Steering column removal

with that steering lock set-up you might try lightly tapping on the top( end that is under hood) and spray with PB blaster then grab with vice-grips,

Hope this helps it worked for me.

That column uses break-off bolts. Basically, when it was first installed, it had a bolt head on it, with a thin shank. When the bolts are tightened, the heads shear off, leaving a thief no easy way of removing the column. Unfortunately, it also means that you can't easily remove them either. You''ll have to drill them out to remove them. Or, drill a hole in the head, then use an Ez-Out to remove them.

THANK YOU! You not only explained what, but the more important why -- and it makes sense. I have never heard of break-off bolts before but they are a logical thing to have for anti-theft purposes. I have a set of eazy-outs and now that I know the whyfor I will destroy the existing bolts.

Nice site!!

That steering lock is really interesting. Was it an accessory, or standard for 1966 US Spec cars?

-- Howard Rose

............It was not standard on US spec bugs in '66.

...

With a two-fold purpose. One -- to help others. More importantly, a record of what we undid so we can put it back in a year or so.

The operational ignition switch is/was on the dash. A plain bracket to hold the steering column was found under the back seat. I found a site that claims the steering wheel lock was added in '69. (

After a bit of research, it turns out it was a factory accessory in '66!

-- Howard Rose