Stuck steering column

So I scored a 46-48 ( I think ) Ford steering column. Looks in pretty good shape but the key is missing and the steering lock is engaged. Anyone know if there is a way to get this apart or do I have to drill out the lock?
A


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Unless a locksmith can make a key your going to have to drill it. HRP

 

If you can't get a key made, there is a steel plug underneath holding it in that will need drilled .
The pic is from Vanpeltsales.com.

Here's a link to the entire process. It's a different year lock but the process is the same.
http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/1939ford-project-restoration-10.htm

 

Thanks guys, thought that would be the case.


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If it's something you planned to use I wouldn't drill it. Pull the steering wheel off and the rubber center bushing in the top of the tube. Then remove the bottom tube clamp. Now you can push the shaft sideways enough to slip past the lock and remove the tube from the box itself. Now take the tube to a locksmith and get a key made and put it back together.
The Wizzard

 

Great advice^^^...

 

Have you done this?,,I have had to drill 3 different locks in the past and your telling us that it's not necessary. HRP

 

Usually drill and tap a small hole in the lock pin, then use a machine screw and small socket as a small puller. There is a code on side of the lock cylinder you can use to get a key cut. This is a 10-32 in '40 lock pin; but I have used 6-32 on the pre '36 smaller pins.

 

Yes, I have done as I described above. I'm lucky enough to have a very old Lock shop in down town Vancouver that still has a locksmith that knows what he doing. It's Harry's lock and Key. When I bring him just the Jacket with the lock he does what he calls "Wiggle" a key. He didn't like it when I brought him a complete old Greassy box and column with the Wheel still on it. He told me what to do next time and it saved me from actually removing the Box and wheel from the 40 Ford I was working on. So ya, I guess drilling out the lock pin for the tumbler is unnecessary if your key cylinder is still in good shape.
The Wizzard

 

Looks like I jumped the gun there, oh well. managed to drill, tap and pull the pin so I got the column apart and saved the lock. I'll see if I can get a key made for it

 

Well no matter how you do it success is still success.
The Wizzard