I am working on a 70 GS that has the steering column replaced with later model unit from what I would suspect is a Regal or a T-type. For some unknown reason the steering wheel and column are locked so tightly that I can't turn the ignition key for fear breaking something. Is it possible that I can take the steering wheel off and somehow free up the column. BTW, it is a console style shifter and not a column style. Thanks in advance for the assistance.
Would removing the locking pin help? If your is designed similar to that of an original 70, it may be easy to remove once removing the wheel and hub.
Will the steering wheel move at all? If so, try turning it and hold it in place while turning the key. Sometimes the wheels will stop in a position that keeps the wheel forced against the stops.
The steering is pointed very close straight ahead. The wheel is about 10 degrees left. I am wondering if putting it up on jack stands put the steering in a bind somehow. I am going to put it back on the ground a see if that changes the problem. Updates to follow.
Update. Problem solved, sort of. I got the ignition switch to turn after removing all the linkage from the column to t transmission. Then sprayed a very small amount of WD-40 in the tumbler( I would have preferred the correct graphite lube but that wasn't an option at 10:30pm) AND GENTLY rotated the key in the cylinder several times and it finally released and rotated freely. I did take the steering wheel off and remove parts down to the point where I could see that the locking pin was moving freely. Once all was moving freely I reassembled everything I had taken apart. As of it is moment it is all working and I hope it will stay that way for a long while. Finding a correct column is going to be a challenge.
