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Ignition switch. '71 Jimmy

Sholti

Sholti

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Joined
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My Jimmy's ignition switch stays to the far right (clockwise) position after I start up.
It's always been that way (since I've owned it), but is that normal?
My '72 Chevy Vega has a momentary keyed start.
Just wondering if I should replace the switch or that was just a year/model difference.

It is kind a pain to have to remind anyone that drives it that the key goes straight up/down to turn it off. Unfortunately, my key comes straight out in the far left accessory position, so people think it is off.
Thanks go any info. I'm the only K5er I know.
 
So the switch doesn't spring back out of the start position? It should. I would put a new switch in so that there is less of a chance to have the starter cranking when not needed.
And the key coming out when in the accessory position is just due to worn key and tumbler pins. The cut of the key can make it easier if it's shaped like a wedge.
If you change the key, then it won't match the doors. At least that is how the factory does them, maybe yours is still that way, maybe not?
 
Sholti said:
My Jimmy's ignition switch stays to the far right (clockwise) position after I start up.
It's always been that way (since I've owned it), but is that normal?
My '72 Chevy Vega has a momentary keyed start.
Just wondering if I should replace the switch or that was just a year/model difference.

It is kind a pain to have to remind anyone that drives it that the key goes straight up/down to turn it off. Unfortunately, my key comes straight out in the far left accessory position, so people think it is off.
Thanks go any info. I'm the only K5er I know.
Click to expand...

Mine does the same thing, but it didn't always. I ordered a new switch from summit so we'll see if that fixes it.
 
Ignition key is different from doors and tailgate.
 
I've had two 1971 and one 1972 GM trucks with the ignition in the dash,and they all had a square headed key for the ignition and a rounded head key for the door locks and glove box..far as I can remember all my 60's GM cars were the same way too..and my two '80's GM vehicles too..

It's possible to use a round headed key blank and cut it to fit an ignition though,that might be why some here have round ignition keys..I used to cut keys at one parts store,and we found we could substitute the rounded keys for squares as long as the key code was the same..

It is common for the key to come out in the "run" position after years of use,the key and tumblers wear out enough to let the key be removed with the ignition in the "on" or also the "acc" position sometimes..
I find it handy,my truck's ignition is that worn way,so is my '81 van .lets you get out and open the rear door,or go in your garage or house and leave it running..it is very handy if you just had to get a jump start and dont dare shut off the engine,and you need to open the trunk or unlock one of the rear doors..
 
Well, now I have to wonder. The trucks always had just one key through '72. I know this for sure since my Dad bought one new. But now I wonder if there was a difference in the K5. I have owned lots if trucks with just one square key.

But I did know that posting about a 71 in this section made some think of the 73& up. Lol..

If I stated incorrectly, I apologize.
 
Last edited:
6872xtc said:
Well, now I have to wonder. The trucks always had just one key through '72. I know this for sure since my Dad bought one new. But now I wonder if there was a difference in the K5. I have owned lots if trucks with just one square key.

But I did know that posting about a 71 in this section made some think of the 73& up. Lol..

If I stated incorrectly, I apologize.
Click to expand...

After you mentioned, I went searching and saw you can buy a kit for the trucks (which will obviously work fine in the blazers) with all cylinders keyed the same one key. That would be cool. Also nice for some money more you can get the glove box door locking mechanism with the same key as well, it looks like. I don't have a lock there, but that could be handy.

It also made me laugh as I was contemplating upgrading my locks, as I rarely lock my blazer door anyway, seeing as the soft top kind of makes the door lock trivial.
 
I put a column out of a late 80s square in my '70, and then got the ignition and doors keyed to match. That way I still had just one key like I was used to. I got the idea from seeing cop cars with one key, even though the normal cars had 2
 
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