1989 Camry, 4dr Vandalized... Steering Column replace ?

[Towncar]

Hi guys...
I'm normally over in the Lincoln forum but now I haved a Camry problem that's not listed in my Haynes manual.

1989 Camry, 4 door, 4 banger, automatic

Some fools tried and failed to steal the car, and since the gutless freaks couldn't take it, they decided to trash it.

My biggest problem is the steering column, the cover that wraps the column is broken, the column lock is busted up, the ignition switch is mangled with something blocking the keyhole as well.

I'm guessing that replacing the entire column is the easiest, possibly most effective method of fixing all these problems at one time however, my Haynes manual isn't very helpful in detailing the procedure.

Is this as simple as dropping the top of the column from the dash, disconnecting the wire harnesses, and pulling the shaft from ?? whereever?

Or is there some more complex connectors to worry about, including the connection to the rest of the steering system ??

I also have a broken passenger side window to replace, lots of damage inside the car to glove door, console plastics, dash plastics, fuckers went under the hood, grabbed the battery, all the relays and fuses, bent the hood, and some other minor stuff too..

Here's some pics of the damages

[Joe W]

OUCH Most of the repairs are fairly straightforward.Recommend visiting a junkyard.Let us know if there are more specific instructions necessary.Good luck.

[yotatechie04]

Man, that shit has got to suck. I most definitely recommend a junkyard visit or two...possibly even more. As Joe said, almost all of the repairs needed are as simple as you think they are. I strongly recommend buying an alarm system for your car later on.

[Towncar]

Thanks guys..
I'd love to take a shot at the local "pick a part" yard so I can get some experience taking the column out first hand.

One bummer with that thought is, they never have ignition's with the key in them.

I may just call around to see if some junkyards have one with the keys.

It's been raining fairly steady over here for several days, and the weather guys promise more to come for sereral more days, which kinda puts a damper on the "pick a part" type yards.

Anyway, thanks again.

[Brian R.]

Consider buying any broken pieces individually instead of replacing the whole column. I would buy a new lock from Toyota.

[Towncar]

Hey Brian..
I didn't realize that was a feasible option considering the extent of the damage to the locks.

Like I said earlier, my Haynes manual sucks in this respect. I did order a Chiltons that should arrive in a few days. They "say" it details the ign. lock, steering lock, and steering column.

I dont want to start tearing it down till I get a replacement, or as you mentioned, parts in hand with enough knowledge to know what to do with them.

Hopefully this Chiltion's will live up to what they told me.

Thanks.

[Brian R.]

You may want to order the repair manual from Toyota.

I didn't look too closely at the pictures. I just assumed that the structure of the column and mounting points are either undamaged or repairable.

I would take it apart to the extent necessary and see if the column really needs to be replaced because of an important mounting point being damaged or something like that. Then you will have a list (with an IPB) of all the parts you need.

[Towncar]

Hey guys:
The local DOT is after me now, marking my tires and tagging me with warnings.

I gotta get this thing running now, before the books and parts arrive.

Someone mentioned pulling the ignition lock out with "channel lock" pliers and using a screwdriver to get to the "switch" portion.... Is that possible ??

[Towncar]

Hey guys...

Here's another request:
Can someone provide a photo of what goes in this electrical box ?

[TITO12343]

Originally Posted by Towncar

Hey guys...

Here's another request:
Can someone provide a photo of what goes in this electrical box ?

HEY GUYS I'M IN THESAME BOAT-- I NEED TO REPLACE MY IGNITION SWITCH-DOES ANYBODY KNOW HOW TO TAKE THEIGNITION SWITCH OUT?? THANKS IN ADVANCE

[Towncar]

Can't get mine out. Even if I did, the locking mechanism for the steering is mangled and won't unlock.

I got an entire column assembly, with the switches, covers, steering wheel, and the key for $100, just a few minutes ago after calling around for several hours.

Everyone wanted $140 to $160 for just the metal part without the signal arm, wheel etc. I got lucky!!

I pulled like hell on the mangled switch this morning and it won't come out for nothing.