After an frustrating searching for over a day now and calling several places I've been recently, I've officially lost my only key for the ignition/column lock on my 242. *sigh*

This car had the column replaced some time before I bought it. I only had the one key for the ignition. I have the door lock key and trunk key, but the ignition key was unique.

I'm weighing my options. It looks like I could pick up a used steering column from the local parts yard for under $50. They usually have the key in the ignition. It sounds like I MIGHT be able to get a locksmith to re-key the lock + a new key for $100 to $150 (something my wife researched).

Are there any identifying markings on the column or ignition lock that could be used to determine the correct key pattern- something I could take to a locksmith and have them cut the key based on some numbers? Anything else I should know like the lock can't be removed for re-keying or other roadblocks?

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'80 242, '82 245 'worktruk', '83 244 Turbo, 83' 242 'volcamino' + a massive dodge van