Has anyone ever done away with the column lock? '71-up.

I know in 1970 they had the reverse/linkage deal but that was one year only and I've read where people often did away with it. In '71 they went to the key release button on the lower collar which I have. That part works but the lock collar will not catch, I think it's worn out. It will lock initially but as soon as you put a minimum of force on it it pops out. I know my way around an A body column fairly well and I've tried swapping in different parts to get the mechanism to stay but it just won't.

Anyone leave that part out? I figure if someone wants my car bad enough the column lock won't stop them.

Thanks for any input.