1983 244: My key is hard to turn out of the locked position to position I. It is not a matter of the steering wheel position binding the action.

As I understand the mechanism, the lock to position I detente is in the tumbler while the other detentes are contained within the switch. Correct?

I have an 1987 245 I have been using as a parts car of sorts. It had a set of good tires and a good set of mounted snows, but also had a lot of rust.

On the 1983, the ignition lock cylinder is held to the upper column by screws, on the 1987, the cylinder is press- fit to the upper column. I am going to install the switch from the '87 into the '83 just to see if that works (but I don't think so). Then I will take a door lock cylinder to the locksmith to get a code key made.

If neither of these things work, I plan to swap the upper column whole from the '87 into the '83 and change the door locks as well. I will not be removing the shear bolts. I believe that the upper column is slightly longer on the '87, but only slightly.

If anyone has insight into this or has done an early to later upper shaft swap, I'd appreciate any information, techniques or tips. Thanks

p.s.- It's 9* F; I'm wanting this to go as quickly and smoothly as is possible.