Ignition lock problem
 

Hi all,

The ignition lock in my 73 TA functions ok except I can pull it out anytime

As I’m replacing the turn signal switch, now seems a good time to repair this too.

Later cars have a screw to hold in the lock I think but what part am I missing?

I can’t see any clips in our hosts site. Do I need a new lock and key assembly?

Thanks guys

Do you have a Repop lock cylinder? That could do it, or the white metal housing is cracked where the lock cylinder locks into. This I have seen a few times.

Not bought any parts yet, just hoping for some options before throwing money at the wrong parts!

The lock was loose when I bought the car so I guess someone has already played with it, could be a cheap repop.

Will have a closer look at it

Thanks

The lock cylinder should have a spring loaded tab that locks it in place when it is put in the column. Maybe yours is broken?

On a normally functioning lock cylinder.....you would have to depress this tab through a little slot to remove it once the turn signal switch is out of the way.

At least that's the way I have seen the GM columns I have messed with.

The tab that needs to be depressed usually has casting flash over it making hard to see if your are not familiar with taking the cylinder out.Tilt and non tilt are a little bit different to work on.The tilt is the easiest one to work on.

Ok so the locks out, pics below, no sign of any branding marks from The General on the lock casting body so probably a repop lock?

Anyway the good news is the column housing looks crack free

Is the ‘tab’ you guys are talking about the white plastic tang at the bottom of the lock? It moves in and out freely ie no spring resistance. So I’m thinking I’ve got a bad lock.

Agree?

Bad Lock?
 

That lock cylinder is made for through-bolt retension. That's what the notch is for on the side.

Tang retension is a different lock cylinder.

Plastic piece works the key buzzer on both types of locks.

Appears you have the wrong lock instead of a bad lock
Clay

Just looking at options on line and they dont look like my lock. Perhaps someone has tried to fit the later type lock as mine has clearancing cut out (for a screw?) and seems to be missing the larger curved plastic tang...

I guess all our cars have a history!

Ha quicksilver, sorry just seen your reply.

Thanks - we got to the same conclusion!

Is the metal there for a tang to hold if you had the right lock?

A Shab mentioned the casting flash that covers the slot and has to be punched out. Look at this pic and you can tell where the slot is suppose to be. Inside the collar it's low on the cylinder and facing towards you.

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...1&d=1586014277

Clay

Difficult to see

I guess the tang locates at the top/rear of the steering column housing?

I tried to angle the camera toward the driver but not much to see

I’ve ordered a 73 correct ignition lock as they’re cheap as chips. Worth a try. By the wear on the column I’d say it was likely that was original to the car.

No idea how long delivery will take considering the virus. I have airfreight timing to Europe to consider too...

A pic inside the collar would help here. Retainer type for the lock should be visible with a top view.

Either type may not work right if the collars been hacked/cut/modified

Clay

Curious if your car is converted to right hand drive?


:confused:

Hi Clay

Here’s a pic of all I can see inside the collar. Doesnt look hacked up but I’ve no baseline to compare it to. For the cost of a lock I figured it was worth a try...


Hi john, no it’s still LHD. converting to RHD would be a huge job with zero off the shelf parts availability, so I’m happy with that. It keeps the cars character anyway. It’s meant to be different. Muscle cars are pretty rare in the UK. Most folks here mistakenly think it’s a Mustang as that’s the iconic American car in the movies...

I drive in Europe a lot, so I’m used to flipping from LHD to RHD. The only practical issue is road toll gates and attended car parks. Thankfully they are not a big part of my life!

I imported it from Texas years back as all the firebirds I viewed in the UK were absolutely rotten and they are few and far between. This forum and web parts stores have been a game changer. I don’t know how people in the UK managed owning American cars back in the day, but I remember seeing them in my childhood, that# probably what started the bug!

That should've been inside the end of the steering column, after the turnsignal switch is moved out of the way.. Release for both types of lock cylinders is under the turnsignal switch.

My bad
Clay

Ok thanks Clay

Parts delivery arriving next week - including the lock plate removal tool... So I’m stuck till then.

Will keep you posted