Hi All
I'm new to the forum and this is my first post
I've just inherited a 230SL which has been in a Garage in Cornwall for an engine rebuild (a long story)
On driving it back to West Sussex I pulled into a service station and removed the ignition key, and the central barrel came out with it (this included 2 metal halves and 5 stubby brass? pins)
After calling the AA out, a screwdriver head and small socket were hammered with some force into the recess to disable the steering lock. I then drove the rest of the way home.
I assume the lock mechanism, is not now repairable, and needs removal and replacement. To do this I understand I need to gain access through the removal of the Tachometer. This has proved difficult as the retaining bracket/release mechanism for the Tachometer behind the dash is not clearly visible, though it seems to be a U shaped metal bracket of about 1 inch width. I have removed the Steering wheel for access but I still can't see what I'm dealing with behind the dash, My Haynes manual does not help much in this regard, and I can find no information to a removal procedure on the web (OK, I know I was being optimistic!)
I have to confess, I'm not a mechanic, nor do I have a mechanical bent. And I'm just trying to get the car in a decent state to sell, though I feel I'm already falling in Love with my 230SL —I've never had people comment on my cars before —I like that! Anyway, I digress, Any help, advice or even a picture or sketch of how the bracket connects would be fantastic, as with the cost of parts I'm loathed to be heavy handed and break something through force of application. I did see a diagram that showed the cover above the instruments separated, but mine seems to be one piece of metal with no join.
I know a similar issue has been discussed here, but If I'm going about this all wrong, I'd be very pleased to Know.