ignition help

[79k10+85k5]

i just bought an 85 k5 blazer with a 400sb.  its a mud buggy pretty much.  well anyways someone tried to steal it and messed up the key hole.  how hard is it to just run a push button ignition os something similar on it.  or would it be easier to just put a new one it it.  thanks.  this is my first post here also and im lovin the site guys

[Irish_Alley]

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=10736.msg78326#msg78326
theres a couple diffrent ways to go by this read them and you can decide what you wanna do

[Captkaos]

It is pretty simple to wire in a push button setup.  It would just be a wire set from the starter solenoid and power to the button.

[VileZambonie]

Just changing the ignition cylinder is a piece of cake however you will need two special tools.

A lockplate depresser and a steering wheel puller. Both tools you can rent from autozone or buy them very cheap.

[79k10+85k5]

what would be easier?  and without a key how can i unlock the steering column.  i gotta tow it home before i can work on it.  thanks for the replies

[VileZambonie]

to unlock the column you'll have to pull the wheel or break the lock cylinder.

[79k10+85k5]

to break it  can i just like hammer i screw drive in there os what.

[VileZambonie]

Personally I would just fix it to avoid damaging the rack mechanism or any other components.

[79k10+85k5]

maybe ill just go pick up a whole column out the junk yard

[VileZambonie]

That's an option too but make sure it's got the same features and connectors or you'll have to take it apart anyway to swap switches and wiring.

We can walk you through changing the lock cylinder. It's pretty simple. If you want I'll post details step by step.

$12 bucks for a new lock cylinder with keys. I think it's a buck more for a black one

http://www.autozone.com/R,2456389/vehicleId,1146602/initialAction,partProductDetail/store,5152/partType,00190/shopping/partProductDetail.htm

Also here's a quick link
http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repairGuide.htm?pageId=0900c1528004c78b

[79k10+85k5]

i think ill just go that route.  id really appreciate if u cuold give me some directions on doin that.  thanks again guys for all the help

[78 Chevyrado]

You can get the lock plate off without the tool if you have a helper.  have one person sit in the seat and press the plate in and the other get the lock ring out.  that's how I been doing it.

[VileZambonie]

Disconnect the negative battery. Pop your horn cover off, remove the retaining ring and nut etc. Use a steering wheel puller like this to remove the wheel or get aggressive and pull just don't bend the wheel. Depress the lockplate using this and use a pick tool to remove the retaining ring. Unscrew the knob for the hazards, remove the turn signal lever and switch. Just pull it up enough to get it out of the way. There are 3 screws and you may have to turn the switch to get at one of them. Take the screw out for the cylinder and slide it out. You may have to fight with it a little as it's designed to come out in the run position. A pick tool may help, you'll see with the new cylinder. Also near the ignition cylinder there is a small clip that slides in for the buzzer. Just slide it straight out. Good luck!

[79k10+85k5]

thanks bud.  i appreciate it.  im just gonne go ahead and do that.  it will be better in the long run anyhow.

[79k10+85k5]

well i got the k5 home today.  i ended up breakin it just to get home.  lol  now it starts wit a screwdriver.loli got a new problem.  my sarter isnt engaging all the way.  it will turn over but then it starts grindin.  could this just be shims?