How to unlock steering without key

[H8 Ashbury]

I purchased a '78 with title but no keys and need to get it home. It is in a precarious position that will require the steering to be unlocked so that I can move it. It is located "2 weeks from everywhere" and needs to be moved expeditiously. (Unfortunately, no time to drive to it, get a key code, hope the ignition matches the door, and wait for a key in the mail.) A key is not an option and neither is getting underneath the bus, until the steering can be unlocked.

This isn't covered in Bentley. I read the procedure for replacing the switch, but it involves inserting the key to unlock the steering.

So. What exactly unlocks the steering? The turning of the key in the (upper) lock cylinder or the activation of the (lower) switch? Wondering if I can drill out the lock cylinder and then operate the switch to free the steering. Messy headache but is there another option?

Ideas? Thanks all!

[skills@eurocarsplus]

for the least amount of damage I would pull the column out then work on it on the bench.

lock assys are big bucks in good shape if you damage it. swing the column away from the dash and slide the whole deal up (after removing the steering wheel that is)

the lock pin just sits in a groove, and pulling the whole deal up should clear it (it does on the early bays)

then put the wheel back on the steering shaft. it will be a wobbly mess but will steer the bus
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[alman72]

look in the engine bay like you want to hide a key somewhere. look there. If it is not there, I almost guarantee you that you will find one, someday, when cleaning out or working under the bus.
edit, 68 to 73, check the gas door

[alaskadan]

Can you at least get under the nose and disconnect the tie rods?

[SGKent]

Put a dolly under the front wheels. Disconnect the rear drive shafts. Beyond that hire a locksmith.
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“Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin

[Wildthings]

[vwwestyman]