I knew that my ignition switch was going bad for some time because the cylinder had a lot of play in the switch housing. Yesterday I started my 56 and the cylinder jammed in the on position and I couldn't shut the car off. Ended up pulling the coil wire which was a shocking experience. I do have a new switch and cylinder with a key, but there is nothing in my shop manual about replacing the cylinder in the switch housing.  Are you supposed to line up the slot in the switch housing with the keyway on the cylinder and just push it straight in? Does the key need to be in a certain position? Thanks for any suggestions

Rono 

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

Have a look on this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqgRxxU-0OA .Should provide all the answers.

Thanks Chris;
I got it figured out last night. I placed the switch housing vertically in a vice with light pressure enough to hold it in place. The lock cylinder has a spring loaded retainer clip with many small springs under it. Be very careful you don't loose any of these springs. Align the lock cylinder in the keyway of the switch housing and while holding the retainer clip in place press hard to force the cylinder into the housing. You will need a small screwdriver or punch to drive the cylinder into the switch housing until the small brass pin at the end of the cylinder pops into the hole in the housing. You will hear a click and you are done..

Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

Now that I have a complete new ignition switch, I need to figure out how to get the old one out. The U Tube video posted earlier is for a 60's Ford and does not really apply to our 56 Fords. The switch has a coiled spring on the outside of the housing and there is a slotted bezel on the dash. I don't think that there is an ignition switch removal tool as with the wiper switch. So, is it a matter of pushing the switch from the back and turning the bezel to unlock the switch housing? If anyone has replaced theirs, I would like to hear about it.
Thanks,
Rono 

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

The T-Bird catalogs all sell the tool to remove the bezels designed to remove the ignition, lights, wiper, and heater controls.  Same tool works on 56 Fords.  It costs about $8.00.  Look at CASCO online catalog.

I've always used large flat blade screwdriver if its tight. Usually pushing in on the switch from the rear is enough to turn the bezel with a finger. Should hang low enough then to access the wires unless you have a wiring rats nest under there.


Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

Thanks Guys! That's exactly what I needed to know.
Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

Reach underneath. Push the Switch forward against Spring Pressure and the retainer can be turned by Hand. When You put it back in make sure You have it in correct Position as far as correct Side up.