[BirdofFire69]

I lowered my steering column to do some work behind the dash . I reinstalled the column , now steering wheel ,and automatic transmission ( park ) will not lock with the key out . What have I done to cause this, and how can I remedy this ?

[BirdofFire69]

forgot to add , its a 1969 firebird. turbo 400

[bhill86]

I’ve never laid a hand on a first gen but I assume it’s possible the issue is with your backdrive linkage if installed. A rod may have been bent out of wack or if not installed, the collar on your column (think column shifter) may have rotated out of the “park” position. On 2.ne gens, the key should not come out of the collar isn’t in the park position but I’m not sure if that’s the case in a first gen. I’d assume so.

[Sport69]

I would check steering lock control rod that's part way down the steering column, you shouldn't be able to remove the key if it's working right.