Thanks for the teply Bret.
I saw that radio face repair and sighed as I have already commited to going the hard way.
Regarding the ignition switch unit, I posted the question on Garage Journal and got the following replies and advice. Makes sense and will try it out tonight.
THREAD:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=275730
Rian, I believe if its like the 67 ignition switch thats theres a little hole in the barrel you need to push a paperclip or something similar into to release a catch, then you can take it apart. There's loads of threads on this over on the 67-72 Chevy truck board.
And also:
It looks as if you unscrewed the bezel and it may be jammed against the cylinder (if it is you won't be able to get it out). First thread the bezel clockwise until it's tight. Insert the key. Turn the key as far as you can to the left (counter-clockwise), then insert a paper clip and push against the spring pressure, and turn to the left again - after a few degrees of additional movement, the tumbler will come out. Sometimes a little back and forth movement with the key is helpful.