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Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: PorchSwing on April 24, 2007, 05:29:23 PM

Title: Pinto w/no keys--how to unlock steering?
Post by: PorchSwing on April 24, 2007, 05:29:23 PM
Rescued a rust-free 73 Squire from certain doom in a junkyard; am beginning the restoration (or restomod, haven't decided yet) process.  The car has no keys, though, and I'm trying to figure out how to unlock the steering column so it can be steered into the garage.  The ignition switch area and metal collar are already fairly trashed.  Any help is welcome!

--chris j.
Title: Re: Pinto w/no keys--how to unlock steering?
Post by: 2.3stangii on April 24, 2007, 05:50:45 PM
I had to swap ignition switches in my mustang and the only thing i can say is take a flat screwdriver and beat and pick until you get it to turn. Or just take the steering wheel off and put tape over the little rod on the top area of the column (thats what locks the steering).
Title: Re: Pinto w/no keys--how to unlock steering?
Post by: 77turbopinto on April 25, 2007, 07:08:20 AM
The lock area is prone to permanent damage if the lock is beat on. I would suggest removing the colunm and bring it to a locksmith.

Bill
Title: Re: Pinto w/no keys--how to unlock steering?
Post by: krazi on April 25, 2007, 10:02:14 AM
another thing to do would be to pull out one of the door lock tumblers and take it to the local locksmith.

krazi
Title: Re: Pinto w/no keys--how to unlock steering?
Post by: PorchSwing on April 25, 2007, 02:04:06 PM
Actually, from looking at it I'm pretty sure the lock area has already suffered permanent damage.  I was assuming I'd have to replace the steering column, or at least the metal collar and ignition switch, because it's all pretty torn up already.

-Chris J.

Quote from: 77turbopinto on April 25, 2007, 07:08:20 AM
The lock area is prone to permanent damage if the lock is beat on. I would suggest removing the colunm and bring it to a locksmith.

Bill
Title: Re: Pinto w/no keys--how to unlock steering?
Post by: earthquake on April 25, 2007, 11:24:39 PM
As an ex repo man this ones simple.Take a thin stiff plastic card a drivers licence works good.on the top where the wheel meets the column slide the card between the wheel and column with a back and forth motion.The lock pin will retract and as long as the card is in there you can turn the wheel.This works on older ford and merc.
Title: Re: Pinto w/no keys--how to unlock steering?
Post by: High_Horse on April 26, 2007, 02:30:55 PM
I had this problem once when a tumbler went bad. Remove the steering wheel and press in the little pin that holds the tumbler in place and it will pop out. Then you can use a screw driver to turn the pinion to unlock the colomn and start it if it will. The steering lock pin is spring loaded as earthquake says but you run the risk of it popping out and locking when it might not be convenient. Good quickie though.

                                                             High_Horse

                                                       
Title: Re: Pinto w/no keys--how to unlock steering?
Post by: PorchSwing on April 26, 2007, 04:03:33 PM
Woo-hoo!  That did it!  Thank you, Earthquake!

Quote from: earthquake on April 25, 2007, 11:24:39 PM
As an ex repo man this ones simple.Take a thin stiff plastic card a drivers licence works good.on the top where the wheel meets the column slide the card between the wheel and column with a back and forth motion.The lock pin will retract and as long as the card is in there you can turn the wheel.This works on older ford and merc.
Title: Re: Pinto w/no keys--how to unlock steering?
Post by: earthquake on April 27, 2007, 11:05:32 AM
You should not try to drive the car this way for any reason this trick is just to move it around when keys aren't available.
Title: Re: Pinto w/no keys--how to unlock steering?
Post by: PorchSwing on April 28, 2007, 06:15:42 PM
I can see why--it's pretty precarious.  This car isn't going anywhere under her own power for a good long time though.  I just need to get her into the garage so she can be put on jackstands and stripped down preparatory to resto.  :)  By the time she leaves the garage she'll (hopefully) have a new steering column and keys.  Thanks again.
Title: Re: Pinto w/no keys--how to unlock steering?
Post by: earthquake on April 30, 2007, 12:22:04 AM
I have 2 complete lock sets for a wagon.
Title: Re: Pinto w/no keys--how to unlock steering?
Post by: PorchSwing on May 03, 2007, 10:58:04 PM
I might be interested in one of them, assuming there are keys.  Do you have one of the metal collars that goes around the column just behind the steering wheel, also?  (The exterior trim piece; color doesn't matter)
Title: Re: Pinto w/no keys--how to unlock steering?
Post by: earthquake on May 31, 2007, 01:42:35 AM
Hey PorchSwing
     I'm sorry for the delay gettin back to you about this.We just found out my Mother in law has cancer,things have been hectic.I do have a full set of locks including glove box lock.I also have a couple of the collars you seek.collar and locks $40.00 shipped.