Key Stuck in column ignition

[WETVET]

I would like some help to get the key out of the column ignition switch.
I have a 1972 with an automatic transmission. The Vette has been working just fine till last night. I came home, placed the shifter in park and tried to turn off the ignition. The engine turned off and that was it.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Tom73]

There is an interlock between the auto shifter and the steering column lock. Cannot remove the key until the car is in park. When placed in park there is a cable that rotates a lever at the base of the steering column thus allowing the key to be removed.

A couple of ideas. Try moving the shifter again. Take it out of park and then put it back into park. Also trying turning the steering wheel to releive an pressure of the lock. If no luck, then crawl under the car and find that lever to see if you can move it by hand.

tom...

 

[WETVET]

Thanks Tom.
Crawled under the car to find the cable was twisted and bent.
Looks like I need a new cable.
Any ideas where I can buy one?

Steve

 

[Tom73]

Think that most of the Vette vendors would carry them. As a stop gap may want to disconnect the cable. If you do make sure the lever will stay in the correct position. Would not want is slipping and locking the wheel while going down the road

tom...

 

[Motion 1]

Some times you can grasp the collar that rotates just behind the key and rotate it to your left just enought to remove the key. This is part of your steering colum interlock.

Depending on how twisted your interlock cable is this may get you where you can lock your car up again till you can fix it right.