My '01 SC2 has the exact same problem and I've been just living with it.
Anyway, if your '99 is anything like my '01, there's an escucheon (the round plastic thingy, has the "lock" "start" etc labels printed on it) around the lock cylinder that should just pop off -- you might need to pry it a bit, but l it isn't too difficult to remove. Then remove the 5 screws from the bottom of the shroud (you'll need a VERY thin-walled socket for two of them) and you should be good to go.
Let me know how you do with it as I've been wondering if it's worth trying to fix mine.