Ignition housing

[baz]

Wondering if it is possible to remove the alloy ignition housing. Can the  pins holding the 2 pieces of the housing be removed or is drilling them out the way to go?

I would like to buy a complete ignition setup if anyone has one for sale. I'm over starting the van each time with a screwdriver in the wiring cap.

[Hobbit]

G'day Baz.

Yes, you'll have to drill the two shear head clamp bolts to remove the ignition switch. The hard part is persuading the bolts to turn. Firstly, remove the plug connector from the switch, then drill a 3mm - 6mm hole in the centre of the bolts and use a fluted or tapered screw extractor to remove them. Without an extractor, shallow drilling towards the rim of the shear bolt can be used to drive the bolt round with a hard point punch. This is how I removed mine. Allen key head bolts can be used when refitting the switch.

You'll probably have to drill diagonally into the locking pin on the side of the housing to pull the splined pin out enough to remove the barrel. (See pic 3) If you can't find a Land Rover switch to suit, ask a locksmith, they should be able to supply a new barrel.

Here's some more info from the Bedford CF Org forum
https://forum.bedfordcf.org/viewtopic.php?t=2432

[baz]

Hi Hobbit,
Many thanks for your reply. great pics too. You saved me from a serious error involving using an angle grinder as a solution to the problem.

[Hobbit]

Alternatively, a dremel with a cutting disk could be used to cut a slot across the top of the shear bolt allowing you to use a flat head screw driver. There's a thread on  BUGA regarding this same topic.  http://www.buga.com.au/index.php?topic=8753.0

There's another thread on here about the Land Rover Defender door lock barrels being the same as the Bedford's.  http://www.buga.com.au/index.php?topic=7109.0

I don't know if the Land Rover Defender ignition switch is a good replacement, though. It looks similar, with same type of steering lock, but the key end is longer. You'd have to check if the diameter of the bracket would fit the Bedford column to see if it could be adapted. There's one for sale on ebay, from Southport Auto Recyclers in QLD. (07) 5571 0699

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/LANDROVER-DISCOVERY-IGNITION-BARREL-KEY-IGN-KEY-HOUSING-SWITCH-04-94-02/172555082424?hash=item282d159ab8:g:bBgAAOSwdGFYthHc

For spare parts, you can always call Rob at Bedford manor, Loganholme 0402989175.