FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

Can anyone tell me how to remove the ignition barrel from the dash with a key? Without cutting up the dash itself.

Stinky
   I think there's a little "pin hole" along side the key slot .  bout the size of a paper clip , push a pin or paper clip in there and i think the barrel will come out ..  Just guessing , anyone please correct me if I'm wrong

    Norm  :)

Thanks Norm, but reading the FE Manual, you need a key to turn the barrel to the lock position before inserting the pin.
And I ain't got the key.

Glenn,

Just try every old Holden key you've got, wiggling them in and out of the lock as you try to turn it.  Often ignition barrels are pretty worn and if you try a dozen keys, you might just do it.

cheers
RET

If you just want to remove the ignition from the dash, it is held in by the screw on chrome ring. The ring has a couple of nitches to allow you to get a pirch with a small screwdriver and knock it around anti-clockwise. The ignition has a notch to locate it in the dash and to stop it turning.
Regards
Alex

Unfortunately this ring will not pass over the lock barrel without damaging something, if you are not real fussy about keeping the barrel just drill the lock pins out. If you wish to keep the barrel and RET's method doesn't work take the dash panel to a decent lock smith (or the local pub / crook hangout) and get the lock picked this is not hard with the old holden lock.
Good Luck
John M

Don't know where you are or how much of a hurry you are in. I have a full set of keys that I found at Holden dealer. If you can find the 4 digit number on one of the other lock cases I can lend you the correct key. This assuming the ignition has not been changed at some stage & it matches the other locks.
Regards, Gary

Hi Gary,
If you have all the keys Gary, I would be interested in getting some keys for cylinders that I have the number of, but no key.
As for the Ignition Lock, I have pulled a couple a part from the back.  You need the dash out and on the workbench with electricals up, then from the back very carefully prise out the deformed lugs and ease out the electricals from the ignition housing, then drill out the small internal diecast securing lug (this needs a lot of additional explanation otherwise you will stuff the cylinder), THEN the cylinder just kinda falls out.
(You can then read the key number, get the key from Gary and go from there)
IF you want to put the casing back together and use it, you have to tap a new securing lug into the case from the side to replace the diecast bit you drilled off, then put the electricals back and deform the securing lugs back to where they were before you started.
Once the cylinder is out of the ignition, the front securing ring scews off and you can remove the whole lot from the dash.

Regards,

Geoff_K

Stinky,
Have you got the door barrell from the same car as most door barrells have a 4 digit code stamped on them.
You would then be able to get a key cut for the ignition.
Regards ACE 8)

Stinky
I had much the same problam with my car, I also discovered that the ignition barrel was different to the doors and there was no boot lock. So for continuity I was lucky enough to source a full set of locks from one of our Tassy forum members for the very cheap price of $50. The locks are great and now it is one key fits all.

To get my barrel out I just forced the retainer ring off. It was not that hard. I sprayed WD40 and use 2 large screwdrivers to gradually work it up and then off it came. Not much scratching it all and It still works no key required.

Thanks for all the tips.

The car is a bitsa, it came with a tonne of parts from a wrecked FC. The door locks are in a box somewhere, but even if I find them I can't be sure if they are the originals or from the wreck.
I did spy some keys in one of the boxes a couple of years ago, just gotta find 'em now :), otherwise I guess I'll have to use force.