1. I inherited an 83 Z28, but the keys are lost. Car sat for ten years and needs restored. I'm trying to take the steering column apart to unlock the ignition switch so I can steer the car. I have the steering wheel removed. Now I'm looking at the turn signal cam assembly(my terminology may be wrong). It's held in by a split ring, which is at the bottom of the splines on the steering wheel shaft. How does one get this split ring off?

2. My goal is to remove the ignition switch and/or the bar which keeps the switch locked. Going beyond question #1... am I going about this correctly? Does someone have a better way or what can I expect after I get the split ring off the shaft?

 

goto autozone and rent a locking plate tool...

it has a bar that threads on where the steering wheel nut is... then a U shaped piece of metal goes on it... as you tightnen the nut, it pushes the U piece down on the plate... once the plate is down, a screwdriver (or even your fingers) will get the clip off.

then back the tool off, and the lockign plate comes out


you can just slip the steering wheel back on to move the car around, but you need to replace the plate before you attempt to drive it.

athough with no key, you might as well take it all teh way down, replace the lock cyl, double check the tilt colum bolts while you're in there (lock tite em) and then put it back together...

that way, you can just use your new key from the lock cyl.

 

Call a dealer and a locksmith with the vin number, sometimes they can get you a key.

 

for like $150, a locksmith can go to your house and make a key for it.

 

Thanks for the advice...
I already tried getting a key from my local GM dealer, but their VIN records to make a key only goes back to 1988. Plus, this car is a free project car, so I don't want to spend any money on a locksmith. I'm cheap and the type that likes a challenge(or punishment depending on your point of view).

 

Hello Ed,

Check your e-mail, this should be cheap enough!!!!!!!!!!!

The Trickster!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

If you got a tow truck handy you can tow it for a mile from the rear the steering lock breaks about 75 percent of the time!!

 

n/m

 

If you already removed the steering wheel & the adaptor that wheel mounts to.Behind it is a black plastic cap,pop it off & you should see a blk metal sprocket like piece.There is a 1/4 dia pin to the 11o'clock mark.This pin is what locks the wheel in place.Remove that sprocket like metal piece.Once removed you should be able to see a silver(i believe)star screw(also about 1/4 dia) to the right(about 2o'clock mark,just below ignition switch).This screw holds in place/releases the ignition switch.You may or may not have to remove the signal light switch to remove that silver (star) screw.You should be able to replace the adaptor & put your steering back on w/out these item in place.

 

Thanks to everyone...especially The Trickster. I got the ignition switch out of the steering column. Had it out in 5 minutes...good information goes a long way.
I took it to my friendly Chevy dealer, who read the 4 digit/letter code stamped on the outside of the barrel, and he made me a key, actually I got two made right away. Didn't have to bust anything, didn't have to drag the car....all is good. A new ignition switch was $21.00(dealer cost + 10%), 2 keys cost me $2.00.

Next will be the door locks and hatch. Parts Manager said if I bring him one lock, he can decode it, but the lock will be destroyed. He can then make me a key...I would have to buy one lock barrel to replace the destroyed one.

Thanks again. :hail:

 

Good job Ed,

Had wondered how you were doing with that/ Glad to see it worked out okay.