ignition cover

Hi All, 

Looks like the work of a crack head messing with my ignition with a screwdriver. Damage isn’t too bad but now the little springed cover won’t close. Which is sad because all kinds of crap can now make it into the cylinder. Any suggestions to fix?

Don't you just love what pond life can do to your bike?

The damage doesn't look too bad. I'd probably start by making some kind of hook that fits through the slot and gently, bit by bit start pulling the cover back into place. Either rig up a light slide hammer or some type of screw puller arrangement. Don't try to do it in one go, take several pecks at it. It might work, it's unlikely to make things worse.

If this doesn't work, it'll either be live with it or buy a new lock.

Ian

I agree, try to reverse the damage... the metal is thin and can easily be re-formed.

I successfully "straightened" mine by grinding a piece of broken hack-saw blade into a suitable shape, like a flat spoon with a sharp edge,
and slowly worked the metal "up" until the little inner tab sprung back into place. Work it slowly...
Be careful also, not to push the opposite edge down!

H.
 

Success! Gently worked the metal back up as suggested with a small flathead screwdriver and the cover springed back happily. Kind of embarrassing how gratifying it was to fix. The ignition is once again protected from crud. Happy bike = happy me. Thanks!



 

My '78 Ignition doesn't have a spring loaded door.

That is interesting. I do not recall ever seeing one without a cover of some sort. Are you sure there isn’t one hiding in there someplace?