I'm replacing the ignition lock cylinder on my 69 Chevelle. I could not remove the igniton key from the old cylinder, so I removed and replaced it with a new lock cylinder. Now I can't get the new ign key out of the new lock cylinder when it is installed in the housing bore on the steering column. When I have both lock cylinders out of the column, I can easily remove the keys when they are in the off position. Why can't I remove the key when the lock cyl is installed on the column? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Brawley :confused:

Check the lower column cover and try turning it a little bit. This is the piece located just under your dash cover.

Thanks so much for the tip!!!!! Prior owner converted it from a column shift to a floor shift (column shift linkage disengaged). Once I rotated the lower column cover counterclockwise so the red marker sat on Park, the ignition cylinder rotated all the way to "LOCK" and the key popped right out. I can't thank you enough for helping me out, and I am really thankful that I have such a tremendous resource like this forum. My wife and kids especially appreciate it since I am in a much better mood now that I don't have to leave the key in the ignition and worry about someone stealing it! Brawley :hurray:

That "lower column cover" is connected to a shift tube inside the steering column. That shift tube extends down through the steering column and has a lever on the lower end (in the engine compartment under the brake booster). That lever must be in the full UP position in order for you to remove your ignition key.

There should be a linkage system connected to that lower lever. When you shift into PARK (with an automatic) or into REVERSE (manual shift) that linkage should move the lever to the UP position.

JIML82

I just got back from the garage- I found the lever you spoke of- kind of s shaped and close to the firewall behind the booster. I assume there must be some sort of rod that went from this lever to some form of linkage on the tranny. I am seriously thinking about going back to a column shift- can I get these parts somewhere? Thanks, Brawley

The factory floor shift cars had this linkage to move the indicator on the dash. It does exsist, but I'm not sure if they repop this stuff. You could try to find a stick shift steering column so you don't have that problem. My Olds Cutlass vibrated out of "Park" all the time, it just got to be habit when the key wouldn't come out to give the column a twist. It was just a drag car, I didn't care that I had a shifter knuckle sticking out of the side of the column.