I just got a '71 Duster, Hemi Orange, black interior, slant six auto, with NO keys, for $50. I half dismantled the steering column, pulled the steering shaft back far enough so I could steer the thing around (has the column that locks) and sneak it into reverse so we could move it. That was good enough to get it home, but now I want to get her running/driving, and I need to be able to turn the ignition.

On a '70-'71 how do I remove the lock cylinder? I am considering drilling it out, but does anyone have a better idea? And if I do end up having to drill it, anyone got any recommendations so I don't destroy everything?

Thanks a billion everyone!

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Scott - waywardgarage.com
Why is the rum always gone?

This is a case where a locksmith could earn his money.
The retaining pin is hardened and, besides, will just spin if you try to drill it. It's designed to retract in the "on" position, so you should direct your efforts toward breaking the tumbler pins to allow the cylinder to turn (ie, jam a big screwdriver in and turn it with a big adjustable wrench ).
There's always collateral damage to deal with using these methods, though .
If there's a good lock shop around, pull the column and tote it over; they could save you a lot of headaches.

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O==\=/==O

"A mechanic is Somebody."
- Jim Preston

If you had a spare tumbler, and key, you can dismantle the column and just swap the locks...(I had to do this with the Hpak duster one winter when one of the pins stuck in the 'up' position not allowing me to put a key into the lock...thank god for having a spare column and set of keys).

with the manual in front of me it took 30 minutes to swap the tumbler out...

-D.Idiot

Changing the ignition lock is an easy job, not worth paying the locksmith!

Very true if you have the key. If I remember right, you need the key so you can turn the lock cylinder to a certain position to allow its retaining pin to be pushed in which allows the whole lock cylinder to be pulled out. Without the key you can't remove the lock cylinder without destroying some parts.

Yeah, actually it has to be put in the 'lock' position to be able to push the retaining detent in, so if it's already 'locked' then he just needs to pull the column apart and pull the lock cylinder out, insert new one and reassemble in reverse...

D.Idiot

Well, I discovered how to do it tonight, but not until after I mangled the original lock cylinder. The column will be okay, though. My service manual didn't cover the specifics of my application, so after a couple "oops" I got everything apart okay. I'll know exactly how to put it back together.

Thanks for everyone's help, and I'm 100% sure you won't need a locksmith, even if you don't have the key. There's a lil' hole that you stick a small screwdriver in to release the clip, and the whole thing slides out.

On a related question, I think I'm going to leave the steering column locking deal (the sawblade looking thing) out. Anyone have any feedback on whether this is a bad idea or not?

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Scott - waywardgarage.com
Why is the rum always gone?

Only if some joy rider figures out you saved him a couple minutes of hassle when he boosts your ride.... luckily most 'punks' are only interested in newer import cars...

-D.Idiot

Sorry I was wrong about the tumbler position. I'm too used to working on new stuff, I guess.
Newer cars use the "on" position for pin retraction to make them more theft proof (supposedly). On one of those, a locksmith is often worth it.
I'm glad you didn't have to worry about it.

_________________
O==\=/==O

"A mechanic is Somebody."
- Jim Preston