I've found some online MB manuals for the general idea but I need to know if the removal tool is actually needed. The removal tool looks to be a tube that presses some sort of latch on the top or sides of the ignition lock.

Thanks

I thought the tool was more like a V shaped wire with small hooks facing each other on the ends? I also thought that MB gives the dimensions for it and the shop makes the tool themselves, that I'm a little sketchy on, but if it is what I am thinking of you could definitely make it yourself. I know I have done it without the tool though.
The tube tool I think it for removing the lock, not the switch, you can remove the switch without removing the lock on that style switch.

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Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)