Problem with starting my 79 Cherokee

[nolefansjeep]

I bought a 1979 Jeep Cherokee Chief WT about a month ago and it had been sitting for 11 years. I got it to the shop and then tried to start it. The key would not go to the start position. I pulled the switch and the rod moves freely between the other detents but just will not go to that start position. I pulled the steering wheel to see if it was the tumbler somehow but as the book states it has to be in the start position to pull out the tumbler. Anyone ever heard of this problem? If so where do I go from here? Thanks in advance.
Duane

[jaber]

I have had to replace several elec. switches because of this.

[flatbackdragon]

per the 79 TSM, isn't to be in START position...

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b36/flatbackdragon/whatever/parts/lockcylinder2.jpg