Help is needed TCer's some times when I try to shut off my 1972 non tilt column. I have to twist column by hand to get key to turn off. Any one have advise on repair?
Thanks, Gary.

The column acts as a anti theft device. When the ignition is off and the key is out the steering wheel is locked. On your model the column rotates to unlock the steering wheel once the ignition releases the center section to allow rotation. You haven't stated whether it's a column shift or floor shift. Linkage was used to rotate the column as you shift it. If the column is not fully rotated to counterclockwise the column can't lock and the key cannot be removed.

You'll need to adjust your linkage that connects to the column or replace bushings for the linkage. If the linkage is gone (normal on a floor shift car) you'll have to decide whether to replace the linkage or lock the column in park position on floor shift models. The draw back is no reverse lights when the column can't rotate to activate the reverse light contacts.

Thanks for your reply, sorry it is a staple floor shifter!
Gary.

Sorry, I don't mean to thread jack, but i would like to add a question.

I am planning on switching to a floor shift from a column, and am wondering if it is possible to get the reverse lights and NSS to work as long as the shifter has the switches built in. In other words, can the wiring be ran from the column to the floor?