I was recently rewiring the dash of the 69 camaro and noticed a L- shaped bar that moves back and forth under the dash outside the steering column under the dash as I turn the ignition switch. I also see a little spring located near it. do these connect to apply resistance? Now the key switch is too ez to turn with no resistance. This is a new ignition switch and worked great. Is this internal and have to get a new switch installed the column or is it that bar that moves outside the column that I see under the dash? thanks

That bar (which moves when you turn the lock cylinder with the ignition key) should connect to the ignition switch, on the top of the column under the dash.

Just to get the terminology correct:
The ignition lock cylinder is the part in the steering column head where you insert your key. The ignition switch is the part that is mounted down under the dash on top of the steering column jacket.

When you insert and twist your ignition key, you rotate the inner part of the lock cylinder and rotate a small plastic gear inside the steering column. That plastic gear moves a small die cast rack fore and aft inside the column that is connected to the "L" shaped actuator rod.

Here are the directions to correctly install your ignition switch on the column:

Reach down to the lever that is sticking out of the column jacket out under the hood and move it down to its lowest position. Now rotate your ignition key in the lock cylinder all the way counterclockwise until it stops. This places the ignition lock cylinder and steering column in the OFF-UNLOCK position.

You now need to install the ignition switch in that same OFF-UNLOCK position. To insure that the switch is in that OFF-UNLOCK position, proceed as follows: Move the slider inside the ignition switch all the way to the end of travel (this is the ACCESSORY position) it should detent and stay in that position. If in doubt, the other extreme will be the START position and you will feel a spring return. Now move the slider two detent positions back from the ACCESSORY position. That will also place the ignition switch in the OFF-UNLOCK position.

Fit the actuator rod into the slider hole and assemble it to the column with the two screws. Lightly push the switch down the column (away from the steering wheel), to take out lash in the actuator rod, and tighten the mounting screws. Caution should be exercised to prevent moving the switch out of the OFF-UNLOCK detent. Tighten the screws to 35 in-lbs.

Jim

thanks for the help. I see the rod by the steering column looking under the dash but can't find the ignition switch the rod fits into by looking under the column? Any pics ? It has been installed before and the rod came out somehow as I was installing a wiring harness. Can I just put it back in assuming I find the switch?

The ignition switch is difficult to access because it was designed to be difficult for a thief to hot wire your car. Difficult for the thief - difficult to service. You will need to drop the column so that you can access the switch.

Jim