While working on the west coast my '80 has been garaged in Michigan for about 4 years. It had been started (jump starts mostly) every 6 months or so, even driven a bit. It had never failed to start.
I tried to jump start it last week. It turned over but as usual after such a long time it didn't start on the first try.


Anyway, while trying again there was a popping in the ignition switch. After that I got nothing when I turned the key, no dash lights, no radio in the ACC position, no clicking under the hood. So I figured fuses and ignition switch. I checked or changed all of the fuses. I checked the fusible links. I ordered a used ignition switch (key and everything) and replaced the electrical part of my old switch. Still nothing.

Oh yeah, battery is fine and so is the starter. I have headlights and the headlight dash indicator light does come on when the lights are on. But still none of the other dash lights come on when I turn the key.

One thing I am wondering is - Are there any parts in the cylinder part of the ignition switch assembly that could be blown? I thought everything in that section was mechanical and if the key turned the little metal piece that sticks out the other side then the cylinder was ok. Am I wrong?

Has anyone had to change the entire assembly, including the task of cold chiseling the bolts to make a screwdriver slot as the manual suggests?

Before I do that I want to make sure that there is something in the cylinder that could possibly be bad.

Please help.