Replacing Ignition Switch/Tumbler Options

[ThinAir]

It's time to replace the key/tumbler mechanism on the column before I can't start the car anymore. Pelican says that replacement key/tumbler parts are NLA. GPR has something that says it replaces the tumbler for only about $55 including 2 keys. That just seems too good to be true. Anyone got any experience with the GPR part? Any other recommendations or sources?

(Sorry no link for the GPR part - their web site isn't working tonight. It's under Steering Parts.)

[ThinAir]

My electrical portion has already been replaced. This is a physical problem with a key that has finally worn down to almost nothing. I've been planning for some time to replace the whole assembly with one that has a new key and then rekey the car to match that new key (The cylinder assembly has other problems - like not engaging the column lock and being able to remove the key when the car is running.)

Thanks for the info. Dissimilar keys is definitely something I want to avoid.

P.S. for the Doctor - I looked at your web site, but couldn't find any parts like this. I also could not find a search function. Hitting the "next section" button (or whatever it's labeled) over and over to scan through the catalog just doesn't cut it. Based on what I saw last night, I won't bother with the AA web site again when I need to look for a part.

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

My electrical portion has already been replaced. This is a physical problem with a key that has finally worn down to almost nothing. I've been planning for some time to replace the whole assembly with one that has a new key and then rekey the car to match that new key (The cylinder assembly has other problems - like not engaging the column lock and being able to remove the key when the car is running.)

Thanks for the info. Dissimilar keys is definitely something I want to avoid.

P.S. for the Doctor - I looked at your web site, but couldn't find any parts like this. I also could not find a search function. Hitting the "next section" button (or whatever it's labeled) over and over to scan through the catalog just doesn't cut it. Based on what I saw last night, I won't bother with the AA web site again when I need to look for a part.

Ernie, you can get the keycode recut by a good lock smith to the original factory size by having him look at the high and low cuts and then program into his key machine. The heights go from one to four. that way he is cutting a new key to the factory heights rather than copying an old worn out key. Works great may make your tumbler work fine again and avoid a bunch of different key codes!

[markb]

Ernie, you can get the keycode recut by a good lock smith to the original factory size by having him look at the high and low cuts and then program into his key machine. The heights go from one to four. that way he is cutting a new key to the factory heights rather than copying an old worn out key. Works great may make your tumbler work fine again and avoid a bunch of different key codes!
[/quote]

Good idea!