When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hey guys, I have a 1986 F-150 that I had originally lost the key to, After a week I decided to replace the cylinder. The problem I had is I couldn't get the cylinder to turn to remove it from the steering column. I had a locksmith attempt to make a new key from a blank which didn't work. So we then tried to drill it out which failed epically. I am now stuck with a mangled lock cylinder that I can't get out. I was hoping someone in here could give me some pointers or a way to make the truck run without the key. I am not worried about someone stealing it because it's a rust bucket and has a manual transmission. Any help is appreciated!
Keep drilling until all the wafers (I think there are 7, but the locksmith should know) come out. Then the cylinder will turn, and you can press its button & remove it as normal.
That's my thought but the way it was drilled the part of the cylinder that turns was completely destroyed. I think too large of a bit was used. The picture below shows what I am talking about.
Maybe, but it's hard to see the shape of shiny metal in a photo. It looks like you can just turn the remaining cylinder now to the RUN position, press the button, & withdraw it. Since that's a tilt column, you didn't need to pull the steering wheel - the release button is exposed below the cylinder.
If you really can't get it out, I have a good used tilt column without shifter for sale. E-mail me through my profile here or on SMN (the image-hosting site) with your location (ZIP?), truck details, & remind me which part(s) you need.
Phone apps don't always show signatures, so you may need to switch to a real browser in desktop mode on your phone, or just use a desktop/laptop computer. Put your location in your profile & upload an avatar of the truck.
But to make it run without the key (which is risky for MANY reasons, besides just theft), you'd have to unmount the ignition switch AND grind/break/cut off the peg that catches the steering wheel.
Thank you, Steve! I ended up just drilling more and more until the cylinder broke into two pieces. That allowed the cylinder to come out but then I had to just twist the part that mates with the gear to remove that. I was able to put in the new ignition cylinder and everything is good now!
Ignition Cylinder Destroyed
