[pippintook]

I lost the ignition key on my 78 TA. I do not have the build sheet (so, can not get key code from build sheet). I have a replacement ignition lock cylinder/key. I not sure if I can remove the ignition lock cylinder without the key for the lock cylinder. I have read differing statements on this. Some say the cylinder can only be removed in the acc. or run position therefore the key is required to remove the cylinder. Does anyone know if the ignition lock cylinder can be removed on a 78 TA without having the matching key for the cylinder?

[pippintook]

I lost the ignition key on my 78 TA. I do not have the build sheet (so, can not get key code from build sheet). I have a replacement ignition lock cylinder/key. I not sure if I can remove the ignition lock cylinder without the key for the lock cylinder. I have read differing statements on this. Some say the cylinder can only be removed in the acc. or run position therefore the key is required to remove the cylinder. Does anyone know if the ignition lock cylinder can be removed on a 78 TA without having the matching key for the cylinder?

[gtohurstjudge]

You are in luck....On your car the lock will
come out in any position with or without the key. The special tools you will need for this job are a steering wheel puller and a lock plate
depresser. Once you have removed the steering wheel, lock plate and turn signal switch, all you have to do is remove the lock cylinder retaining screw and pull the lock cylinder out of the column. GTOHURSTJUDGE

[ChrisTransAm78]

Not quite...

If memory serves me right there a little piece that must come out, 1 plastic piece with a flat metal piece in it...its for the horn I think, then use a very fine point to push up on the lock cylinder (there's a catch in there) u can see it...do it a few times and you get to be a pro at it... ;(

[gtohurstjudge]

Chris, you are right....the piece you are referring to is for the key buzzer. It is
white plastic and blocks access to the lock
cylinder retaining screw. The key buzzer switch
will lift right out with the ignition lock in the run position, but with no key in the lock
you have to apply a little force on it to pop it out.GTOHURSTJUDGE

[pippintook]

Just an update. I had my buddy come over. He has pulled many ignition lock cylinders. We were able to remove the cylinder without the key. There were two slots in the column near the cylinder. We used a very thin screwdriver and pressed in the slot to release the cylinder. I am uploading a pic to show the slot we used. Depressing the spring loaded plate/removing the clip is quite difficult but can be done by hand (two people makes this part a bit easier). We used a puller to remove the steering wheel. We were also careful with the spring/clip for the horn. The turn signal was moved out of the way (though not fully removed).

[gtohurstjudge]

Sorry about the misinformation...Your column
is just like my 69 GTO column...I thought sure
that they had gone to the screw holding it in by
1978. I know my 79 T/A column has the screw, so
'78 must have been the last year for this style.

[3733fred]

How can you lose the key to your car? This sounds like a simple case of neglect. Hopefully, you will learn to pay attention to small details in the future.

[pippintook]

Hey guys, I know '3733fred'...he was joking around...he knows I have lost my keys a few times!!