What is this lever for in the steering column???
 

As title says , what is the funtion and reason of this lever in steering colum?

Column is stock , tilt , floorshifter model from ricks 1 gen. I would prefer to cut it off for cleaner look.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y14...i/DSC00539.jpg

im probably wrong but i think its to make sure you put the car in gear before you remove the key, i had it removed on my car when i modded it.

Or you could go totally overboard and mod it to run needle bearings dustseal and a u-joint instead of the rag joint I also shortened the column tube 2.3 inch over all ...

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/6023/p1010669iw1.jpg

LowBuxs, i would like to do that but i am affraid of steering columns and prefer not to touch it any more than neccesery. But its okay to cut lever off and weld it on that position wich allows keys to be removed?

Realy you can cut it and not weld it and use it as a pseudo theft deterant. When you park the car turn the column by hand to a "no start" position..


I hear you on taking the column apart it was a pain and had to be done multiple times to get every correct..

I know this is an old post, but I'm replacing my steering column and have been looking for an adapter for the 1"DD end of the shaft to mate to my stock power steering box on my 69 Firebird. The other question we had was what this lever was for and how the new column would work as it doesn't have this? I'm guessing now, it just won't matter if the car is in gear before you can remove the key?

If that lever moves, the steering wheel locks. You don't want that happening while driving!

It sounds like you're looking for one of these. http://www.cachassisworks.com/c-1049...s-flanged.aspx

http://www.cachassisworks.com/images...8-SNS-9952.jpg

Details, details.

After thinking on it, I think the steering won't lock. The manual trans has to be put in (reverse if I recall correctly) to move that lever, which then will allow you to turn the key to the lock position and remove the key. Turning the key to lock is what locks the steering wheel, the lever just allows it to happen. It also disconnects the starter solenoid via a switch down low on the column.