Drill baby drill! Anybody?
 

I got a steering column I'm about to swap into my 85. The donor truck did not have any keys. Is there a trick to drilling this thing out without destroying the tumbler case? There's no holes anywhere on this thing. It does have a small lever on the column- what's that for?

Re: Drill baby drill! Anybody?
 

I think the small lever is for the hazards...

Re: Drill baby drill! Anybody?
 

Not the hazards. It's got the round button type hazard switch.

Re: Drill baby drill! Anybody?
 

Get a steering wheel puller and remove the lock.

Re: Drill baby drill! Anybody?
 

Explain how that works. I have a steering wheel puller. I'm not picturing in my mind how that would work. I'm assuming the cylinder comes out from the side whether the wheel is intact or not?

Re: Drill baby drill! Anybody?
 

the Lever is there to lock/unlock the column and the key.

Re: Drill baby drill! Anybody?
 

Watch this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diRhSrqrLV4

The ignition cylinder may have a code number stamped into it. If it does you can take it to a locksmith and have him cut a key for it.

LockDoc

Re: Drill baby drill! Anybody?
 

The ignition cylinder does come out the side. The magic button/screw that holds it in place is only accessible after pulling the wheel and and some other stuff. Good time to replace the turn signal switch if it doesn't work. Also good time to change steering wheels if that is in your plans. Check the sector gear while you are in there. The last tooth likes to break off and keep it from starting.

Re: Drill baby drill! Anybody?
 

the lever might be for a manual trans truck. I remember GM installing a lever on my manual trans cavalier. some kind of safety thing I believe.

Re: Drill baby drill! Anybody?
 

Update on this:

Dragonball- You are correct about removing the wheel to gain access to the cylinder release pin. I was just confused on you referring to a "Steering wheel lock plate remover" as a steering wheel puller. I have that tool and after watching a few videos understand the process.

74CustomK20- That small lever allows the key to be put in the lock position. In automatics, you first must put it in park in order to lock and remove the key. Since manual don't have any linkage to the trans, they added the lever as a safety feature so you dont shut the key off and lock it while in motion.

Thanks for the feedback. I'll be pulling apart this week as soon as my complete lock set (Ign/doors/glovebox) arrive. I always change these when I buy a vehicle used.

Re: Drill baby drill! Anybody?
 

It still happens. Unfortunately, they put the lever so close to the key, that one reflexive motion can flip the lever and turn the key without even thinking. Those times that I cut the engine off early and coast to a stop have involved a panic stab at the brakes because the truck suddenly stopped steering. 80's Fords got it better; the lever is on the left side of the column so you need both hands to lock the ignition, and are less likely to still be rolling. I'd like to disable the column lock somehow.

Re: Drill baby drill! Anybody?
 

I understand the logic, it just caught me off guard. My 2000 Nissan is a 5 speed and it doesn't have any such safety mechanism.