I picked up an '88 GTA and the owner lost the keys. I really need to be able to steer this thing to move it around. It's been sitting for 10+ years, so I'm figuring that it will be parted and not restored. Is there an easy way to break/remove the key cylinder or am I going to have to remove the wheel and dig down into the column to get the cylinder out?
It's a black on black car, 305 TPI auto with T-tops and digital dash. Thanks for your help -

 

I think you can remove the lock plate that's just under the steering wheel. Then put the steering wheel back on. It shouldn't be that that difficult.

 

Remove the steering wheel. Remove the screw for the lock cylinder & put it out. Either put back in a new lock cylinder with key or possibly just leave out & replacement the wheel.

 

Easy way? Just break the lock cylinder out with a hammer or cut off wheel. Then you use a pair of vise grips as a key provided you don't need the column of course. Or another possibility depending on how much you have to move the car, just disconnect the steering shaft under the hood and two people can turn the front wheels by hand

 

If you have AAA you can get locksmith service. I lost my keys for a 1996 Grand Prix and they came to my house and made me new ones for free by looking at the VIN. That was probably 10 years ago so their benefits may have changed. Might be worth looking into if you have AAA.

 

Thanks for the responses. I'll try taking the wheel off and get the cylinder out first.

 

try a bunch of other keys that you have laying around. you might get lucky. i dont know how many times i've gotten lucky even using other makes/manufacturers keys? have a careful look under the car too. sometimes people hide those magnetic "hide-a-key" things under the car.

 

Go Jacks