ignition on steering column

pira114 · Post by **pira114** » Wed Jul 28, 2010 8:33 pm

My bug has the standard ignition switch in the dash. But it also has one on the steering column. I know that the steering column was borrowed at some point in it's life.

My question is when and where were these columns used? I'll probably replace it with the type it came with originally, but I'm curious as to how I determine what year this came from and where. Might be helpful to know if I decide to sell it when I get the correct column.

fatalifeaten · Post by **fatalifeaten** » Wed Jul 28, 2010 10:26 pm

Could you post a photo of it? Is it a column lock or is it a late model column? There was an optional early steering column lock/ignition available for beetles. I think the first integrated locking column standard was '69 in the US, though I vaguely recall reading somehere that euro models got it earlier.

Those early locking columns trade pretty briskly on ebay and the samba. Trick accessory for many folks.

pira114 · Post by **pira114** » Wed Jul 28, 2010 11:27 pm

I'll try to post a pic tomorrow. The guy I bought this from said it was the steering column for the Euro model. I wouldn't have known any better at the time and didn't care either.

I'll get a pic up and post any markings or numbers it has on it.

fatalifeaten · Post by **fatalifeaten** » Fri Jul 30, 2010 6:16 pm

That actually lends some weight to it being an early column lock. There were much more common in EU.

crazydaze · Post by **crazydaze** » Sat Jul 31, 2010 12:11 am

Factory column locks started in Europe in 67/68.

Alex

pira114 · Post by **pira114** » Sat Jul 31, 2010 10:41 pm

Thanks for the info. I totally forgot about getting a pic. I'll see what I can do tomorrow.