Ignition issue 71 type 2--switch? or key?

[class of 71]

Hello--I'd like to share my "2 sense" worth on ignition switch prob, 71 bay.
Recently had issue where it would not shut off with ignition switch. Started and ran as normal, just wouldn't shut off--even after key was removed. Off to my parts guy for replacement switch. Of course, on 71 the steering wheel must be removed (I welded up a puller to accomplish this). New switch in, happy for a week...then...same symptoms!! Dreading another steering wheel pull, I dug into my spare key stash and found a fresh key cut 15 years ago when I bought van.
Well, I'll be damned--the key was nice and sharp, and now was able to operate the switch crisply. The plastic on switch is engaged once key is inserted and turned. I DID NOT have to do the dreaded fishing for the little hole on the lock casing (required to replace it). As it turned out, my old brass key had bounced over so many potholes in its life, it was just WORN OUT !! Now, I'm not claiming this will be the issue every time, and switches DO fail with corrosion, etc.But my bus has been humming along 5 weeks and counting, Thanks for reading, and best of luck. Photos of my homemade puller available to interested 'folks'.

[aeromech]

Please explain why you had to remove the steering wheel?
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[class of 71]

Hello--I guess there may be something I don't understand about the switch replacement, but on my bus the housing holding the whole enchilada (held by the two Phillips screws) could not achieve the clearance necessary to remove switch without pulling the steering wheel then swiveling the housing to the side. This was also the recommended method in my 'shop manual'. Perhaps some of you more seasoned veterans have a trick to avoid this? Any way you slice it, the tiny lock screw can be challenging also to say the least