Steering wheel ignition switch replacement ford f150

[VALKETEER]

I have a 95 Ford F150 300cc straight six engine. Keys were lost in a house fire and never recovered. After prying a little I removed the ignition switch/ key cap but there was no cup or key number to be found. I called the dealer but they told me I could not get the key codes because they were not available anymore for that year, too old.
A lock smith told me that they charge 200 bucks to make a key. I can change the ignition Lock for ten times less then that.
I need to change the ignition switch or Ignition Lock but you have to turn the ignition to the on position first then depress the locking pin after pulling the steering wheel to remove the ignition switch/ Lock. I have no key so I can’t to turn the ignition to the on position. And it’s driving me nuts!!! Can anyone help or tell me how to remove the ignition switch/ Lock with out a key or turn the ignition to the on position so I can replace it?

[way2old]

A real steady hand and a sharp drill bit and you can drill out the locking pin. Or get a slide hammer and a big screw and pop it out like a thief.

[VALKETEER]

Not sure but it says SRS on the steering wheel. How can I know for sure. I got it used so don't know. I think the locking pin is under the wheel not under it but not sure. Is there a safe way I can remove the steering wheel or am I screwed.

I have drilled into it 1" & 3/8" I read on the auto zone site to drill 1" & 3/4" I guess I still have drilling to do.
Take a look at the photos and let me know what you think.

You can see my finger pointing at what I think is the locking pin under the column with the key lock to the right of the photo.

Originally Posted by way2old

A real steady hand and a sharp drill bit and you can drill out the locking pin. Or get a slide hammer and a big screw and pop it out like a thief.

[way2old]

The SRS is an air bag. Disconnect the battery for a couple of minutes and you can remove the air bag. The locking pin is where it looks like you have drilled on the 3rd picture. You can drill through the key cylinder, install sheet metal screw and use small slide hammer and remove it. The old locking pin will break off.

[VALKETEER]

from someone who has done this before.

I will disconnect the negative batter cable and drill. My finger pointing at the locking pin, I am thinking of drilling the key hole and remove all those springs and brass tumbles out until I can turn key then turn key to running position then push that pin in then pull the cylinder out... then replace with a new cylinder. Should be there in a ½” more.

I like your idea better if you think it will not dammage anything needlessly beyond basic repair and if the locking pin can be replaced. I've never doen this before so did not know for sure.

I thought it best to stop last night and ask someone who has been there before. But I finger that’s all a repair shop would do is just drill out the old lock. This will save some much needed funds. Man I hate air bags, wish they never passed that law requiring them.

Originally Posted by way2old

The SRS is an air bag. Disconnect the battery for a couple of minutes and you can remove the air bag. The locking pin is where it looks like you have drilled on the 3rd picture. You can drill through the key cylinder, install sheet metal screw and use small slide hammer and remove it. The old locking pin will break off.

[way2old]

Your idea of drilling the cylinder all the way out will work. If you "pop" the cylinder out, a new cylinder will come with the locking pin on the cylinder. Either way should work. Good Luck.