Guy's - I'm now at the point where I'm thinking twice about taking the Z out in fear that I may not be able to get it started again

once I reach my destination. The problem is a a worn ignition barrel - I had a spare set of key's made up which did not see the orig template (copies of copies) that has probably accelerated the wear. Any idea's where I may be able to purchase new keys & ignition barrel ?

thanks in advance.

Do what I did, have a good locksmith rebuild and/or recondition the locks and ignition, and make new keys from the code on the lock. The lock rebuild kits for our cars are not made anymore so you will need to call several locksmiths to find someone with a kit. The kit will have new doors for the lock, coves, and any other part the locksmith needs to make all the locks on the car work like new. They can get your key code from the side of the lock and make you new keys that matched the original and they do not need the key. Don't skimp and have just the ignition rebuild the door lock, and rear deck lid lock is more than likely in the poor condition and if you rebuild these locks you will want the others done because they work so much nicer.

If you can take the locks off and bring them in and leave them with them it will reduce the cost greatly allowing them to do your locks in slow times (also they can pay better attention to detail). It cost me $35 to get all locks and the ignition rebuilt with 4 new keys.

I had the same troubles on my '71 and bought an NOS ignition lock assembly with 2 new keys on Ebay for $193.00 including shipping. It works great!

Thanks Guy's - have tried the usual Amazon/Ebay path I can't find much for a '74 260. The locksmith rebuild is an option but as ajm states, finding someone to do the job has been a pain.

If you wanted to send them to New Jersey I can take it to the place that did mine.

I had the same troubles on my '71 and bought an NOS ignition lock assembly with 2 new keys on Ebay for $193.00 including shipping. It works great!

I did the same and it cleared up a bunch of issues I was working over at the time.... I did throw out the 'break-off' screws and stayed with four standard phillips.

My ignition is worn but I kinda like driving 75mph then pulling the keys out and throwing them at the passenger.... or starting the car with a friend's Z key

Blue, I must like the curves more. It would be an Easter egg hunt for the key to turn the engine off after I drove the car.

Thanks Guy's - have tried the usual Amazon/Ebay path I can't find much for a '74 260. The locksmith rebuild is an option but as ajm states, finding someone to do the job has been a pain.

The NOS ignition lock assembly that I bought on ebay will fit '70 through '78 Z-cars.

thanks for your responses. Much to my suprise I have managed to source new ignition barrel & switch from NAPA so I will have to see how that goes once I fit it.

Had a neighbor once who had a truck they drove with a screwdriver in the ignition.

Here's some of my lock experience. Some of the pics might help?

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/misc-s30/44869-lock-rebuilding-internal-parts-ignition-doors-hatch.html