lock cylinder goofing

[Jonnyuma]

I dont know if this has been asked before, I couldnt find it anywhere on this forum but if someone has any information or references I'd sure appreciate it...
Heres the deal...my 76 Cordoba is sitting in a place where I'd rather it not be. I cant find the one and only key for the ignition so I need to replace the lock cylinder which is not a problem except I have to take mass transit to get to it and rolling around town on a bus or train with a bunch of tools is unappealing to me. In the movies and tv cop shows the bad guys (and sometimes even the good guys) boost cars by jimmy-ing the ignition lock with a screwdriver or other tool. Is this even possible? I have to replace the lock anyway, so damaging it isnt a real worry, but I dont want to do any permanant damage to the tilt column or wiring. Once I get it home I can pull the wheel, lock plate cylinder, etc at my liesure, but for just getting it moving I'm wondering if any of you guys have ever actually tried this.
Dont incriminate yourself fer God's sakes, but let me in on the scoop.

 

[egrand1508]

Have you thought about calling a locksmith? A good one should be able to make a replacement key for you without having to replace the lock. You can have them meet you at the car and they ought to get you started in a few minutes. You might have to drive back to their shop to get the new keys made, but I bet it would be cheaper in the long run than buying a new ignition lock. I know it would be a whole heck of a lot easier. Also, if you replace the ignition lock, you have to replace the door locks too as they use the same key.

 

[Jonnyuma]

The lock cylinder is about 15 bux. Not sure what a locksmith would charge to make a housecall, but I may call around to find out. My door locks have never worked (power) as long as I've owned the car so having different keys never really occurred to me. Just last weekend I had an unusual situation that required me to leave the car parked downtown overnight. Having no locks prompted me to put it in a garage, very posh nestled amongst the Mercedes', BMWs and Lexuseses. They all fo sho heard me leaving Sat morning....set of more than a couple alarms on my way out. Just doin' my part...stickin' to the Man.

 

[tpodwdog]

a 76 more than likely has a locking steering wheel. we used to take a can of freon and spray it into the lock cylinder freezing it....then with a quick twist of the steering wheel to one side or the other ....the lock may snap... freeing it up to steer the car....then youll have to hot wire it. i would not suggest ANY of this but thats how it was done back in the day when freon was readily available. call a locksmith ....then call a cop . the last thing you need is an arrest for car theft...LMAO

 

[D575]

Another option, Tow the car home.

 

[Jonnyuma]

I called a couple of locksmiths...90 bux was the best I could do. A tow would surely cost at least that much (30 miles + pick-up + whatever else). I may just have to replace the lock where it sits...anybody know what size the big nut that holds the steering wheel on is? If I know that for sure it'll help me avoid walking around with a pocket full o' sockets.
Thanks.

 

[egrand1508]

This link is for a Youtube video of an old Mopar Master Tech film on Chrysler locks from the 1970's that should tell you all you need to know: http://youtu.be/NNdTZwHhRAY

Near the end of the film it shows how to take apart the steering column to get to the ignition lock. But, as it says, it is easier to take out one of the door locks and you might take that to a locksmith and they can make a new key from that and be cheaper than the $90 mobile service call.

 

[tpodwdog]

This link is for a Youtube video of an old Mopar Master Tech film on Chrysler locks from the 1970's that should tell you all you need to know: http://youtu.be/NNdTZwHhRAY

Near the end of the film it shows how to take apart the steering column to get to the ignition lock. But, as it says, it is easier to take out one of the door locks and you might take that to a locksmith and they can make a new key from that and be cheaper than the $90 mobile service call.

thats a very informative video....love the 70's ora about it too.:headbang:

 

[Jonnyuma]

That IS a very cool/informative video. Thanks for making it available as a link. I've replaced the lock cylinder before on this car once before so the door and ignition keys wouldn't match anyway, even if the door locks worked. I remember doing it while the steering wheel was off, but I was also tightening up the tilt mechanism and replacing the turn signal cancel cam at that time so I can't quite remember if the steering wheel needs to be off, or if it just happened to be off for the other stuff I was doing at the time. Memories fade fast when you get old.
I said, MEMORIES FADE FAST....oh, never mind.
But it appears from the video that I will need to take the wheel and collar off. Bummer, I do seem to remember that lock plate and snap ring being quite the mofo to get back together.