Aussieveedubbers

How to:- Ignition switch and Key barrel replacement/Hard start relay install

Joel · 2009-05-18T02:39:11+00:00

heres a quick guide on how to replace the key barrel and electrical switch in 68 on bugs/ghias/type3s and truth be known baywindows are probably similiar to. i've noticed owning a few bugs over the years and working at the garage a while back that its common with VWs to turn to the key to start and have enough time for a smoke before they start cranking over. so i've had to go through this exercise a few times now to various bugs over the years as its a regular occurance for both the barrel and the switch to wear out and start causing all sorts of fun and games. the 68 onwards ignition switch and barrel layout are all fairly similar, the only real differences aside from steering locks which started in 72 (in Australia anyway) are more cosmetic than anything else. im changing the lock barrel and ignition switch in my 74 but i have a few earlier model columns on hand so ill point out the other differences as i go. i broke my indicator switch a few months ago and my accessories position was playing up causing my headunit to stay in standby and flatten the battery so it just was easier to swap the whole switch housing from my 73 convertible till i got some new parts which is why it doesnt look right for a 74 b4 people start thinking WTF, vws dont normally have accesories position,your right they dont, i just did a little black magic trick so mine now does. anyway, obviously first step is rip off the steering wheel, its a 24mm nut on taper spline cars (mid74 on) and 27mm on big spline cars (pre mid74). if you have one of the 4 spoke steering wheels the horn pad is removed by grabbing the top and pulling towards you then same thing at the base of the bottom 2 spokes

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Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 4 Mar 2012, 8:48 pm

#890331

If you're only replacing the barrel then the steering column doesn't have to come off, but its a good time to replace the ignition swith anyway, they are cheap as chips.

1303Steve Scirocco Rare

8,650 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 4 Mar 2012, 11:08 pm

#890357

Gavin1971Ghia wrote:Plus can this plastic cover be replaced?

Hi

On my sons 74 bug the plastic bush between the steering shaft and bearing was broken, opposite problem to yours, I found some thin plastic sheet and slipped it into the space where the bush would have fitted.

Its lasted for about 4 years now.

Steve