I hope this helps someone else someday. I feel that I should come clean as to why this problem was created. I remove the dash panel with the key turned on in the ignition. The panel ejected the key and bent internal parts in the lock cylinder. I put the key back in but it would not work again. I don't know how the locksmith drilled into it and moved the bent "wafers" to where the needed to be. The counterman told me they tried vibrating them into position but that didn't work. Thanks for the help ZIPPY02

 

To remove the dash bezel, you do indeed need to have the key in the ignition.

you need to move the shifter down in order to maneuver the bezel from around the stereo/AC controls.

you will need to remove the key from any key-chains as these will not pass through the ignition opening.

also, it would behoove you to replace the ignition cylinder...i spent ~$200 to have one put in and programed at the stealership, seems like a small cost for the piece of mind.

 

Excellent follow up compilation you have archived for us. I'm sure you will save some member somewhere down the road all the heartburn you endured by sharing this information. Nice accompanying pictures. Happy to see everything worked out for you! Now we know what not to do when removing the dash bezel. Thanks for sharing

 

Hey,
I hope you got all of your problems straightened out.

Here are a few things I learned after I bought my 2001 SS a few weeks ago. My key (the only one I got with the car) would not turn until I jiggled it for a few trys. The key was so worn it did not match precisely with the tumblers in the lock. The was very frustrating so I bought a new lock and cylinder from O'Reilly auto parts. They had the thing on the shelf in stock! It was a little over a hundred bucks though. I removed the front dash fascia and then the two bolts holding the lock cylinder in place. There is a small thin tab on the side of the lock cylinder that had to be depressed while turning the key about a quarter turn but no more. The cylinder popped right out and the new one went in exactly as the old one came out. After reinstalling everything turn the ignition key to the "RUN" position but do not try to start the car. Walk away for 10 minutes. When you come back, turn the ignition to off then back on and start your car. The theft prevention system is designed to make it time consuming to steal, not impossible, the idea being a thief will simply move on to the next car. Of course you will have to continue to use your old key to open the trunk and or door if you don't have a remote. If you do have a remote like me then just get one of those magnetic hide a key boxes and place your old key behind the front bumper ledge in case your remote battery dies.
I'm not sure if anything will be different if you have an aftermarket stereo in your car or not. All my stuff was still stock. My stereo sounds like crap even at a mild volume. I think the factory amp has seen better days.