So my ignition cylinder is nearing the end of its lifespan and a replacement sure ain't cheap for those of us with AT's. And it's not a matter of repairing the tumblers and all that. Just worn the hell out.

This had me wondering if anyone has ever succeeded or seriously attempted bypassing the cylinder. I've seen them and they appear complicated and I'm pretty sure they're directly tied into the alarm system. But I wonder if the part that ties into the alarm can be bypassed in a straight open circuit per say and the actual ignition could be accomplished with a push button or other alternative.

I wouldn't be super worried about theft as I still lock my doors and a cleverly located fuel cutoff switch would likely be equal to the factory ignition as a theft deterrent.
Any ideas?

 

I suspect you could just pull all the brass tabs out. At that point you could use a blank key. And it won't cost a dime.

 

Pull the cylinder and use a screwdriver? Drove mine for quite a while just doing that. Have you actually done the brass tab grinding trick or are you just assuming it won't work?

 

Just have a alarm shop install a car alarm with built in auto start for example a AVITAL 5303L Security/Remote Start System also sold on Amazon. have a professional wire and install it for you then remove the cylinder assembly and switch as all wiring will be tied into the new alarm it will act as your key you will just need to remove the mechanical part of it. The alarm also has a single push button that can be installed on the dash to start and turn off your vehicle. I would also recommend to have the installer disable the run time feature, disable the tach sense wire or don't connect, and use the voltage sense for starting. Of course it would be cheaper to pick up a key cylinder assembly from vendors here on this site and have a local locksmith rekey it to match your existing key so all the locks match a single key. But if you really want a single button start solution this is probably the best way to have that option.

 

Very interesting. Going to explore further. Might end up being the first one to install a push button in a D1.

 

You meant second right, already done, if you want to make it look fancy Amazon also sells the push button that can be placed on the steering column cover to cover the key hole or you can place the button on the dash and get a plastic/ rubber plug to cover the factory keyhole. I didn't go as far to disable the key cylinder as it still works. I just use the auto start feature from the remote or the small hidden push button that is supplied with the alarm unit.

 

I assure you its been done many times over.
Install a hidden kill switch somewhere. Then install your push button somewhere convenient. If you want to get real crafty use the Vol Up or Down button on the instrument shroud.

 

I guess it's true there is nothing new under the sun...

 

Here you go...