Pop out switch problem
 

I am having an intermittent problem with pop out the switch on my 31 cabriolet. Recently I began to have issues when putting the key in the ignition seems like Ian's are falling down and I cannot put the key all the way in the switch. I can use a dental instrument and lift up The pins and then slide the key in. I have use graphite spray in the keyhole without much success. Any suggestions? I have never taken one of these apart and I would like to preserve this one as it is original To the car.

Re: Pop out switch problem
 

Suggest you take the switch out and send it to Dick Crabtree. Dick rebuilt a couple popouts and door locks for me. Wonderful work and a great guy to deal with. Lives in South Dakota. 605-487-7229.

Re: Pop out switch problem
 

I've had good luck by using ATF on the key, then slide it in and out several times until it gets on the pins.
I've also had good luck using powdered graphite on my modern car when the key was hard to push in.
Don't use WD-40 on potmetal.

Re: Pop out switch problem
 

Since we are discussing pop out switches, I am building a speedster...I look at the wiring diagram and the switch is between the coil and the distributor ...I don't understand that placement...I want to put in a switch that turns everything in the car on and off and run those two to a hot wire somewhere...why won't that work?...using a 12v neg ground

Re: Pop out switch problem
 

X2 to send to Dick Crabtree . He is the guy and he will get you fixed up
He's the best !!!
Larry Shepard

Re: Pop out switch problem
 

It was done, to my understanding, so that the car would be difficult to hot-wire and steal.

To shut everything down, I'd suggest a battery disconnect switch.

Re: Pop out switch problem
 

It sounds like one or more of the small springs that push the lock wafers/pins are weak or broken. It has been a while since I have had one of the locks apart. Study the drawing of the ignition lock head. You do not need to completely remove the pop out from the car, just remove the dash and the head from the dash. As long as you have the key and can unlock the pop out you can remove the locking cylinder as follows: 1) disconnect power from the battery; 2) pull dash and remove ignition switch from the dash; 3) you should find a screw on the side of the head, this screw - generally the screw has a tooth washer under it; 4) at the top of the head you will see a small hole, under this hole is a plunger that is part of the locking mechanism - use a small pin punch or finishing nail to push the plunger down; 5) the locking mechanism should now be able to be removed from the head; 6) remove the bezel from the front where the key is inserted and the lock cylinder should be able to be removed; 7) the individual pins/wafers and springs should now be able to be removed. If a spring is damaged you should be able to get new ones from a regular locksmith.

Like I said it has been a while since I have worked on one of these pop-out heads but I think I covered everything, if not I am sure I will hear about it.

Good Luck,