Locked Steering Column-no Key

[scodari]

My 69 GT parts car has a locked steering column with no key. Is there any way to remove the lock cylinder so that I can steer the vehicle? I don't care if the steering column is damaged in the process.

[GTJIM]

There are special slide hammers available to certified users (and criminals - of course!) which have a pair of hardened steel blades that anchor into the slot the key fits in. Then the slide hammer will pluck the lock body out by brute force. Ask any vehicle repossessor you know ...

Drilling the lock cylinder out is a more brutal approach ...

You still have to operate the column lock bar way back inside when you have removed the cylinder.

[oldopelguy]

Easiest thing to do, if you only need to steer it to move it around, is to unbolt the steering column and just let it hang there, turning the whole works to steer the car. Obviously this doesn't work for actually driving the car.

You're going to have to unbolt it anyway to replace or repair it....

[GTJIM]

Good idea, Stephen - if the car is to be flat towed then the whole upper part of the column can be removed by disconnecting the coupling between the pedals and slid off the lower column. This means you could slide it back on to steer the car while manoeuvering it by hand.

[tomking]

I had a locked kadett steering column with no keys that was otherwise good.
I took it to a locksmith and he made a new set of keys for it. You can remove your column and do the same and not have to break anything.

[opelnut10]

Originally Posted by tomking I had a locked kadett steering column with no keys that was otherwise good. I took it to a locksmith and he made a new set of keys for it. You can remove your column and do the same and not have to break anything.

Good luck with that deal, unless you know an "old school" locksmith that can cut a key from impression you are SOL. Finding a key blank is getting to be a problem also, if the locksmith has been in business a long time they may have one or two hanging around. I would take the outer door handle off the car (if it hasn't been change at some time) and look for the key code, most locksmiths can cut a key from that. Get three made when you get the work done and put one in a magnetic box somewhere on the car and keep one at home where you know where it is. An Opel without a key is like being up the creek in a canoe without a paddle, you can make do but it is still a PITA.

[73Manta72gt]

If the car has door handles remove one and get the key code off the handle. It's on the flat metal part that operates the lock mechanism.