How hard is it to lower the steering column to get to the ignition switch.  I have a service manual and it doesn't look like it would be too bad, ( a couple of bolts holding it up to flange)  if that is all there is to it, even I might be able to handle that.  I took the bolts off and the steering column did not seem to want to lower and I did not force it so was wondering what else might need to be done. After looking at the photos and schematics for the steering column dis-assembly I know I don't want to get into that. Thanks for the help and suggestions.  One reason I love this car is there always seems to be something to tinker with.

I am guessing you took the cross pipe for the A/C and the center dash piece under the column off.  Those have to be out of the way.  Unless you are in traffic or in a hurry, I'd take the seat out.  You can then pull down the column gently (forcefully, but gently) and put something on top of the column to keep it down.

Make sure you have a box end 5/16" wrench, as well as a socket on a 1/4" drive.  Most likely you won't have much luck with the socket due to the angle and the "stuff" up under the dash.

Make sure you have a fan blowing on you or near you unless your work area is air conditioned.  You'll need a healthy dose of patience.

Remember when you turn the key, it pushes a rod down the column that drives the switch so switch adjustment is backward to me from what seems obvious.  Moving the switch toward the steering wheel will make it contact when the key is turned to start. 

If you move it toward the firewall, you compound the error.

Good Luck!

I did this recently on my 76 and it did not take much lowering to get at the switch.  I took off the cover below the column, removed the AC cross duct, loosened the fire wall through bolts, removed the column to pedal assembly bolts and lowered the column about 4 to 6 inches.  With a good light, and 1/4 inch drive and sockets and small crescent wrench and some patience, I got the ignition switch cap screws out (on the left side) and maneuvered the switch up and over to the right side of the column and down.  The connector cable was long enough that it was relatively straight forward to get to the plastic catches and pull out the connector.

Installation was the reverse except that I made sure the switch was positioned correctly to seat onto the stiff wire projecting from the column (that connects to the key cylinder).

All said and done, it took me about an hour and fixed a big problem.  Maybe the later models are more complex or have tighter confines, but I think the same procedure should work (mine has the telescoping column).

I hope that helps, but perhaps someone with the same year vette has also been through it.

Thanks I think my problem was not loosening the bolts in the firewall.
I'll try that and my guess is it will work a lot better, Thanks

When I did mine on the 82 I had to unbolt the 2 nuts on the fire wall and diconect the steering shaft from coupler@ gear box then unblot the two nuts that mount the colum to dash and she should come down easy. I found it easrier to kneel down out side the vette and use extensions, the challange was one bolt on the fire wall in not welded to the bracket so you might need an assistant.

i have pics of the steering column as i just took mine out!!!
go to my web site below ..hope it helps..