Lost ignition!

[suburbangirl]

Today I went to pickup my Suburban from a friends who stored it while I’ve been away. He’s lost my one and only key. Call a couple of automotive locksmith but seems no one has the skills to re key it.
Is it difficult to replace the ignition switch?
I hate messing around with anything electrical.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

 

[CountKrunk]

What year is it?

 

[CountKrunk]

For future use you can get old school car/truck keys made for a few shekels at ace hardware.

 

[Goldie Driver]

Today I went to pickup my Suburban from a friends who stored it while I’ve been away. He’s lost my one and only key. Call a couple of automotive locksmith but seems no one has the skills to re key it.
Is it difficult to replace the ignition switch?
I hate messing around with anything electrical.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

It is actually the lock cylinder (ignition switch is at the bottom of the column)and it is not a difficult job if you have access to a steering wheel puller, a lock plate puller, and you aren't afraid to take out the turn signal switch.

Quite a bit harder without those tools, but not impossible.

Some pics from my 99 Camaro SS.

 

[Ricko1966]

If you have access to any other GM keys try them all wiggle jiggle twist jiggle,sometimes you get lucky and the key and tumblers are sloppy enough to start with a different key. Drive it that way for a week or two,see if your key turns up.

 

[75gmck25]

If you can jiggle it enough to get it to turn the key, then you should be able to access the release and remove the lock cylinder. Then just buy a new lock cylinder, or have a locksmith make you a key that matches the one you have. Process for removal of the lock cylinder varies a little by year, but you don't really need any special tools that I recall (as long as you can turn the key).

Some pick and pull yards have a vendor that makes new keys to match old locks, since the keys to junked cars are often missing.

 

[78C10BigTen]

If you have access to any other GM keys try them all wiggle jiggle twist jiggle,sometimes you get lucky and the key and tumblers are sloppy enough to start with a different key. Drive it that way for a week or two,see if your key turns up.

My keys for my 78 square and 91 s10 usually go into each others locks and ign. My s10 key is so worn out i can take it out while its running.

 

[Goldie Driver]

If you can jiggle it enough to get it to turn the key, then you should be able to access the release and remove the lock cylinder. Then just buy a new lock cylinder, or have a locksmith make you a key that matches the one you have. Process for removal of the lock cylinder varies a little by year, but you don't really need any special tools that I recall (as long as you can turn the key).

Some pick and pull yards have a vendor that makes new keys to match old locks, since the keys to junked cars are often missing.

While your method might possibly work with the older style of lock cylinder to remove, I suspect you will have a tough time loosening the set screw style that way. Not sure these cut off dates are correct but the 2 different styles shown are.

Canada WTB: Ignition Key/Lock Cylinder (1973-1977). - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Canada WTB: Ignition Key/Lock Cylinder (1973-1977). The 1973-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Pickups Parts Board

67-72chevytrucks.com

Some additional how to info :

How to remove and replace the ignition lock found on most GM cars from 1969 to the mid 1990's

We used a steering column from a Pontiac Firebird to illustrate replacing the ignition lock, and this particular type ignition lock is used on most GM cars from 1978 to the mid 1990's with the Saginaw steering columns. For the majority of cars and trucks, GM used two different type locks from...

www.carlocksandkeys.com

 

[suburbangirl]

It an ‘86 and the timing of this issue is just %**#! awful. I have no garage to work on it. So, pray I can get it done in my friends back driveway. I only have 2wks here and I need to sell it. Just can’t let it sit any longer. It was thoroughly serviced, new dual batteries replaced and it’s just sat for 12mths.
I will study up on the process to exchange the ignition barrel lock out. There’s another thread I found that’s helpful about tools or alternatives if you don’t have a puller for steering wheel.
Ordered new ignition barrel last night should be here by end of day.

 

[Goldie Driver]

Did you have any other square head keys to try whether yours or someone else's?

Goldies key cylinder is like Ted's S10 - you can pull the key out while it is running.

Could be a handy feature.

 

[suburbangirl]

Thanks guys for your helpful words.

 

[Snoots]

It an ‘86 and the timing of this issue is just %**#! awful. I have no garage to work on it. So, pray I can get it done in my friends back driveway. I only have 2wks here and I need to sell it. Just can’t let it sit any longer. It was thoroughly serviced, new dual batteries replaced and it’s just sat for 12mths.
I will study up on the process to exchange the ignition barrel lock out. There’s another thread I found that’s helpful about tools or alternatives if you don’t have a puller for steering wheel.
Ordered new ignition barrel last night should be here by end of day.

You shouldn't have to BUY the tools needed. Most auto parts stores will rent them to you cheep.
Around here, you pay a $75 deposit and get the $75 back when you return the tool.

 

[Grit dog]

If you’re gonna replace it anyways just break it and then you can drive it. Screwdriver, pretend you’re a car thief.
Or find come sketchy mfer to help you with it.
Or hit up some little repair shops, junkyards someone with a bunch of old Chebbies in their field, likely find a key that works. Bout a 1 in 10 shot a random key will work.
Hope this helps