I'm going to pick-up a 1975 maverick that was abandoned. The ploblem is that the steering is locked with the wheels turned. How do I unlock the steering without the keys? I think I can get under the car and undo the trans. linkage,and put it in"coast" right.? It's a 250 auto. ANY IDEAS ????? Thanks John
Take a steering wheel puller with you and pull the wheel off. You can then put it on "just enough" to get the wheels turned. I actually have a steering wheel that I use specifically for this situation....it is a non-locking wheel.
I hate to say this but the most expedient way would probably be to use a slide hammer and pull the lock cylinder out. That will destroy it, but since the keys are lost you're going to need a new one anyway. You could have a locksmith impression it and make a key, but I bet that would cost more than a new one. Naturally once it's out you'll be able to straighten the wheel and shift into neutral so you won't have to bother with unhooking the driveshaft. Sam
I would suggest what Craig said and then take out a door lock and have a key made for it (same as ignition) if you want to keep this car, or need the key. If you are just stripping it you probably don't need to bother with having a key made. -Corbin
It's fun to break stuff but... I like Craigs way a lot better. I think it's actually less work too. Good luck!
I learned a little trick a few years ago when the tumblers seized in my Cougar. I have done the same trick on a parts Maverick and on a Ford truck as well. It is pretty shade tree and requires some patience, but you can get the lock out without damage to the column and without a key. Take a sawzall or hacksaw and cut off the the switch portion that sticks out of the column. Cut it as close to the column as you can without actually scuffing the column. Once that piece is off there will be a super hard little circle plate in there that guards the tumblers that you can just flick right out. Now there should be three little bosses that go out into the column. Take a 1/8 drill bit and bore into the lock at the location of the boss. Two of the bosses go about 1" into the lock. The third only goes about .25". They will drill easy because this portion of the lock is die cast aluminum. Take your time and go slow. Just look and make sure you don't drill too far into the column housing. Gradually increase the size of the drill hole untill you just about bust out into the housing. When you get this far - just stick a screw driver into the key area and break off the remaining boss. The whole lock should slide out in about 5 pieces. New ignition locks are only like $15 from Auto Zoo or NAPA. Cleaver
THANK'S EVERYONE I would like to thank everyone for there input in this situation. I ended up turning the two ears with a vise-grip,that broke that off. Then I proceeded to diesect the stuff inside. thanks again John
