Steering Column Repair: steering wheel lock, steering wheel lock, gmc safari

Question
I have a 2000 GMC Safari that I tow behind my motorhome. It is a tilt column. I have a remco drive shaft disconnect on it. I would like to remove or disable the steering wheel lock so I don't have to leave the key in it while towing.I ruined two tires a few years ago by forgetting to unlock it. Would it be best to remove the pin or to grind off the lockplate?
thank you,
Leon  

Answer
Hi Leon:

Sorry about your tires...
The safest and best way (the way I would do it) is to remove the pin.  You will need to remove the airbag, steering wheel, the covers, the clockspring, the spring plate and then the lock housing and switch to remove the pin.  If you want to , you could grind off the outer 1/2 inch of the lock plate once you have it off, you will save the last steps, thus having no place for the pin to lock. But you need to keep the plate in place to hold the bearings in place.

I hope this helps
Doug