Big hairy PITA (ignition switch repair)

[harrison <hsapir@multiverse.com>]

This weekend, the tumbler in my ignition switch of my 88 90q fell out
suddenly and would not go back in. After a few minutes staring in
disbelief, I realized that I could start the car with a screwdriver.
Tonight I decided not to procrastinate and just fix it. Not so easy. I
dropped the left side lower dash and unplugged the switch. I searched
around for a bolt to remove, but none were found. I pulled the housing
off of the column switches and found the elusive bolt. It was nice
enough to be a torx head screw with a pin in the middle. I wanted to
cry. Luckily, my friend who has a body shop down the street has every
tool known to man and this hollow tip torx bit was in his collection.
After pulling the steering wheel now to get the screwdriver to fit, I
went to slide the switch out. "Not so fast buddy!" The Audi cried out.
There is not enough room to slid it sideways without carving a channel
out of the dash. This was obviously not the solution, so I was forced to
drop the column completely out of the car. I suddenly remembered why my
mechanic deserves the extra few bucks I pay him. By the way, the
ignition switch does not open to put my old tumbler in it. I am now
forced to carry two keys like a Chevy. How embarrassing it is. Just
though I would share this unpleasant activity with you all.

harrison