[Spits] ignition switch??

[Dennis Reese]

I have a 75 1500 -- here's the deal -- help!  The problem is that the key no
longer will work in the cylinder. It's not the original key -- actually a
Mazda key that someone in the previous owner list discovered that fit and kind
of worked although it was badly bent and worn. At this point the key no longer
works so I thought lets fix it once and for all. Two possibilities -- take the
whole thing off the steering column, take it to a locksmith and have a new key
made or, and this appeals to me more, take it off and leave it off replacing
the ignition switch with toggles for on/off and the other electrical stuff
that the ignition switch activates and a push button starter switch as well as
a keyed battery cut-off mounted in the glove box on the firewall. Either way,
we need to get the thing off the column (and figure out how the column lock
works in the second scenario). Not easy. Apparently the factory made it theft
proof? by breaking off the hex nuts that hold the thing together on the column
(I think). The only suggestion I've been able to find is to drill out the
bolts. Could there be another solution? Or, could the cylinder be removed and
the column lock somehow disabled without taking it off the column?

I'm looking forward to any thoughts or ideas.

Thanks,
Dennis Reese