I am the recent new owner of an '83 244, 2.3L auto. Car came with the steering column lock not having the actuator rod from key tumbler assembly to the ignition switch. Currently am using a screwdriver to operate ignition switch. The car came with another column lock including key tumbler but no key.

Can the actuator rod be extracted from the new lock body and installed in the old lock body?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

That's gonna be a tough one to get answered. It requires the combination of the same circumstances, i.e. missing rod, and hobbyist brick owner who's played locksmith with a very difficult to get at and replace ignition lock.

I have one to look at-- tried pulling on the rod, but it won't come out easily. The guts are sealed in by crimped pot metal, so stopped there, in order to preserve a good part.

Somehow I think you are going to answer the question for us. If you do, try to take some pictures, we'd all appreciate it.

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Art Benstein near Baltimore