Classic/Antique Car Repair: unlock steering, 1970 dodge challenger, dodge challenger

Question
Hello Jack, I have the keys for my 1970 dodge challenger but my steering is locked and the keys wont unlock it,the keys are correct as they still open the doors,can you tell me what other reasons might have caused it to not unlock and how I can unlock my steering..
thankyou
George.

Answer
There is only one thing I can think of, and it is hard to explain.  With the key in the lock, put a load on it to turn it to the on position, then, at the same time try to turn the steering wheel one way and then the other.  Sometimes, when the key is turned off, the steering wheel is not locked into a pawl in the mechanism.  When it is turned and the pawl falls into the slot, there is a side load on the pawl and you have to unload it before you can pull the pawl out of the slot by turning the key.  Cars have been towed because of this.  The steering wheel will feel spring loaded.  Just pull it to a neutral point and turn the key.  Hope this helps.
jack