What would you do? (different steering column, shaft, and ignition)
 

I figured I'd post this up after searching for the last 90 mins. I'm restoring my brother's 79 (or 80) widebody. I just installed an 81-83 steering box, shaft, and column on his car. The only thing that was on it before was a sloppy and worn out steering box with a steering shaft with rounded off splines at the end. No column or switch. Well, I didn't realize that the connectors were all backwards for the 81-83 switches as compared to the 79-80 ignition switches, as well as a few wires with different color coding. Also, I looked around for the key for the 81 - 83 switch as well, but it's forever lost. So, in haste, I found a "full" 79-80 switch w/key on ebay for $80. I didn't wanna pay that much, but I needed it. Well, I got it 2 days ago only to find out that he didn't send me the upper bracket for it which I do not have. It also turns out that the 79-80 steering column is wider in diameter than the later years as well. I also can't find the bracket that holds the column to the "dash bracket" that's above it. So, this is my current situation. What would you do? :Wconfused

braket
 

hey what exactly you looking for and what year i mihgt have it...if you want it

That's a very good question! I'm not quite sure yet. I wanted to use the 79-80 ignition switch because it connects to the harness, but the entire ignition "setup" is larger than the 81-83 steering column it bolts onto. Also, if I were to "rig" it somehow, I would need the upper bracket for it, as well as trying to figure out a way to "fill in" the "gap".
If I wanted to use the 81-83 switch, well, I would need another tumbler because the one I have does not have a key. The wires coming out are also quite different as well.
I was also originally thinking of finding a 79-80 steering column so I could use my 79-80 switch, but I believe the steering column is shorter than the 81-83. I'm using an 81-83 steering box and shaft (collapsable).
So, I'm basically stuck right now as to what to do.

Anyone?

what I did
 

When I first got my rx7 I had the same problem. The key to the car was gone and the only key that I got with the car was a ford probe key. Now if I Jiggled the key around in the ignition I could get it to work. There was a trick and you have to be shown how to get it to turn. I bought a lock kit off ebay and it wasnt even close I paid about just as much only to find that the wires and all did not match up. Not wanting to pay as much agian on a hit or miss deal on ebay I installed the door locks disassembled the exisiting ignition removed the lock pins (any key can start it now) and put in two hidden toggle switches up under the dash that cut the power to the ignition system these need to be turned on to start the car. And for extra measure I also put in another toggle that cuts the power to the fuel pump.

Yea I know but hey it works I can start the car and feel relatively safe about leaving it alone at night.

I appreciate your response :), but I'm hoping for something a little better than that. I'm restoring a 79 widebody with a street ported 13b (that I'm currently rebuilding), water to air intercooler, weber mani w/ 48Idf TB, t04b turbo, microtech lt8s (soon to replace w/ a megasquirt), 15x8.5 and 15x9.5 SSR wheels, recaro seats, etc.