'74 Thing ignition switch tech

There are 24 images here so be patient as they load. The '74 model came with a completely different ignition switch assembly that on the previous year. Outlined below are the necessary steps to disassemble the ignition switch in order to service the electrical and mechanical portions.

Please note that if you want to change the electrical portion then you should leave the lock cylinder in the housing and insert the key and rotate to the first detent. This will retract the steering lock lug and allow the entire housing to be removed from the steering column.


The ignition switch disassembly starts by removing the steering wheel.	The first step is to pop the horn panel free from the steering wheel.

After popping the panel loose turn it 90 degrees and pull out.	Disconnect the horn wire from the panel.

Remove the steering wheel nut and washer and remove the wheel.	Remove the 4 screws holding the switches onto the housing.

Remove the washer fluid hoses from the wiper switch.	Pull off the 3 wiring plugs from the switches.

Plug the washer fluid feed line with a suitable object like a small Phillips screwdriver.	Carefully slide the switches out of the housing.

The following 8 images only need to be followed if you are replacing just the mechanical portion of the ignition switch:

Pry off the rubber trim ring.	Remove the cylinder cover trim.

Remove the anti tamper plate.	Notice it's orientation.

This is the cylinder release hole.	Press a small diameter tool like an allen wrench into the hole.

Remove the lock cylinder while pressing the tool into the hole...	...and here is the cylinder.

The following images only need to be followed if you are replacing the electrical portion of the ignition switch. Note the position of the key in the image below. It should be rotated to the first detent in order to retract the locking lug and allow the housing to be removed:

Pry the plastic spacer off the steering column.	Remove the socket head cap screw from below.

Insert the ignition key and rotate clockwise to the first detent, thus retracting the ignition switch locking lug.	Carefully slide the housing off the steering column.

From the back side remove the small phillips screw...	...and remove the electrical switch.