Well, I was at the junkyard yet again today and came accross a manual shift tilt column that I just had to have. Someone even took the steering box off, so I got it from the rag joint back.

Now, I looked all over for the keys but no luck. Is there any other way to get the cylinder out without drilling it or using a dent puller?

I've read online that if you take the cylinder out of the door or glove compartment they can make another key for the ignition for it using the code from the other cylinders. Forgive me for asking a stupid question but, how can they do that? Generally, the key for the ignition is square-end and the key for the doors and glove box are round-end with obviously a different cut. What is the correlation between the two cylinders?

And to make it EVEN better, I was on my way out to my truck (slinging the column over my shoulder) and I spotted ANOTHER manual shift tilt column! Needless to say, I quickly yanked that one out too. Same deal though, no key.

I've already called a local locksmith and they said that if I dropped the steering columns off they could make me another key. Only problem is the guy that does it wasn't there at the time, and they couldn't give me a price.

I was just wondering if giving them the codes from another cylinder was true and if it would save me some money. They are crushing all of the trucks in the yard, and I have to go get the other cylinders out tomorrow if it will be of any help to the locksmith.

 

Just take a large chisel and get behind the chrome piece and smack it with a hammer to break it off. Then you can reach up inside and push the keeper pin and remove the tumbler. The parts stores sell new ones for about $12.00.

 

The chrome piece is included with the new tumbler? I have also read about turning the tumbler to the on position and pushing a pin up from the bottom. Is that what you are referring to?

Man, I hate the thought of taking a BFH and a chisel to anything......

But, if it works!

 

Back about 10 years ago I had a chevy cavalier that went thru ignition keys like crazy. I had new ones made at the local hardware store that never worked.

I took it to a locksmith, He looked up the correct codes and made me a new key for 2 bucks that fit perfectly.
If you know the year and model of the trucks the steering columns came out of, Then it should be worth a shot.

 

That's how you do it IF you had the key so you could turn it to on. Since you do not have the key, you have to break it off so you can get up in there without it being in the "ON" position. I have done it on two different trucks so far with no problems.

 

And the chrome piece comes with the new cylinder?

 

I'd err on the side of caution before swinging a hammer at this.
It won't cost anything to have a Locksmith look at it first.

 

Stosh, now we really don't like you...

 

If that's the case, then you won't want to hear that I only paid... cough, cough 20 bucks a piece for them.

 

The way we always pulled the cylinders was to use a slide hammer. screw it in and pop it out. only problem is the gear inside the column may come out with it.but it will get the old cylinder out.

Scott

 

The chrome part comes with the new cylinder. Using a slidehammer or a chisel basically does the same thing, you are forcing it off. It's only pot metal, so it's not like you have to hit it that hard.

 

Thanks for the help guys. I'm going to see what the locksmith says first before I take the BFH to it.

 

If it is a Ford (better be) ... Many locksmiths have a set of (tryout) keys ... They just have to test each one until one turns the lock ... Having the codes from a door or glove box lock can narrow the choices by half or better ...

He could also try picking the lock and getting it to turn ...

Oh yeah ... I spent a few years working for a locksmith ...

 

Looks like I'll be taken the BFH to them tomorrow. I was able to find 3 cylinders with keys in them at the junkyard today.... Not much to them once you get them out of the column.