I got a tilt column for a good price but it has no key. I am wondering what the trick is to changing the lock out if the key is missing. Thanks for the help in advance.

Search for "Ignition Lock".

And, I found this one on a quick search:

http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=150100&highlight=Ignition+Lock

5th post down has document/pictures on removing lock cylinder without key.

Good Luck.

Some of the early shop manuals indicated that you needed the key in order to remove the lock cylinder from the steering column. All of the information that I have indicates that you do not need the key. Maybe people were confused with the old ignition switch/lock cylinder in the dash.

Here are the direct links to removing the lock cylinder from a tilt column.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/01/TiltColumnD&R1-23JA061.doc

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/01/TiltColumnLineDrwg1.doc

JIML82

For Jiml82

Talk about instant gratification in the computer age!!!! Just yesterday I was talking to someone about a tilt column. Can I pose a question to you?

My car is a 72.

At this point I am not sure what year the column is. I have to assume it is from 68 to 1972. Lets start there. If it is other than a 72 what issues am I gonna have loading the column into my 72 from a wiring perspective? Can I just bolt it in snap on the electrical connectors and I am done? I have to believe it just cannot be that easy but then again one never knows.

I suspect there are electrically actuated features on my 72 that might not be on the column from an earlier car? Any help appreciated.

Oman

Thanks Guys much appreciated

I think that the GM A-car columns pretty much interchanged between 1969 and 1976. If the instrument panel changed in a particular model year, it is possible that the plastic parts on the column might have changed where it met or passed through the panel. However, the basic column length, mounting locations, etc were the same. I don't think that there were any electrical parts that were added or changed.

One thought that comes to mind. The plastic "harmonica" connector on the turn signal switch wires coming out of the steering column. That connector might have changed (even though it looks pretty much the same) so that it won't just snap into the wiring in the vehicle body. You might have to remove all the wires from the connector on your original column and swap that connector onto the wires from the new column.

One last thing. When you switch from a standard (non-adjustable) column to a tilt column, you will find that the two connectors that are part of the ignition switch wiring in the car will not snap directly into the tilt column ignition switch. You will find that if you flip them over (twist them 180 degrees) they will snap right into the tilt column ignition switch.

JIML82