How to disable ignition steering lock?

phaques · 02-01-2007, 07:21 AM

NASA GCR's require that I disable my ignition steering lock...anybody know the easiest way to do that?

I have the ignition switch out of the car, but the locking bar portion seems to be part of the sealed tumbler.

I wouldn't mind getting rid of the keyed ignition altogether in favor of switches later, but for now......

any help appreciated.

thanks

oh yeah - this is an '83 911sc
__________________
Fax

1983 911 SC

LakeCleElum · 02-01-2007, 07:40 AM

Yep, reinstall the switch and rotate it about 20 degrees or more. The arm with the lock will not go into the steering column and is no longer functional.

IROC · IROC's Garage

I cut the lock bar portion of mine off with a hacksaw, but the "rotate is 20 degrees or more" sounds like a good idea.

Mike

phaques · 02-01-2007, 11:10 AM

Bob,
That sounds more elegant than other solutions...but can you clarify? do you mean to re-attach the ignition to the dash panel so that the arm is not sticking into the steering column (but just sort of sticking out in the air)? Or, do you mean reinstall the electronic part of the switch into the back of the sealed tumbler unit so that it somehow doesn't operate the locking arm...?

thanks

LakeCleElum · 02-01-2007, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by phaques
Bob,
That sounds more elegant than other solutions...but can you clarify? do you mean to re-attach the ignition to the dash panel so that the arm is not sticking into the steering column (but just sort of sticking out in the air)? Or, do you mean reinstall the electronic part of the switch into the back of the sealed tumbler unit so that it somehow doesn't operate the locking arm...?

thanks

Yes, sticking out in the air. I just rotated mine counter-clockwise no more than about 20 degrees. The arm does not go into the hole in the steering column and is now just above the column. The only difference is that now the key does not go in at a vertical angle, but one quickly gets used to that.

The advantage of this is that it can be returned to the way it was intended if you wish.

phaques · 02-01-2007, 02:15 PM

Got it - thanks. I wound up drilling a small hole through the entire thickness of the casing and rod with the rod in the retracted position, and inserted a machine screw all the way through and secured it with a nylon lock nut on the far side. Should be able to undo it if I need to, and it is fairly elegant. And, easy. Thanks for the help!

Walt Fricke · 02-01-2007, 04:15 PM

Fax - you must be a smart fella, because that's what I did, too. I used a cotter pin. I did have the whole assembly out when I did this, which made it easier, but I always thought it could be done in situ.

My plan was to pin it for track events, and then un-pin it for street driving. Guess what never gets done? At least partly because the wiring makes fussing with this rather a chore given where I put the hole.

My track only car dispenses with keys altogether (imagine not being able to find the key at an event), which is mo betta, but not for a street car. But for the dual purpose car I have added a starter pushbutton because my switch is acting up when it comes to wanting to turn to "start."

Walt

phaques · 02-01-2007, 08:22 PM

Mainly I wanted to make sure I didn't modify it in some way that would make the steering lock even MORE of a hazard on the track. Maybe I'll replace this theft prevention device with a quick-release steering wheel which I can just take out with me if I park the car in town.....

Walt Fricke · 02-01-2007, 10:06 PM

Well, I've got a quick release wheel, too. What with a full cage, and now a non-adjustable one piece race seat, I have to take the wheel off just to get in or out without too much contortion. And it is my daily driver.

I've contemplated taking the wheel with me, but the mental picture this presents has prevented doing this. Good conversation piece, I suppose. Not too practical for leaving the car in an airport lot for a week. I could check it through?

I'm hoping for dumb car thieves who a) wouldn't see the wheel on the floor, or b) wouldn't know what to do with it, or c) were smart and would decide this Porsch was too old, too odd, and with huge numbers on the sides and driver's names on the roof above the door, would be too hot to handle.

Walt

phaques · 02-02-2007, 04:02 AM

Yes!! The numbers and the name - I forgot the most obvious! Who would steal a car emblazoned with such graphic identification! I'm headed to the paint shop now....