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Steering Column Lock Behavior 1800 1973

The only fully assembled lock assembly that I have a key for displays odd behavior in terms of the key position vs column lock pin position. I took a series of four photos showing what happens with the key in different positions:

1. (Top image) With the key in Positions I, II, or III, the lock pin is fully retracted, freeing up the steering. Looks good so far.

2. With the key turned all the way OFF, but still inserted in the switch, the lock pin extends about 1/8" - probably enough to penetrate the column tube but not enough to engage the slot in the steering shaft.

3. With the key pulled out of the switch, the locking pin extends a bit further to about 1/4"- "possibly' enough to engage the slot in the steering shaft.

4. (Bottom photo) Here's the weird part - if the key is re-inserted THEN the locking pin extends to where it SURELY engages the slot in the shaft. I can then remove the key and the pin stays fully extended.

I have another partial lock and switch assembly that doesn't act this way, but it's not a complete assembly. On that one, the locking pin fully extends the first time you remove the key - that seems more correct to me.




Also, in the next photo, I am showing two different locks, the difference being the way they attach to the column. The "slide-on" type is P/N 682656. The "strap-on" type is P/N 1212291. Does anyone know which one is proper for my 1973? They both appear to have the same overall dimensions, same switching, etc. I would more than gladly use the strap on type but I don't have a key to fit.




So how do you tear one of these apart? It appears you can separate the two halves of the lock assembly by drilling out the pin. But to replace the tumbler part it appears I would need to pry out the square plate at the end. Anyone ever done this?










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    Steering Column Lock Behavior 1800 1973

    Hello Chris,

    I have experienced this exact set of symptoms on a customers car and we (the customer and me) decided to let it go for now.

    And that is because new lock assemblies have been long NLA, so only good used ones are available.


    You can remove the lock assembly from the adapter by removing the set screw and use the whole lock assembly without pulling the steering column support bracket from your car.

    I wouldn't try to swap tumblers as I can almost guarantee that the tumbler will fall apart, especially if the center section has a crack(s).
    --
    Eric
    Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
    Torrance, CA 90502
    hiperformanceautoservice.com or oldvolvosonly.com








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      Steering Column Lock Behavior 1800 1973

      "...You can remove the lock assembly from the adapter by removing the set screw and use the whole lock assembly without pulling the steering column support bracket from your car...."

      Hi, Eric,

      I assume you are talking about the set screw that keeps the lock assembly firmly attached to the outer column tube. I'm not sure what you mean by "adapter".

      I have the entire dash and steering column tube out of the car so I'm looking at a major reassembly task. My plan was to take another old dash I have (no upper part on it - open on the top) and temporarily use it to:

      a.) Assist me in cleaning up the wire routing and get it all routed and tie-wrapped in the correct location for each respective gauge or switch. Then....

      b.) Use it as a test bed in which to temporarily mount the gauges and verify that they function properly. I have a total of three entire sets of gauges so I'm hoping to be able to make up at least one good working set, including the "daisy chain" illumination circuit.

      Anyway, I wish I would have shot more pics of "strap-one" type lock assembly. You can see, in the pic, that it is tightened down on the column tube with a single snap head bolt. If I were to drill the head off that bolt, the strap part will just swing out and unhook at it's other end (not visible in the pic). So it would be real nice to use that one when reassembling as the lock assembly wouldn't have to go into the car until AFTER the dash is all in place. And it would be easier to remove later if need be. The other style (with the set screw) will have to be slipped onto the column tube BEFORE the dash goes in - one more thing to remember, duh.

      So the prior owner had the strap type lock installed without the strap. He used a muffler clamp to secure it to the column. Real nice!! He also had a Volkswagen key in it. I can see where he had drilled the tumbler retainer pin out and re-inserted one, so I assume it's a Volks tumbler also. I now feel empowered to swap the tumbler if I end up using that lock assembly.

      So the biggest question I have in my mind is what is the correct configuration for 1973 - strap-on or slip-on? (I have to remind myself this is a family friendly forum.) My data says Volvo had locking steering on the 1800 starting in 1970. I'm guessing they started with P/N 682656 (slip-on) and at some point switched to P/N 1212291 (strap on). Since my car was built about 200 units from the end of the 1973 production run - I think my car was built the day they got their layoff notices - can I assume I'm good to go with P/N 1212291, the larger of the two P/N's?








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        Steering Column Lock Behavior 1800 1973

        Chris;

        I am following this thread with interest...I cannot help with details or the answers you seek, but I will crosspost this to the very knowledgeable Volvoniacs Forum (German)...perhaps someone there can help.

        I recommend you document your findings well...it looks like this thread and your research should become the definitive reference on the Locking Steering System.

        Good Hunting!








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          Steering Column Lock Behavior (Info from Volvoniacs forum) 1800 1973

          Chris;

          See: http://www.networksvolvoniacs.org/index.php/Spezial:AWCforum/st/id7465/#post_51878

          The two assemblies were fitted based on chassis numbers (from thread: Volvo #682655: installed on 182 ch 30.001-38.653, 183 (1800ES) to ch -796
          Volvo #1212291:installed on 182 from ch -38.654, 183 (1800ES) from ch 797-) but these are interchangeable. The "Slide-on" type has a (one-time use) screw which was installed at assembly time, and which shears off at that time...this screw should be drilled out (to allow installation like the "Strap-on" style) and replaced with a new screw (still available).

          Kay suggests soaking the mechanism in a good creeping oil will return smooth action.

          Hope this helps. Cheers








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            Steering Column Lock Behavior (Info from Volvoniacs forum) 1800 1973

            Thanks, Ron. That's good info as I wanted to use the strap-on. It would be much easier to remove later in case I had to for some reason.

            I can tell you what I've learned so far. Fortunately I have a couple extra ign/lock assemblies laying around to use as "lab rats". Only one of the spares - the subject one with the locking issue - has both a key that works AND a complete electrical switch related to the door open/seat belt buzzer which I hope to restore to functionality so I was a bit leery of what I poured in there. I did spray copious amounts of electrical cleaner in and found that the lock would start working properly, at least while it was still wet inside. Once dry, it's back to misbehaviing. So I decided I really needed to get it apart so that I can clean the 40 year old crusty gunk out.

            Besides the snap-head bolt at the steering column that you mentioned, there are three additional points within the lock assembly where you have to "force you way in" in order to completely disassemble:

            1.) A snap-head set screw that keeps the two halves of the assembly together.

            2.) A rectangular access plate, which is crimped in place.

            3.) A pressed-in pin, about 3mm dia that keeps the key tumbler in place.

            I managed to disassemble one of the lab rats with minimal collateral damage (drilling, etc.), except when I was un-crimping the access plate the very edge of the body casting snapped off. It's only crimped on two opposing sides of the plate, so I found I can crimp it down with the other two virgin sides in case I crack the good assembly when I tear it apart. This access plate also holds the spring in retention that pushes the bar into the steering column, so it needs to be crimped soundly. I'm pretty confident I can pull off a dis/re-assembly.

            If I can successfully pull it off I'll post more details and pics. Until then, here's what I'm looking at.

            Note: the previous owner had a VW key and tumbler in place of the original. That's what you see in the pic.







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