I have a 1988 SSE which has a tilt steering column and a floor shift.

Can anyone with knowledge of this specific year and model please tell me where exactly the ignition switch is located in the steering column?

If you have a photo of the ignition switch from this specific model than better still.

My part supplier sent me an ignition switch that my mechanic says is the wrong part. The supplier and mechanic are also in disagreement as to where the ignition switch is located. The supplier says that the switch they sent is the right one according to their system and that it'* located right by the ignition barrel. My mechanic says that the switch is not in that location, but is instead mounted much further down the steering column and that the part is not the same as the one I was supplied with.

Please help, I'm confused! Thanks.

I have had this problem with a couple of parts stores in my town. The boys at advance were the only ones with the knowledge and patience to deal with those situations. I either took the parts off myself so I had a good idea of the description of their location and the parts guys could actually look at the part and have a better idea about what I needed. With these older cars it might pay to make sure you are talking to someone with a little age on them and not some young dude who only knows what he sees on the computer screen!

If your mechanic is looking at the part that he removed from your car, I would have to side with him.
If your car is left hand drive, the actual ignition switch should be located on the top of the column (toward the sky, but down the column a bit) actuated by a metal actuator rod that connects to the ignition lock cylinder or key part. If your car has been converted to right hand drive, it may have been modified with non-standard parts. I may be able to send you a pdf file if you will pm me your email.
What are the symptoms that make you suspect that switch? Has the neutral start safety switch on the transmission been tested as well?

Thanks for the replies... I think I've figure out what'* happened here. I think it is probably the right part but as it'* an aftermarket part it is not identical to the original. My mechanic didn't realise this, but I've found intructions inside the box which state "NOTE: This switch may have a slightly different appearance from the original in the vehicle. When installed properly, it will fit all listed applications."