Wiring "hot wiring" help

[Phoenix827]

hey all, Long story short, when I bought my 77 CJ7 i was told the guys nephew tried to steal it a while back, He took a screwdriver and probably a dent puller to the key switch in the column. the cylinder is gone, as is a lot of the pot metal inside the column. I "think" that's all the damage though. Is it worth it and possible to just pull the wires off the switch and hot wire it?I know I did it on the Samurai I had when I lost the keys. Also, does anyone know of a kit to move the key switch to the dash? I just want the "older look"
Thanks!

 

[TSB8C]

You can easily hot wire it by pulling the wires from the switch (on top of the lower part of the column) and jump them or use a manual toggle and push button. You can also get an older style dash mounted ignition switch and wire it to those wires. You can also install a push button keyless ignition for cheap, which is what I did. Push Button Install

 

[Turbogus]

If your '77 is wired like my '78 there's a long flat connector on the lower steering column that you could temporarily tap into. Image by John Strenk;

 

[Phoenix827]

Thanks TSB8C, that's exactly what I did! TurboGus I just need to get it running at the moment. Good to know that's all in one plug though!!

 

[Turbogus]

You're welcome, Key cylinders can be had for reasonable. I had to replace mine because the P.O. had threaded in a WOOD SCREW to tighten up the ignition switch I'm guessing.