Technical GM universal steer column key/shifter question

Good evening all,

I got a speedway GM universal steering column with key: https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Univ...ing-Column-With-Shifter-32-Chrome,486001.html

I started another post on the wiring:
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...versal-steering-column.1300064/#post-14970078

but I was installing today and noticed something else….

I ***umed before I bought it that the column wouldn’t be able to shift unless the key was inserted. Looking for some extra security so it can’t be shifted to neutral and pushed without using a key.

I was installing the shift linkage today and noticed I was wrong… I can shift through all gears without the key in.

is there a way to change that in the column so it won’t shift without the key installed?

 

You may have to leave the wheels turned hard, as key should lock the steering.

 

get an old column out of a junkyard instead of the new reproduction ****?

seems like they did away with the shifter locking feature when they copied the design.

 

^^^^This. The Aftermarket columns don't have interlocks that I know of. Either OEM or early ford with the lock in the column drop (not a new idea)

 

I’ve always removed that feture. This is where the locking pin would exit.
But that’s not the end of it. It would need the locking plate as well.

 

I just checked this morning and I can turn the front wheels without the key in so I may try to return to speedway motors. Doesn’t seem worth it to finish installing when it provides nothing new for security compared to my old column without the key.

Thank you all for the information

 

I went to the link you posted, I kept drilling down for details/etc. it made no mention of a lock.
But one thing I read was “we made this….” So this makes me think they spec’ed it out? I’d call first and ask if it can be retrofitted with the locking setup.
To be honest with you, if I sold a product and listed every feature the product had, someone buys it and then wants to return it because it didn’t have a feature they wanted, I’d have a hard time accepting a return.
But they are a large company, so the person on the phone may not be concerned with that and just say “send it back”.

 

Do you really think the steering wheel lock is a deterrent? If they want it, they’ll get it.

 

If you have an original column but no key just take it to a locksmith. He can get the cylinder out then you can just buy a new cylinder at the autoparts. They are not pricey.

This will make someone chuckle. I had an OT mini truck (I still have the 355 that I put in it). My insurance agent told me that they would not insure it unless I put an external steer wheel lock on it. So I bought a Club. A couple weeks back I was looking for a distributer and found my Club complete with key. It must be an omen.

 

The OEM columns that locked were the ones that had the shifter integrated with the steering column. The ones that had a separate shifter such as 4 speed trucks and small cars did not have the locking column feature but included a small push tab that you needed to engage before taking out the key. This was to prevent the problems you would have if you inadvertently locked the column with the car still in motion. The aftermarket columns just didn't want to deal with insurance complications.

 

You can get the tumbler out of the locking column by removing the lock ring. Depress a tab and pull the tumbler right out.

 

Doesn't that only lock the steering, not the shifter?

 

Yes.
Went back and read the opening. Well, I’ve said it before here, I don’t read very well. Been that way my whole life. Couple that with other replies and bam, I’m back in the corner of the cl*** room facing the wall.

That said, who really want’s to wire in a release solenoid to the shifter from the brake pedal switch once the ignition switched is turned to the on position and or vehicle started? But that would mean Speedway column is just fine then. Yes, no, maybe?

 

Not me! I'm just fine with my shifter not being affected by my ignition key. I do like my steering locked when I remove the key, and that's how my '39 column is.

 

Update:

I ended up ordering another column without the key in it. Yeah I agree, it only gives a slight, if any, additional security. Plus not worth all the extra h***le.

I’ll call speedway and see what they say on the return, probably won’t accept as I installed it and not exactly new anymore. I’ll probably end up posting it for sale locally and see if anyone’s interested and then when no one buys it, I’ll forget all about it for like 10 years then try to install it again and remember why I didn’t in the first place…