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

[rmchrgr]

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.

 

[TheGrateRonzini]

Yes. I took it all apart and removed it. Mainly cause I switched to 4spd and kept the 3spd column. But removed the shift handle as well. I feel like there was something else tho

 

[TheGrateRonzini]

If I remember it’s like a 2.5” long, thin, shaped like a forged nail, with a pivot hole 2/3 way from the narrow end

 

[rmchrgr]

That does not sound like what I’m referring to.

‘71-up column lock has a plate/collar that looks like a saw blade pinned to the steering shaft.There is a spring loaded lever next to the ignition switch that protrudes into the plane of the blades to stop it from turning, kind of like a stick in a wheel. However, on mine it won’t hold. That’s what I want to get rid of.

 

[townsend]

Yes people have removed the steering wheel locking mechanism.
Once you have exposed the locking collar, then pry the metal sleeve off that covers the steel pin that holds the locking collar to the shaft.
Drive the pin out and remove all associated locking parts in the column.
You can also remove the annoying key buzzer switch if you like.
This allows you to turn the steering wheel without the key.

 

[rmchrgr]

Thanks.

I know how to remove the column lock parts - just wanting to confirm there is nothing else it does other than it being a theft deterrent. I removed the key buzzer many years ago.

 

[townsend]

It's only purpose is theft protection.
Most likely they were pressured into adding this feature by the insurance companies.

 

[rmchrgr]

Cool, didn’t think it would do any harm to ditch it.

Maybe I’ll sharpen the edges and use it as a Chinese Star.