[dgas]

Finally got a hole for my new BBC . A '79 Elco, from a sherrifs sale. packed full of parts new and old. but no keys. they delivered it w the paperwork. but now i have to get it started and steering.
How can I remove the Ign lock w no keys? I am not inclined to do the car thief thing w a slide hammer as this is a no shift non tilt column and do not want to harm it.

[newmexguy]

disconnect battery
remove steering wheel
remove plastic cover/snap ring/lock plate
remove turn signal lever with magnetic phillips tip (to avoid dropping screws inside column)
remove turn signal switch assembly-use magnetic phillips tip
ignition cylinder should now be accessible either by a small phillips retaining screw or by depressing the retainer on side of cylinder with a small screwdriver or gapper tool

[dgas]

Kool! thanks, I know some need to be turned w the key and was concerned about that. Its todays job.

[Chris R]

You will need a cheap 10 dollar lock plate tool, in order to get the lock off. There is a plate that has a dished recession in it and a spring behind that, which a small snap ring sits to retain everything.

[dgas]

Got it thanks, I made the tool.

[JIML82]

1979 was the year that the lock cylinder changed from the metal spring tab that engaged a slot in the turn signal housing to a cross bolt that passed through a notch in the lock cylinder. This change made if far more difficult for a thief to use a slam puller to try and yank the lock cylinder out of the column.

It was not a real clean break as to when the lock cylinder (and steering columns) changed.

So you will need to remove the steering wheel, hub, locking plate, and pull the turn signal switch far enough out of the turn signal switch housing so that you can inspect which lock cylinder you need. You should see the rectangular slot for the wedge retained cylinder.

Or you will find a allen head bolt located at about the 2 o'clock position. It is right above the Torks head housing screw that is at the 3 o'clock position. Remove that allen head bolt and the lock cylinder should come right out.

Jim