Topic: Steering column lock removal
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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Former Member
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Mission Viejo, CA - USA
Joined: 3/15/2008
Posts: 2
Vette(s): 1974 blue stingray coupe 350 engine Automatic
Does anyone know how to remove the steering column lock in a 1974 stingray?
lost my only key.
pulled off wheel, how to get out key cylinder to replace it?
what is trick? do I need special tools?
Doug
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Doug- loosen the turn signal cam and pull it over the column shaft so ti is out of the way. Then you will see a small rectangular spot -it may or may not have a thin film of metal "flash" over it. This will be near the end of the lock cylinder. Break the "flash" and with a small screw you should be able to push in the small spring loaded retainer on the cylinder and with the lock in ACC or On position you should be able to pull it out. I just went through this whole process a couple of weeks ago. Good luck
Former Member
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Mission Viejo, CA - USA
Joined: 3/15/2008
Posts: 2
Vette(s): 1974 blue stingray coupe 350 engine Automatic
how do I remove the steering wheel locking plate that covers it? (behind wheel) I have a standard column no tilt or telescoping.
Bluewolfen 2008-04-05 14:28:38
don't want to force anything.
any pictures I can look at?
thanks, Doug
Gold MemberScotch Plains, NJ - USA
Joined: 1/11/2006
Posts: 241
Vette(s): 1981 Corvette Coupe, Stock, Black on Black,
4 Spd
Hey Doug, Try this site for all info relating to Steering for Corvettes and other autos. I have printed out the info that relates to my 81 and made up a 3-ring binder.
JPD1stVette 2008-04-05 18:42:48
Very handy and if you get stuck, you can e-mail the author too.
Jeff
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Problem is, without the key, it's gonna be a b#%@h!
The cylinder needs to be turned to the "Run" position to be removed...
I had the same issue with the '74 when I bought it. It had no key(it was a repo), but...the ign. would turn, as long as it wasn't turned to "Lock".
Well...you know what happened...
I wound up just beating the crap out of the tab on the cylinder to get it out.
Here's a pic of the key cylinder lock, and tab...
The cylinder needs to be turned to the "Run" position to be removed...
I had the same issue with the '74 when I bought it. It had no key(it was a repo), but...the ign. would turn, as long as it wasn't turned to "Lock".
Well...you know what happened...
I wound up just beating the crap out of the tab on the cylinder to get it out.
Here's a pic of the key cylinder lock, and tab...
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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