fatbillybob

Does anyone know or has anyone removed the column lock pin in the steering column? I am experimenting with flat towing the C5 racecar and would like to remove this lock so I can tow it without the key in the ignition.

ryan0

i didnt cut the pin... i just took the whole lock out and moved it behind the dash.

wires need to stay in place or the engine cut off will engage.

TedDBere

Why do you need the key in the ignition to tow your car?

Gordy M

You can also do the CLB and the steering wheels will not lock. I am not that familiar with the 6 speeds on flat towing but the old Muncie's had a problem if you flat towed to far--getting gear oil to lubricate the gears.

fatbillybob

Really? I thought a muncie was some kind of manual gearbox. I thought only autos had a flat tow issue.

fatbillybob

Because if you flat tow you need the front wheels caster to follow the wheels on the tow vehicle when you turn corners. A friend once had his key in position 2 so the wheel could freewheel. Some how the lock came in despite this and the resulting tire grab as he rounded a corner caused nice body damage to both cars as they flailed violently. So removing the lock is a good idea in this case.

trackboss

I cut the perimeter of the lock plate on a lathe so even if the lock activates it cannot lock into anything. If you search the C5 tech section there is a thread with something similar.

Falcon

If it's a racecar, you're required to remove the column lock, aren't you?
NASA has a rule in the CCR concerning steering wheel locks:

"15.9 Steering Wheel Lock
The steering wheel locks should be removed except where authorized by class rules or by exception from the Race Director."

fatbillybob

Yes and there are too many rules!!! I may race with as many as 5 different people so boy do I have a headache. Anyway, So now that is it common knowledge that a big club like NASA requires this alot of you have done this...how do you do it?

I hear cut part out so the lock can't lock.

I hear use the CLB to block it off but is that NASA legal because the lock is still there?

I hear watch out because if it is not hooked up something in the electronics does not like that?? True? False?

So what I am looking for are some instructions that some of you racers have done so I don't have to reinvent the wheel. I appreciate all your guys advice since you guys have been there done that.

ryan0

If you pull the steering wheel you can pull the whole mechanism off.

There is enough wire to strap it behind the dash.

True. If you cut the wires it WILL shut the car off if you go over 5mph.

You can program it out, but I have not tried to cut the cables after the programming. Figured there was no need.