Help 68 Dodge Ignition&Starter Switch

[alenglish]

never had one out.  went to start the charger and the key just turned in circles.  as I pulled it out I got the key and the round tumbler assembly.  Question new assembly or can I fix this?  Thanks BigAl

[Troy]

Sounds like maybe the tab/button broke off inside? They're designed to come apart that way (put the key in, push the button on the side, and turn the key). It the switch case cracked it's a different story. They are cheap if you need a new one. I may have a pile of used ones (switches and locks). These are way easier to find than the 69 versions (they were the same on all Chryslers from 62-68).

Troy

[alfaitalia]

Great info for me to...if not exactly what I wanted to hear. I think I need a new one too...not at all smooth to turn even after I rebuilt it. Think it is just worn out. Unfortunately I will need the rarer 69 version. Had not got as far as checking part numbers and sort of assumed 68-70 would be the same.

[alenglish]

Thanks Troy, I'll check that    Al

[Troy]

In the second picture here you can see the release button.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/smp-us12l/overview/year/1968/make/dodge/model/charger

Here's the switch:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/smp-us50/overview/year/1968/make/dodge/model/charger

O'reilly's and AutoZone also have switches:
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/bwd-3123/lighting---electrical-16777/ignition-switch-11887/switch/cs53/2593354/1968/dodge/p200
http://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/ignition-switch/duralast-ignition-switch/122762_0_0

Rock Auto has lock cylinders under $10.

And, of course, you can find originals or NOS on eBay.

In my recent experience, the new (Standard Motor Products, Aitex/Wells) lock cylinders may be garbage. I broke a trunk lock and ended up just pulling all the old guts and installing them in the new metal shell (this also means you don't have to worry about re-keying it).

Troy

[Troy]

Great info for me to...if not exactly what I wanted to hear. I think I need a new one too...not at all smooth to turn even after I rebuilt it. Think it is just worn out. Unfortunately I will need the rarer 69 version. Had not got as far as checking part numbers and sort of assumed 68-70 would be the same.

The 69 assembly is a 1 year only part as the switch moved to the steering column in 1970 (I believe this was federally mandated to lock the wheel?). There are now reproductions of the 69 switches. Probably lock cylinders too. I don't keep up with them. I do, however, have a box of NOS ones. I believe the cylinders will be easier to find than the switches any way as the electrical bits tend to go bad faster than the mechanical bits.

Troy

[Nacho-RT74]

I do, however, have a box of NOS ones.

Still got those?

[Troy]

I do, however, have a box of NOS ones.

Still got those?

Half of them.

Troy

[VegasCharger]

O'reilly's and AutoZone also have switches:
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/bwd-3123/lighting---electrical-16777/ignition-switch-11887/switch/cs53/2593354/1968/dodge/p200
http://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/ignition-switch/duralast-ignition-switch/122762_0_0

Interesting, those switches have a ground terminal where as 68s don't have the ground terminal on the switch. At least on my doesn't. 

[Troy]

O'reilly's and AutoZone also have switches:
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/bwd-3123/lighting---electrical-16777/ignition-switch-11887/switch/cs53/2593354/1968/dodge/p200
http://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/ignition-switch/duralast-ignition-switch/122762_0_0

Interesting, those switches have a ground terminal where as 68s don't have the ground terminal on the switch. At least on my doesn't. 

Great! Now I have to go dig around for some and compare.

Troy