ConcoursMustang Forums

1st Generation 1964 1/2 - 1973 - Questions & general discussions that apply to a specific year => 1966 Mustang => Topic started by: 69cobrajetrugae2 on September 12, 2014, 02:50:53 AM

Title: 66 IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT
Post by: 69cobrajetrugae2 on September 12, 2014, 02:50:53 AM

Today it was 95 here in Los Angeles. The car was outside for a while heating up. When I attempted to start the car the electrical portion of the ignition switch split in two. The key portion seems okay. I fished out the connector from under the dash but my fat hands and pudgy fingers made the going tough. It seems that putting it back together  from under the dash would be an uphill battle, there is not enough room.

Do I have to remove the cluster?  If so, what are the tricks of the trade?  Here is a pic. Thank you very much.

Title: Re: 66 IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT
Post by: midlife on September 12, 2014, 07:47:23 AM

First trick when this happens is to disconnect the battery!  Ask me how I know...

It's almost impossible to replace the ignition switch without removing the dash cluster.

Title: Re: 66 IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT
Post by: 69cobrajetrugae2 on September 12, 2014, 07:53:51 AM

Thanks Midlife, I was afraid that the cluster would have to be removed. I assume that the spedo cable has to be detached then remove the sheet metal screws. Do you have any other pointers? Thanks.

Title: Re: 66 IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT
Post by: ChrisV289 on September 12, 2014, 08:25:21 AM

I'd put a cloth or rag on the steering column to avoid scratching it.

Title: Re: 66 IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT
Post by: Brian Conway on September 12, 2014, 12:35:11 PM

     I was just there doing the wiper switch and yes disconnect the battery and remove the cluster.  My car is a 4 speed GT so the rally pack, two bolts, and wire guard, 1 screw, come off and set on the floor.  Jack up the car unclip the speedo cable from the passenger side floor pan, behind the H-Pipe, and shove some of the slack 2-3 inches, toward the cluster.  You may need to pull the slack up from inside the car, behind and above,  the gas peddle.  Now your ready to go after the cluster, 6 screws, remove the screws and tilt the cluster to separate from the metal dash .  Reach in and undo the speedo cable.  I usually leave everything, gauges and dash lights, connected and just move the cluster to one side.  Much easier to get to the switch from above.  Brian

Title: Re: 66 IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT
Post by: 69cobrajetrugae2 on September 12, 2014, 03:21:51 PM

Thanks a lot!     

Title: Re: 66 IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT
Post by: fast66 on September 15, 2014, 04:30:20 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCMLzQaiUB0

2nd video that show up if you google - skip the CJ pony video (1st! as it goes from the bottom... looks easy but is very hard to do, IMO.

//Claes