Im trying to refit my original ignition switch barrel to my 71 beetle.

I think there's supposed to be a few pins and springs in the housing to push on the back of ignition barrel. The key can't be pushed in properly as the centre section depresses before the key is all the way in.

Can someone shed some light? Do I need to replace the housing?

Hmm, I've seen a few tutorials here and there and wonder if the spring loaded nylon block isn't in the right place.

Try seaching the web as I think one was on the samba and another was someones own webpage.

Your missing a small pin and spring above the steering lock.

Will try and get a pic for you

Here is a pic of the pin you are missing.
The pin and spring is installed from the outside of the barrel and then plugged

In your other thread, I think the plug is missing