VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1912-1928 steering column lock

I have tried a number of times to get my steering column lock cylinder out of its casting bore. I have used Aero Croil solvent for several weeks to no avail, the lock pins are now moveable but I cannot pull the lock barrel from the casting. Does any one have a suggestion as to how this mission can be accomplished? Better yet does someone out there have an assembly that works? The device is actually a casting that holds the steering column to the dash.

Do you have the key? If the parts are moving, see if you can find an old school locksmith that can read the tumblers in the lock, they can make a key. Also if you do find a way to remove the cylinder please post how it was achieved. I would like to replace the cylinder on my roadster and replace it with a ignition switch. Good Luck!

Chevygoat, I made a long answer to your request but lost it when I reviewed the message, in a nutshell, if you own a lock that has not been wet...then you would have a chance to selvage it. what i have found is the other owners destroyed the locks using the key. the pot metal part won't come out of the brass bushing. there are two steel expandable rings that hold the assembly together the lock cannot be pushed out of the brass bushing. I tried with 3 different locks. I even cut one of the bushings apart...the inside was destroyed. actually, the bushing and lock will slide out easily once the corrosion is removed from the casting, but you can't remove the lock from the bushing. Sorry!!! I plan on making a slug with a key slot to operate the wheel lock.

All good! It is always worth trying. I may do the same!