Well, here it is. Took the start switch/steering lock assembly out of the dash. Wasn't too bad. Removed the plastic key hole faceplace (unscrews off), and behind it you will find two shear bolts and two rivets. Removed the steering wheel for access, and drilled the shear bolts and rivets out. Under the dash, by the steering column is an allen set screw that need to be loosened also. Unplug the three harness plugs against the firewall behind the starter switch, unplug the plug from the starter switch, and pull the assembly out. Total time about 1/2 hour.
From there you will see the small pin around the key tumbler that holds it in. Drilled out the pin, only go about 1/8 to 3/16" in and not more than that or you will damage the key way. Wacked the keyhole face against a block of wood to release any residual of the pin and the key way cylinder should slide out. Just as expected, the backplate was loose, about 1/16", not allowing the thin steel plate sandwiched between to rotate as it should, putting the assembly on permanent starter lockout. There is no way any amount of lube or cleaning would have fixed this situation. You can see the thin steel plate in the first pic below. The cylinder was placed keyhole face down against a block of wood, and with a hammer and punch, the two retaining pins that are supposed to hold the backplate were repunched, fastening the backplate against the keyhole assembly just as when it was new. You can see the punched retaining pins in the second pic as the two black round dimples with the punch marks. This should be even more solid than when it was new, as the original retaining punch was kind of light.
The cylinder was put back into the assembly, and a small screw was screwed into where the retaining pin was drilled out. A hacksaw blade was used to cut off any protruding part of the screw so it was flush with the housing. Reinstall the assembly back behind the dash, and either use two 10mm bolts where the shear bolts were drilled out, or screw in two new shear bolts. Everything now works perfectly and just like new. Total cost about $0 vs. $500+ for a new assembly.
