Q Ignition Lock

[fxjackso]

My 1990 Q has a worn ignition switch. A replacement key, thinner than the big original, still works. On my 1991 I never had a problem.

I want to take the lock off of the 91 for when the 1990 stops working. But, having exposed it, I am staring at two smooth round heads on the bottom of the mechanism. I recall Heath(?) mentioning this attachment method.

Two questions. How can I get them off and , when I do, will I be able to reattach the lock? I don't think I will care if my reattachment method is as theft resistant.

Thanks for any advice.

[Q451990]

The screws are sheer-head screws. You have to drill them out, but they're a soft metal so they aren't hard to drill. Just try to have the lower covers removed too, not just the steering column - you'll accumulate a lot of metal shavings unless you have an assistant with a vaccum cleaner there...

I started with a smaller pilot drill bit, and then worked out to one that's more the size of the bolt. The goal is to drill the heads off of the bolt without getting in to the lower braket too much. I would assume you can order replacement screws, but just matching the thread size should work if you aren't concerned about anti-theft. The only problem may be getting a head size that will fit down in to the bracket. By the time you get to that point, a theif could just jump out electrical connections anyway, so I don't see the big advantage to the sheer-bolts anyway. I guess it would still keep the thief from turning the wheel though...

Heath

[Chally]

Another way, is to get a sharp small chisel, metal work one, & you are able to tap the head & undo the shear bolt.

If you can't get new shear bolts, (they normally come with a new ignition switch) just use Allen Head bolts.

[Q451990]

just use Allen Head bolts.

That would definately work!

Heath

[fxjackso]

Sure enough, the metal is very soft. I was able to drill two holes in each head, then use a needle nose pliers to loosen the bolt, which by the way was not tight at all.

My local hardware has a good selection of metric hardware, and I will use some allen screws as suggested.

Thanks, I'm ready for the inevitable now, plus I have the "complete" key set, big, valet, flat.