can't unlock steering column!

[mmb204]

My 1948 Deluxe Coupe's steering column is locked. I can't turn the wheel (anymore than the slop it has in it), I can't turn the key, and I can't move the on/off switch. The column has never locked before in the 2 years I've had it. I could always turn the wheel back and forth with the key out of the ignition.

Peeking through the gap in the back, it looks like when the key is rotated, a pin moves in and out of a cutout in the steering shaft. Unfortunately, I can't rotate the key. Any ideas on how to get this unstuck without destroying the column? I'm sure a 1/2" drill bit would make short work of the lock cylinder, but I'd rather not resort to violence against my car (yet).

[joelsford]

What you are describing sounds the same as what I have in my 37 ford truck. I removed the electric switch. This gave me an access to wiggle(if you want to call it that) the shaft out. Good luck hopefully someone with more knowledge will reply.