Hey guys - did anybody ever had to remove a steering shaft or ignition lock asembly?? there are bolts with round shaped head that to me it seams to be impossible to untie them. But at the same time I've seen people selling those parts on ebay... meaning somehow it is possible. Any suggestions?

 

Are you replacing the ignition lock cylinder, ignition switch, or the entire lock housing? The lock cylinder has to be drilled at a specific spot to remove. The housing needs to have those two weird head bolts drilled out and replaced with hex or cap screws.

 

Actually I was trying to replace a steering shaft, during which process I would also need to replace a ignition lock assembly... but I'm not sure now that its good idea.

 

I'd be interested in finding out as well as the steering lock is required to be removed for racing and that's what I'm building my car for...

 

The lock assembly is attached to the column via 2 bolts where the "head" was broken off at the factory leaving the "stump" as that bolt is originally designed to do. It is not meant for removal though several methods will work. My favorite is to cut a slot through the head (sawsall-my favorite all time tool, file-takes forever, or angle grinder/cutoff tool). Then, you can use a flathead screw driver to turn the slot at an angle. If its stubborn, hit the bolt with a hammer to loosen the threads a little.

Another way is to use a chisel and a hammer to tap/turn the head of the bolt. This requires skill and may get your fingers injured.

Third method, drop the column and drill the bolt head off. After removing the cap, unthread the remaining stump of the bolt by hand or pliers.

All this only applies to 85.5+ cars and apply method you read in my sig. The early cars are a bit different and easier.

 

Get some bolt removal kit and drill the broken off bolt out. Once you have a nice hole, just use the counterspun removal bits to undscrew it out.

 

Here's a picture post I did on the NASA racing forums last year. I completely removed my key ignition and went to push button. But this same procedure would work if you want to reuse it, you would just have to replace the mushroom cap bolts with normal ones.

http://nasaforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=20345

 

I did it like halik said - used a set of left-handed drill bits and broken bolt removal bits. Just drilling the bolt with the left-handed drill removed one of the bolts - the other can out easily with the easy-out.
Cheers
Randy

 

Uh, that only works when you remove the dash.

 

Not sure why you say that. I'm certain I did not remove the dash on my 87 NA.

 

I did this recently, the EASIEST way is to get a small cutoff wheel for a drill (just one of the cheap 2 or 3" wheels) and cut a slot in the domed head of the bolt, then use a stubby screwdriver to back it out. Theyre low torque so no issues.

 

How did you drill it out when the bolt heads are blocked by the dash? Look at Schwank's pictures in the link. Remember the lock is inside the dash in later cars unless you got some dentist's drill I don't see how you can do it.

 

yeah, the way I see it - I would have to take the dash out and use some broken bolt removal bits. I think thats the only way to do it.

 

Taking the dash out is not that easy. I have taken these locks out by all 3 ways I mentioned and cutting a slot into the domed part of the head is the easiest whether you iuse a sawsall, hacksaw blade, or air grinder/cutter.

 

I seem to recall I was drilling at a little bit of an angle. Sorry but I don't recall more clearly. I can say for certain I got mine out with the easy-outs and I would remember if I had removed the dash to do so.
The part I don't understand about the sawzall, cut-off wheel or other slot-and-screwdriver method is that the bolts are recessed pretty far. Did you just slot the housing on your way to slotting the bolt heads?