it to a real locksmith they can cut you a new one from the broke one. I had that ordeal back when I was 16 on my 300zx. The key broke in the door lock at a buddy's house. He lived 2 miles from our town's only real locksmith. Called him and he said pull the broke part out and bring him the 2 parts and he could cut a new one.

Walked to his shop and sure enough he was able to make a new key from the 2 broke parts and only charged $2 to do it (keep in mind that was 1997 though)

 

In my case, it didnt take a real locksmith. Mine broke in half, glued it. Walked into home depot and some kid threw it in a computer and made me 3 copies. Cost me 2 bucks each.

 

Lol wow that cheap Huh? I managed to get it out of the ignition with ease with a fishhook, then made a copy from a locksmith for 10 bucks.