Hi Guys

Got a '66 Ford Convet. almost ready 4 the sandblaster.
I can't get that darn ignition,headlight switches out of my dashboard.

I read somewhere (please don't ask my where, I'm ol' and forget most times where I live . . . lol )

Seriously Guys.

Here's what I do remember:

I'm to put my key into my ignition and turn it to:
acess. (the engine is out of my car,car is striped)

I turn the key LEFT to access. then I place a paper clip into that little hole just below the key and PUSH it in releasing the key to go furture LEFT.

As that happens I'm to PULL OUT THE IGNITION CYLINDER:
" WRONG, ITS JUST DOESN'T COME OUT "  

HELP GUYS

Need all your wisdom on this one guys.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL

Schooner    

when you turn the key to the accessory position.   about 10 o clock if you look at it...   then you lightly push the paper clip in ... only a *** this pushes a little pin in just enough to clear the back of the lock face..  if you push too far you will be stopping the lock from rotating...
if you do it right.,.. the key will be pointing at 9 o clock position... the lock will come out at that point...

it is also a good idea to unhook the battery to do this...
and be carefull... if you spin the key and plug in the lock body after it is removed from the switch housing.. it may come apart...

for the headlight switch...    take a look... see if there is a small slot on the back of the knob... you may have to rotate it to see it.. if it is there...  you can use something a little stronger than a large paper clip to push the metal latch forward while pulling the knob forward...  this will allow you to get the knob off...    this also works for many wiper knobs...

if there is no slot behind the knob..    reach around the dash with one hand...  find the back of the headlight switch.. on the metal side of the switch there will be a tiny pushbutton...  almost a rivet with a spring under it...

with your free hand... pull the headlight switch knob out to the stop...  then push it in just a tiny ***  depress the button on the side of the switch with your other hand.. and pull the knob out while you are holding the button down..   sometimes you have to release the button...

warning.. this leaves the headlights on..... so disconnecting the battery is a real good idea...

to install... be sure that is is going in straight... on some it has to pass through several parts before it can catch the latch...  no need to push the release button to put it in...

let us know if this worked...  

Hey Waynep712

First of all THANKS 4 your reply.

I sure wish you were in this Newbie's garage to show me exactly how the heck to get these darn things out.

Let me tell you again exactly what I've done and NOTHING HAPPENED.

Be the way my engine is out of the car and I'm getting it ready (GOD willing) to go to media blasting.

I put my key in the ignition,put the paper clip inside that little hole and turned left a bit and tried and tried to pull that damn thing out. NO GOOD.

Man I'm at my wits ends. Breathe Schooner Breathe

Thanks 4 you imput
GOD BLESS YOU

Schooner  

P.S. Note: I'm pushing that little white button on the top of the headlight switch towards the front of the car. Is that the right way to do it ?  

if you have still not got it out....

turn to acc position.....    then push the paper clip in.. you will feel it touch the spring loaded pin...  then while just slightly depressing the paper clip in...  turn it farther left.. have you tryed to just unscrew the bezel???? sometimes they will come off over the top of the lock cylinder...  
http://www.autozone.com/images/products/gen/genlc14020003.jpg

http://www.autozone.com/images/products/wl2/wl2ls492003.jpg

here is a link to the image of the head light switch   lower left image has the push button on it...
http://www.autozone.com/images/products/wl2/wl2sw132003.jpg

again.  pull the head light switch all the way on... push the spring loaded button on the metal side of the switch...   push slightly and pull it out... all while holding the button in....    

if you still cannot get it out... find  a mechanic nearby..  if he has any experiance at all... he can have both of these out of the dash in under 5 minutes....