Sparky73

Hi all,

I've got a 1980 Cobra.. and it is currently in storage. Once a week I go out to the storage area and start it up and let it run for 15 minutes or so and just sit inside and pretend the snow is gone and I'm cruising down the road

Anyway.. today I went out there, and I couldn't budge the ignition. It is stuck in the 'lock' position. It is winter and is cold out.. so could that have anything to do with it? It is in a 10x20 storage, no heat.

Any idea's guys? Any tricks to unlock it? Yes I held the release, and also tried turning the wheel.

Chaoss84GT50

I had that problem with my old ranger, I had to remove the steering column cover and pull the ignition cylinder out and replace it because the pin in the bottom that lets u turn it broke and it wouldn't turn anymore. I know it doesnt help fix it but... try jiggling the key maybe? they arent that expansive or hard to put in so worst comes to worst just replace it... that sucks

PRO50SC

Here's a trick I have had luck w/ in the past. Insert the key, take a hammer and lightly rap on the key in the direction the key inserts. I have free'd up some lock cylinders in the past that way. The lock cylinder has to be in the run position to be able to depress the lock pin to remove the cylinder.

primetime5.0

thats when you drill the pin out

Sparky73

Any other ideas? I tried the hammer thing.. no luck. Maybe spray some WD-40 in there? The car is in a tight storage space until the 1st of April. After that.. I'll need to drive it home, so working on it there for more than an hour or so is out of the question.

Chaoss84GT50

Id say just hook up a push button start, its not hard. Put that in and eliminate the key altogether, thats what I did. If you do this make sure to have a safety button though, something you gotta push before the start button. That way so if someone breaks in they wont be able to start your car. Good luck, thats a poo style situation you are in. If you need I have a wiring diagram on how to hook up a push start. -Chaoss-

primetime5.0

apparently you didnt read my post, you drill the pin out that holds the cylinder in the column, use a slide hammer and screw it down were the key goes.. and let her rip

Chaoss84GT50

thats a good idea, but that will rip the ignition cylinder out right?

primetime5.0

you buy a new cylinder and key from the parts store..

Chaoss84GT50

thats true, if it were me I would rip the cylinder out and go to a push button, im doing that right now. then all you need is a key fob to turn the alarm off and unlock the doors and your in.