Ignition switch and lock-repair and replace help needed (x-posted)

[Beer, Jerald S.]

OK guys, it seems every time the wife drives the Q wagon, something goes
wrong (I know, but it is still cheaper to fix the car than the
alternative!LOL). The paddle that engages the electrical portion of the
ignition switch broke off. Mechanic says whole switch needs to be
replaced. Minor PITA, but not a big deal. Problem is the switch includes
the interlock to the steering column. In theory, drop the steering
column, swing down the part that is engaged into the steering column,
remove broken part and replace. Except he says there is a big beefy
piece of metal under the steering column running the length of the dash
that prevents it. He has spent a day looking at it, and I dropped off
Mr. Bentley this morning. The only way he sees right now (excluding
hacking out a piece of the underdash metal support) is to disassemble
the dash to remove the lower support. He thinks there has to be a better
way, even allowing for Audi idiosyncrasies!  Is there something he is
missing, or is there a trick to replacing the ignition switch and the
steering interlock?  Thx
Regards,
Jerry
gsfent at bellsouth.net