'74 3/4t Pickup Ignition Switch Wiring

[AllForChevy]

I did a stupid thing this past weekend   Jumped on the 4 wheeler and lost the only set of keys to my truck!!

So, I'm looking for a wiring diagram that will show me how to hook toggle switches & a push button up from the harness plugs that I've disconnected on the column.  Any help would be greatly appreciated!!  Feel free to shoot me an e-mail or reply here.

[autorepr]

Are you going for a race car look or to just make it so you don't need to use a key to start it?

You'll have to get the column unlocked either way.

[VileZambonie]

Just replace the key and lock cylinder, it's cheaper and easier. $12 bucks

http://www.autozone.com/R,APP378986/vehicleId,1170904/initialAction,partProductDetail/store,5152/partType,00190/shopping/partProductDetail.htm

[AllForChevy]

Just looking to get it to turn power on and off, and start.  Its not much of a truck other than it runs great.  350 crate with 5sp manual & full time 4x4 works great with the snow plow I put on it a few years back.

I noted the link to autozone as well...but it stated for an '84 Chevy...are '74 to '84 the same?

If I knew the pin-out on the harness...I believe I could easily wire it up.  Ideas?

[VileZambonie]

Just look it up for your year truck. Here's a 74 http://www.autozone.com/R,APP378875/vehicleId,1385006/initialAction,partProductDetail/store,5152/partType,00190/shopping/partProductDetail.htm

To change the ignition cylinder is pretty easy. I hate seeing people hack up vehicles wiring, if you were to wire it up you'd have to tap into the ignition switch on the top of the column and you'd have to break the lock plate pin so you could turn the wheel. It's easier to pull the wheel, remove the lockplate, 3 screws for the turn signal switch, 1 screw for the hazards, 1 screw for the lock cyl.

[autorepr]

Your gonna have to remove the lock cylinder any how to unlock the column.

Take out the lock cylinder and take it apart, remove the tabs inside the tumbler
and put it back in the column. Then all you have to do is turn the tumbler like you
would if there was a key in it, but you can do it with any key or no key at all. Nobody
would know walking by looking in the truck. You wouldn't have to touch a wire at all.

[AllForChevy]

First...didnt realize that this particular year of truck had a lock plate...ever since I've had it, the wheel has turned free.

Being I've got the darn harness un-plugged already, I'll have to first drop the column bolts and hook it back up.  Then, I'll combine comments ya'll left and see what I can come up with.  Never had to work with a switch like this before so feedback has been greatly appreciated!  Thanks again....

[Dragon]

I noted the link to autozone as well...but it stated for an '84 Chevy...are '74 to '84 the same?

As long as the GM Vehicle has a Key on the Column, and the Column is the Traditional Round, it will use the same lock cylinder(69-97/98 for Cars,73-99/00(if not later) for Trucks/Vans/SUV's...  I will let you know, if the GM Car/Truck/Suv's is equipted with a GM Vehicle Anti-Theft System(VAT's for 94 and later, PASS KEY I/II for 88/89-93), the System Specific Lock Assembly Must Be Used, or you can run into problems... If the Vehicle wasn't equipted with a Factory/Dealer Installed OEM Security System, you can interchange the Lock Assembly with Various Models(For instance, I have a 96 Caprice Ex-Patrol Cruiser without a Factory System, I can put in a lock assembly from a 90 and Prior no problems)....
For the Lock Plate, I would suggest one of these...
648466 Steering Wheel Lock Plate Remover

For the $12+Tax/S&H Price at www.partsamerica.com /or one of their stores, it definately comes in handy(Have used it on six different cars/trucks, and it has more than paid for itself)!!
If you don't have a wheel puller, theirs is well worth the cost as well(Same or Cheaper than the lock plate puller)
640593 Steering Wheel Puller

[AllForChevy]

Thanks to everyone that posted suggestions.  I went out and bought the tools and new lock cylinder and sat out in the single digits Saturday and got it changed out.  Only trouble I had was finding that darn release tab.  Thought I was in the right place...ended up about an iinch too far to the right holding what I thought was the lock tab.

Anyway...got it running and back to pushing snow that afternoon.  Thanks again.

[VileZambonie]

Glad to hear

[Dragon]

Congrats, and Glad to hear it worked out for ya!!   Yeah the earlier Tab Release Columns are more of a Hassle, but in the long run, they too become a breeze after a few times

[velojym]

Oof. I remember trying to swap out the cylinder in my '74 once... finally I just gave up and used it broken (turned without a key...). You could put a fist through the rust holes, so that was probably better anti-theft than the lock cylinder anyway.
I'm about to post something else, though... I lost the only set of keys to my '87. Bought new lock cyls for the doors and the ignition... now I just need to figure out how to break in to my truck without calling a locksmith.
I tried using one of my chip chasers as a slim jim, but it was too short... and there's a ridge that appears to be blocking its use anyway.
Any ideas?


edit: Just remembered I have a super-duper-ultra-elite account at AAA, from when I was working on the road all the time. They'll be tickled to come let me in... and I'll keep a close eye on how he does it, too.