Help w/removing ignition switch from steering column
 

Im swaping the solid steering column out with an adjustable however im having the worst time removing the ignition switch from the column itself. It seemes to be mounted in a way that either requires a special tool or is not ment to be removed. Has anyone ever worked around this problem? I would like to get the steering column swapped out tomorrow or as soon as possible scince removal and install is a peice of cake(doing a T2 swap and engine is out of the bay).

The switch is held on w/ dead screws, so the vehical can not be stolen. Even if the car is started w/o the key the car cant turn b/c of the locking mechanism inside the switch. You can remove the dead screw by using a chisel or punch w/ a hammer the put a gash on the side of the bolt. Then, using a flathead screw driver and hammer tap the bolt around until loose enough to remove by hand
james

If I was Doing the Steering Column Swap..I would just get the Column with the Ignition Switch,and have the appropriate Key for it..Do you Not have a Key for the New column?..Besides,it doesn't take long to Take the Column out and replace it..But IF you Don't have the Key,then As JWteknix said,The Ignition is held on by Dead Screws(look like Giant Rivets)..once you grind those off,you should have to much problem..OH,I may as Well say this too,I have an adjustable Column,With KEY.(car is an S4)I can sell you..haha..If you are interested,PM me..(Sorry,I had to put that in!!!!)

thanks for the info. I do have the steering column to swap and it did not come with the ignition switch or key. Ill work on removing and swaping over the switch today.

misterstyx69 i might be interested in your steering column however if something goes wrong... or just to have a different key for my shell in general.

Can you post some pics of this procedure. I need to replace my switch & have really no clue how to do it, and not break anything real bad.

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I agree with the above, but if you have a dremel motor maybe you could use a disc on it and cut a slot for a screwdriver blade in the heads??? Never done this on a 2nd generation. Did it on a first gen once (switch removal).

Well i didnt have a chance to work on it tonight and was buzy with the rear end work on my project.

I do have a second question... what can i use to replace the studs or rivets that hold the switch together? If anyone has some input please do!

I will take pictures of the entire procedure for a how to once i know everything needed to complete the job.

Thanks guys :)

I've only done this on a series four, but they were screws with no heads, so to speak. So if that if the case with a series four/five, then get two screws/bolts to replace the ones you took out.

^word

Yeah, they're "tamper proof" screws- much like the ones you see in public restrooms- and are made only to be installed, not removed.

The threads are standard metric though, so once removed (I drill the heads off and once the two halves of the switch are separated just unscrew the remaining studs) they can be replaced with normal screws.

It's not like those originals deter any thief over five years old anyway.