Ignition lock removal

[moneypit]

I just bought a '73 Squareback that didn't come with any keys...

Does anyone know of a way to remove the ignition lock without damaging the steering column so that I can unlock the steering and move it around?

[slammedbus]

You need to remove the steering wheel and the TS assy and there should be a little flat blade screw to remove and it will slide out.

The steering wheel may be a bit of a biatch. I put my knees behind the wheel and pull back as I hit the steering shaft with a wood dowel or even better a brass drift (so as not to wreck the threads)

[raygreenwood]

Slow down. Check to see if it has the original locks in it. Remove one door handle and look for the number stamped on teh handle. At this point, pull the steering wheel, pull the piece of cast metal out above the lock tumbler...it has two screws. You can slip a screwdiver in and depress the wheel locking tumbler. Reach underneath and pull the plug off of the ignition switch. You will also have to remove the four screws that hold the wiper and blinker arm assembly out to get the lcok out....which means disconnecting their harness and the washer tubing.

Before you get that far...you can move the lock out a little bit and look to see if its number is the same as the door handle lock. If it is...you may be in luck. Write down teh letters and numbers and take it to a lock shop. Just the numbers...and proof of ownership.
Most decent lock shops can make the key from the code....for under $20.

If it fits and works...don't bother taking everything out. Ray

[moneypit]

Sweet! I'll probably go that route. I ended up pulling the wheel, TS assembly and the steering column shroud so I could move it to a different spot in the parking lot, but now I'm doing hard time in the sandbox- so I'll get back to the states and the square project in a few months!