This is probably going to be the first of a series of posts before I either pluck up the courage to tackle this job or fork over the $4k to get it fixed. You guessed it, the evaporator has gone and living in Houston means I've a couple of months before it'll have to be dealt with. I've read what I can and looked at various documentation (including StarTek).

So the question for this post relates to the ignition lock, it appears I need two special tools, one to remove the lock trim ring and a second for the lock tumbler. I've also read something about the lock needing to be in certain positions during disassembly. Here are my questions...

(i) Do I have to remove the lock tumbler as well as the lock ring trim to remove the dash?

(ii) Are there any alternatives to the special tools? From the pictures it looks unlikely but I had to ask if there were any other options?

(iii) Does anyone know of any good sources for the special tools?

(iv) Is it true that I have to be careful to keep the lock in a given position, locked I think, during the job?

Thanks in advance for any information.

Peter