This past weekend we finally moved the bird thats been in storage for over a year. Of course, I forgot they key to the ignition, but, the ignition-steering lock has never worked before...so I figured...no problem... right?

Wrong.

Of all times for the lock to suddenly work, this was it. The steering wheel would not move, and there I was stuck trying to navigate it out of a storage unit and onto a trailer.

Since I had no idea where the key was, I tried rotating the ignition "ears" to force it to turn, and it sheared off. I can see the key slot, but there isnt anything to rotate

Needless to say, it ended up being a total mess, and I had to call a tow truck to pull it, drag it straight, then tow it back to the new house.

I cant move the steering wheel, cant rotate the switch, and cant even get a key inserted into it. (Yeah, I found the key the next day while unpacking...argh).

So, what are my options? Is there a way to drill out the old ignition switch without damaging the column? Is there a special tool car thiefs use to yank out the ignition lock tumbler? I just want to be able to turn the wheel, and turn on the ignition. I dont care about the lock.

Any ideas?

I have the car jacked up on wheel dollies, so I can move it around the garage, and I still have the keys, but Im stumped on what to try next.

IT is possible to drill it out .you will need a good quality bit and and go slow.or you can remove the steering wheel and insert a small screwdriver in the slot to release the tumbler.do a search for removing the ignition cylinder. i almost had my old one drilled out until i found the proper slot and it slid right out.

This is the thread i started when i did mine. actually quite easy once you stick the screwdriver in the right slot. https://firstgenfirebird.org/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=118201&page=1

Car thiefs use a slide hammer (dent puller) and it will bust up the upper column where the switch is. (A friend of mine had his Camaro stollen years ago.)

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/stdcolumndr_1rev10ja2010.doc

no weapons of destruction, please.

Shroom my friend, when did you buy a Road Runner? And how do you know so much about car thievin'? How did I miss all this?

Challenger actually, bought that one in 1977 or 78, can't remember anymore.
Like I said, a friend had his Camaro stollen years ago. Kinda of a funny story actually. He got it back the next day because it had run out of gas (it was on empty when they took it.) That night the idiots came back to steal it again! They got caught that time.
Plus, I used to work in law enforcement for a while.

Disconnect the driveshaft so it can't be driven. Drop it off in Detroit, unlocked. Wait from a distance for about 10 minutes...

pull the steering wheel.....takes about 10 minutes and it sounds like you need a new lock cylinder anyway....fix it correctly and never look back.

I got it unlocked. I had to use a flat edge screwdriver, rotate the internal assembly a bit, and it lined up the ignition hole enough where I could insert the key. Put in the key, pulled a bit on the steering wheel, and the wheel unlocked.

Once I can get some free time, Ill pull and replace the cylinder as it will need to be replaced anyway.