230 Sl ignition tumbler repair

[jj]

Hello All,

I am new to this forum.  I just acquired a 63' 230SL which needs restoration.  I am taking the ignition tumbler apart.  I managed get the get the tumbler out and also managed to get the chrome cover off by drilling out the pins holding it to the barrell, but now I need to know how to take the lock off.  Any help would be appreciated.  I am completely stuck.

Thanks,
jj

[jj]

So I guess no one here has done this before!
jj

[badali]

I don't think the key part is rebuildable.  If you need the keyed part most 60s sedans have the same steering lock.  Find a used one with the key.  There ar a few bolts holding the lock in under the dash.  Drilling it out may have been a bad idea.  Post a picture of what you have done and someone here may be able to help.

[jj]

Appreciate the advice. Sorry for the poor explanation earlier but I got the tumbler out from underneath the dash as per instruction and did not do any drilling for that. Then took the chrome cover off by drilling the pins out but the keyed part is what I need to pull out.  I am trying to understand how to get the keyed part out of the tumbler. Will try and post some pictures soon.
JJ

[badali]

do you have a key?  Or is the key just not turning in the lock?

[Mike]

My ignition switch was sticking from time to time and it kept getting worse so I took it out and I then took it to a local locksmith who works on a lot of old cars in our area.  He drilled out the pin on the chrome cover to look at it just like you have done.  He called and told me that it was not fixable.   I do not recall what the reason for it was.  He advised me that its only productive use was as a paper weight.

I got lucky and found  a new old stock unit on ebay that worked for me and it was priced relatively reasonably, I think it was about $100. In my case, the separate piece that attaches to the back of the ignition switch assembly was also bad and I had to replace that too.  It was available from Bud's, also at a modest price.  It's one of the few things that I have done that did not cost a king's ransom. 

[merrill]

if i remember correctly the 230 did not have a replaceable tumbler.

you have to buy the entire assembly.

the electrical switch on the back is replaceable though.

I purchased an entire assy from MB about 10 years ago.