A guy calls and says he has found an old Ponton and wants to buy it. There are no keys to any of the locks. The current owner says drag it away for $XXX and expect no help from him.

I think some of these had locking steering wheels and some did not. Is this true or did they all have locking steering wheels?

I am planning on just dropping the steering column out of it and removing the ignition switch/key housing in order to turn the wheel, but if I don't have to it would be nice. It might need doing later. I just don't want to mess with it in the middle of an open field.

Is this a thing with all of them or was this an option?

If the Key/Lock apparatus is part of the steering column it locks, if the keyed ignition switch is located separately in the dash along with other switches and such, the steering does not lock. At least that's the way it is with the 121 chassis cars of that same era. 180 Chassis cars have a integral steering lock/ignition switch.

Thanks. I will see if I can get a photo of the dash.

I know that Mercedes went to this system years before other auto makers did. While everyone was crying about how expensive it would be Mercedes just went ahead and did it.

Thanks again. This will make this a lot easier.

You might want to get your proof of ownership and order a key from a dealer or the classic center before you pick the car up. It makes everything easier to not have the steering locked.

In the ~1960 ponton I helped purchase, the steering would bang past the lock if I pulled hard on the wheel, making steering possible without the key, but not easy in any way. It's a parts car, so a working steering lock isn't a requirement for this specific car. So I wasn't worried about breaking the lock, something I've done accidentally on other cars, or at least one.

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Mercedes-Benz Ponton Books / Manuals / Literature / References / Acknowledgements www.mbzponton.org
may find your answer here in these online manuals

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My 170d is older than a ponton & has a locking steering column, , , takes a full key turn to lock/unlock.

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Last night I was discussing this with a guy who claims he can cut a key by what he called 'pulling' the code from the pins. This involves a few key blanks, a small triangular file and a large pair of pliers.

He swears this is a technique used by locksmiths of the time and will work on the simple pin locks of the era. It just takes some time, usually ten minutes or so.

If this works I will post something about it here. Now all I have to do is locate about ten Taylor 63JA key blanks.

And Meltedpanda.... Thanks for the links. I am sure I will get a lot of use out of them both now and in the future.

Can't say about the particular problem you're working with, but; even in the 1950s MB was using wafer locksets rather than "pin" type locks, so your guy may run into some trouble!

Mercedes has long been known for it's high quality locks and the more advanced security features they employ, German engineers are serious people!

Key Blanks? I use these guys and have only been stumped once, Key Men - Keys for Classics

A search says they have ten in stock, $12.95 each. from the picture it looks like a Dominion brass blank the equivalent of the Taylor 63JA which is the key way facsimile of the Original Equipment Neiman Number #8 steel key. Last Neimen #8 I had to find was $300 for the single original blank! Oh my!

This is good info. I will pass it on to him and see what he thinks. He seems to be pretty good with older locks. New ones? Naw. He admits they are beyond his ability to deal with. His technical skills run out about the mid 80's when it comes to auto keys.

The Dominion 63JA will also work. I will see what I can come up with.

And thanks for the link.

As far as Neiman keys go... I have seen these on Ebay at insane prices for and old key that is cut. They are usually bought by Ferrari guys who then get their locks rekeyed to fit the key.

The lock is not hard to remove 3 nuts. It is the easiest thing on the car. 1 nut on the strap that goes around the column will get out of the lock.

I have been studying some exploded views of this from the Catalog and was wondering if this would be a good option for the field. It looks like there is one strap under the steering column and then two bolts holding the switch/lock assembly to the car.

I recently pulled the steering column out of a W111 and this looks to be much the same set up with the strap.

I think this is the field approach to take. The lock will be easier to key on the bench than out in the field.

Thanks!

My 170D does not have a locking steering wheel.

It was owned by the manager of a carpet store, according to the data card.

Perhaps this was an option at this point?

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Invest in America: Buy a Congressman!

1950 170SD
1951 Citroen 11BN
1953 Citroen 11BNF limo
1953 220a project
1959 180D
1960 190D
1960 Borgward Isabella TS 2dr
1983 240D daily driver
1983 380SL
1990 350SDL daily driver alt
3 x Citroen DS21M, down from 5
3 x Citroen 2CV, down from 6