Does anyone have a trick to removing the locking ring that holds the 'star' plate behind the steering wheel. The book calls for a 'special' tool, (which I don't have) to compress the plate so you can remove the ring. I've tried it without the tool and so far no good. I want to get at the turn signal switch behaind the plate.

Required tool is readily available. Check your local auto parts store or tool vendors at swap meets. $10-20 is a fair price.
I used to do the job without a tool but I've got better thinks to do with my time (and patience).

You may try to make one. It is just a piece of metal strap bent into a "U"-shape. the middle of the "U" has a hole in it to fit over the shaft and the ends press on the plate. Size it so that tightening the nut applies a load to the plate. Eight-inch stock should be sufficient for strength and still be easy to make.

I agree, The tool took me 20 minutes to make and I still use it to this day. Just tighten down the nut (I put a spacer in between) and pop off the clip.

Thanks, I'll make one and save my sanity!