Ignition barrel removal/refitting advice!

[Retro morgs]

I need some help....well lots of it actually!! I'm trying to replace the ignition barrel on an HC but i cant get the bolts out of the clamp. With them just being dome headed i dont know how to undo them. Do i drill them out or is there another method? Then,when fitting the replacement what bolts do i need to get to replace them?

[hbpeter]

I think you have to drill them out. When first fitted the bolt has a head, then as you tighten them they reach a set torque and the head snaps off. Its an anti-theft measure. Replace with new bolts, they would normally come with a new barrel, but dout you will find any now.

Peter

[Retro morgs]

I'm fitting a 2nd hand barrel not a NOS item so i'll have to source some bolts,prob allen headed. Cheers for that,i'll have a go at it at the weekend

[1972nail]

You may have to drop the column out but I've found that it is relatively easy to remove the bolts using a centre punch and a light hammer to slacken them. They can be replaced the same way.

[Retro morgs]

I'll try that first then!

[ShaBro]

You could always centre pop the bolt head, drill it and use an easy out. I've had to replace some once and they don't take much to snap , so shouldn't take much to come out.

[Fred Dukes]

When I removed them (with the column out) I used a Dremel with a small cutting disc and cut a scredriver slot across the heads - might need to watch you dont cut into the casting more than can be helped - that way you can put the bolts back in the s/h assy. - yeah it was a security thing but I think being able to undo the bolts as and when outways the potential security risk

[bedfordbad]

I think the head of the bolt is fairly soft metal and all i did was to sharpen a small chisel and hammer a slot into domed head then use a large screwdriver to screw them out.... bit fiddly but not to bad...
steve