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Removal
of the ignition switch with the key is a much simpler process than without it on
the 65-66 Mustangs.
With key inserted, turn to accessories position (counter clockwise) .With a small
paper clip inserted in the tiny hole in the cylinder (gently) push in on clip to
depress the hidden detent plunger and turn key counter clockwise one more click.
The key will face about the 9 o'clock position. Jiggle and pull key and cyl. assembly
from switch, study key/cyl. position and detent.
With the cyl. removed, notice that the accessories still receive power, either
use a screwdriver in ign. switch to turn two clicks clockwise to ''off'' position
or disconnect battery ground cable.
Because space is limited under the dash, sometimes it may be easier to access
by removing the instrument cluster first (oh boy). On 67-68 ash tray and mount removal
helps.
For 67-9 the bezel unscrews from front. For 65-66 models, DO NOT attempt to turn
chrome bezel, reach under dash, push in on switch body (it's spring loaded) and turn
counter clockwise while holding in on the bezel with your other hand. The ignition
switch will separate from the bezel in much the same manner as an 1157 or tail/park
light bulb. That is to say it has two alignment pegs that fit into slots at the rear
of the bezel.
Inspect/study bezel and switch as to size and depth of retaining slots for ease
of reassembly.
If you are replacing the whole ign switch, disconnect battery and remove nut
from accessories stud that protrudes from the rear of switch. Carefully wiggle and
pull the rubber connecter from the Bakelite portion which is staked onto the switch.
Often an ign. switch that is intermittent in operation can be repaired by tightwads
like me by carefully re-staking aluminum switch to bakelite back.
Save your old ign. switch spacer to reuse on 65-66 with new switch. Maybe replace
the bezel, a new one will set you back less than ten bucks at Shasta Mustang.
Please note: If buying a new ign. switch from a parts house, bear in mind that
Ford introduced ''keyless locking'' in 1966 on most vehicles, so specify a 65-66
Mustang switch, to ensure compatibility. 67&68-9 use their own specific switches
that do not directly interchange.
Look inside the switch and confirm the tiny spring in the deep center slot is
there. Look for a dab of grease that is used to keep this tiny spring in it's proper
place. The spring in necessary to keep pressure on the electrical contacts in the
switch preventing intermittent operation. (phantom)
Before attempting to re-install switch be sure to reset both the cylinder and
ignition switch each to their proper position (9 o'clock). During install, on 65-6
, hold the bezel in place while pushing in then turning the switch body. Align and
slide cyl and key into bezel, turn key clockwise to lock into place. Re-attach battery
cable
Jump up into the air several times while waving your arms and yelling ''I did
it!!"
Cost of labor for typical '65-'66 ignition
switch replacement from Shasta Mustang? Ten Dollars.