Unlock Steering - Keys are lost.
#1
Unlock Steering - Keys are lost.
1. I inherited an 83 Z28, but the keys are lost. Car sat for ten years and needs restored. I'm trying to take the steering column apart to unlock the ignition switch so I can steer the car. I have the steering wheel removed. Now I'm looking at the turn signal cam assembly(my terminology may be wrong). It's held in by a split ring, which is at the bottom of the splines on the steering wheel shaft. How does one get this split ring off?
2. My goal is to remove the ignition switch and/or the bar which keeps the switch locked. Going beyond question #1... am I going about this correctly? Does someone have a better way or what can I expect after I get the split ring off the shaft?
2. My goal is to remove the ignition switch and/or the bar which keeps the switch locked. Going beyond question #1... am I going about this correctly? Does someone have a better way or what can I expect after I get the split ring off the shaft?
#2
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Car: 91 Camaro Vert
Engine: 02 LS1, HX40
Transmission: 2002 LS1 M6
goto autozone and rent a locking plate tool...
it has a bar that threads on where the steering wheel nut is... then a U shaped piece of metal goes on it... as you tightnen the nut, it pushes the U piece down on the plate... once the plate is down, a screwdriver (or even your fingers) will get the clip off.
then back the tool off, and the lockign plate comes out
you can just slip the steering wheel back on to move the car around, but you need to replace the plate before you attempt to drive it.
athough with no key, you might as well take it all teh way down, replace the lock cyl, double check the tilt colum bolts while you're in there (lock tite em) and then put it back together...
that way, you can just use your new key from the lock cyl.
it has a bar that threads on where the steering wheel nut is... then a U shaped piece of metal goes on it... as you tightnen the nut, it pushes the U piece down on the plate... once the plate is down, a screwdriver (or even your fingers) will get the clip off.
then back the tool off, and the lockign plate comes out
you can just slip the steering wheel back on to move the car around, but you need to replace the plate before you attempt to drive it.
athough with no key, you might as well take it all teh way down, replace the lock cyl, double check the tilt colum bolts while you're in there (lock tite em) and then put it back together...
that way, you can just use your new key from the lock cyl.
#5
Thanks for the advice...
I already tried getting a key from my local GM dealer, but their VIN records to make a key only goes back to 1988. Plus, this car is a free project car, so I don't want to spend any money on a locksmith. I'm cheap and the type that likes a challenge(or punishment depending on your point of view).
I already tried getting a key from my local GM dealer, but their VIN records to make a key only goes back to 1988. Plus, this car is a free project car, so I don't want to spend any money on a locksmith. I'm cheap and the type that likes a challenge(or punishment depending on your point of view).
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#9
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Re: Unlock Steering - Keys are lost.
Originally posted by Ed Howard
1. I inherited an 83 Z28, but the keys are lost. Car sat for ten years and needs restored. I'm trying to take the steering column apart to unlock the ignition switch so I can steer the car. I have the steering wheel removed. Now I'm looking at the turn signal cam assembly(my terminology may be wrong). It's held in by a split ring, which is at the bottom of the splines on the steering wheel shaft. How does one get this split ring off?
2. My goal is to remove the ignition switch and/or the bar which keeps the switch locked. Going beyond question #1... am I going about this correctly? Does someone have a better way or what can I expect after I get the split ring off the shaft?
1. I inherited an 83 Z28, but the keys are lost. Car sat for ten years and needs restored. I'm trying to take the steering column apart to unlock the ignition switch so I can steer the car. I have the steering wheel removed. Now I'm looking at the turn signal cam assembly(my terminology may be wrong). It's held in by a split ring, which is at the bottom of the splines on the steering wheel shaft. How does one get this split ring off?
2. My goal is to remove the ignition switch and/or the bar which keeps the switch locked. Going beyond question #1... am I going about this correctly? Does someone have a better way or what can I expect after I get the split ring off the shaft?
Last edited by 84 1LE; 01-28-2004 at 07:42 PM.
#10
Thanks to everyone...especially The Trickster. I got the ignition switch out of the steering column. Had it out in 5 minutes...good information goes a long way.
I took it to my friendly Chevy dealer, who read the 4 digit/letter code stamped on the outside of the barrel, and he made me a key, actually I got two made right away. Didn't have to bust anything, didn't have to drag the car....all is good. A new ignition switch was $21.00(dealer cost + 10%), 2 keys cost me $2.00.
Next will be the door locks and hatch. Parts Manager said if I bring him one lock, he can decode it, but the lock will be destroyed. He can then make me a key...I would have to buy one lock barrel to replace the destroyed one.
Thanks again. :hail:
I took it to my friendly Chevy dealer, who read the 4 digit/letter code stamped on the outside of the barrel, and he made me a key, actually I got two made right away. Didn't have to bust anything, didn't have to drag the car....all is good. A new ignition switch was $21.00(dealer cost + 10%), 2 keys cost me $2.00.
Next will be the door locks and hatch. Parts Manager said if I bring him one lock, he can decode it, but the lock will be destroyed. He can then make me a key...I would have to buy one lock barrel to replace the destroyed one.
Thanks again. :hail:
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