1965 Comet Help

[Ron61]

I have a worn out ignition switch in my 1965 Comet Caliente and got a new one. I thought it would be simple to switch the old one out, but I and the mechanic must be missing something. We know about the pin in the hole in front to get the old tumbler out, but what do we have to do to the back of the switch behind the dash to get it to release? Is there any place I can go look at a diagram of what to do and the steps? I have tried searches and must be doing them with the wrong key words as I can get everything but how to change the darn thing.

Thanks,

ron

[392cobra]

Lock Cylinder Replacement
1964-1969

1. Insert key and turn to Acc. position.
2. With stiff wire in hole,depress lock pin and rotate ccw,then pull out cylinder.

Ignition Switch Replacement
1964-1969

1. Remove cylinder as above.
2. Press in on rear of switch and rotate the switch one-eighth turn ccw .Remove the benzel,switch and spacer.
3. Remove nut from back of switch.Remove the accessory and gauge feed wires from accessory terminal.Pull insulated plug from rear of switch.

4. If this fails..a cut off wheel will work.

[Ron61]

Thanks Fred,

That is basically what we tried but we could not get that thing to press in any to turn it. It is really cramped up in there and I may have to resort to cutting the dash if I can't get my hand where I can get any pressure on it.

Ron

[392cobra]

Originally Posted by Ron61

It is really cramped up in there and I may have to resort to cutting the dash if I can't get my hand where I can get any pressure on it.

Ron

Ron,
That being the case...I would suggest getting one of the young juvenile delinquents in your neighborhood to do it.

[cobrajeff]

Before you resort to cutting the dash, you might try removing the instrumewnt cluster to gain better access to the rear of the switch (I know, I know, pulling the cluster is a knuckle buster, too, but your bleeding fingers will heal themselves, the metal dash won't )

BTW, a '65 Caliente was my first car - LOTs of Mustang parts (guages, sway bars, brakes, rear end, etc., etc.) can be swapped between them. Just about any mechanical part (save for the Export brace) from a Mustang will fit the Comet.

regards,

Jeff

[Ron61]

Jeff,

I don't intend to cut the dash up as the car is to nice for that. I was looking at the faceplate of the instrument cluster and it has about 6 screws in it I think. I was wondering if I took them out if that plate would come off and leave any room or if it is just for looks and the dash is solid behind it except where the gages come through. I think Fred's idea of getting one of the young delinquents around here to do it would work. They can completely dismantle a car in 30 minutes.

Ron

[trularin]

As I recall, I had a notch in the end of the tool that I used to gab into the switch after the cylinder was removed. It had to get past something before you could turn the darn thing. It was like 1/4 turn and then you needed to remove the ring and another part.

Then, being friggin 30 years ago, you had to ly on your back and reach under to unscrew a jam nut after you removed the plug.

Ron, I think you need to pop the battery before hand as a short could start the car.

Wish I could remember more.

[Ron61]

Tru,

I always disconnect the battery when I am doing anything under the dash on any of my cars. And there is a darn brace that goes up under there that is almost exactly behind the switch. I wish I had a tool that would go into the switch from the front after the tumbler is out and let us pull it forward and twist it to get that ring and spacer off. I have always just reached up behind on my other cars and pushed the thing forward and turned it, but this one is almost impossible to get your hand up in there even after you get on your back and manage to find where the darn thing is.

Ron