Lancia Beta Forum

Having just got my car running properly again after spending several weeks sorting out a misfire issue I was presented with the next challenge -  The lock mechanism in the ignition switch seems to have failed, can turn key to remove sterring lock and just far enough to switch on ignition.   Managed to set up a temporary "hot wire" arrangement on a manual switch to activate starter but need to remove and replace ignition switch.

Some help/advice would be appreciated ...........

Presumably I can just take out switch/barrel mech from steering column mount rather than taking the whole assembly from the column?

Assume that switches new or s/h with keys are like hens teeth?  Are there any alternative mods / substitutes?

Will a X19/MonteCarlo switch fit/work on a Beta?

???????

Again any help, advice, inspiration would be much appreciated.

if I remember correctly you need to be able to turn the key to a certain point and then you will be able to push in a sprung pin which will allow the barrel/switch to be removed, i think there may also be a securing screw too. Don't remember too well some one will doubtless confirm. I think some fiats are the same part but don't remember which   

Hi AJ, these ignition switches are complicated, but quite robust apart from what goes wrong - mostly 80's plastic!  :P

It gets brittle from heat (probably too much electrical current going through it) but QBond superglue and powder can make quite a good repair.

In some cases the screw which holds the key barrel in is ground off, making it more difficult to remove, but not impossible.

I'll post some pics in a few days to show you what's inside.

I've heard that the Fiat Panda ignition (still available) is a fit, but haven't tried it.

Regards,

 End time: Sep 5, 2012 11:26:00 PM Item: LANCIA BETA COUPE' BLOCCASTERZO ORIGINALE NUOVO URL: http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=261078703053 (http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=261078703053) Alt URL: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LANCIA-BETA-COUPE-BLOCCASTERZO-ORIGINALE-NUOVO-/261078703053 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LANCIA-BETA-COUPE-BLOCCASTERZO-ORIGINALE-NUOVO-/261078703053)

Thanks for this link -  I've taken a punt!

One listed today on eBay uk too (Irish seller).

Yep - I think thats Frank aka "Droptop" on here.

Yeah, that's mine all right.
It came off an '81 spyder and if you want it, I'll take it down and you can have it for the starting price plus postage.
Just let me know.

Thanks for all the help & advice.

Brand new switch and lock mechanism / casing as per original ebay link arrived from Italy today, excellent service - less than a week from buying.  Perfect nick in original Sipea box + two original Lancia Keys.

Was hoping to remove just the switch but the original mechanism has seized so that I cannot turn key far enough to enable release pin to be depressed fully to permit release.  Tried to butcher and bludgen the unit out of the column mounting casing but without success.  Steering column is now on the bench awaiting attention of a dremel to remove the casing (job for tomorrow) - couldn't drill shear bolts out.

No need to drill them out.
A centrepunch lovingly applied at an acute angle to the outer edge of the tapered "head" and tapped in an anti-clockwise direction should loosen them enough for you to simply ermove them by pressing the end of your finger hard against the end and screw them out.
Once you get them through a quarter turn, they usually rotate very freely.
Alternatively, a junior hacksaw can be used to cut the bolts between the faces of the two halves and again the remains of the bolts should unscrew with the tip of your finger.