Thanx for the reply. On further checking realized that the cylinder and the rest of the mechanism needs much jiggling when the key is first inserted, but if the key is left in, will turn smoothly back and forth including the off position. It is only when the key is first inserted that it is difficult. This is the case with either the new or the old cylinder.

So, assuming it is the steering lock, is there any simple repair, or just as good, a way to disable that steering lock. Don't need it anyway. If someone wants to steal this car, they porobably deserve it!

Thanks.