Hi guys new here. Restoring a 91 Camaro RS 5.0L 5 speed. I have replaced the ignition lock cylinder twice now. Both times the key struggles to turn off. I have the correct VATS key as my car will start. Is my steering column messed up? I have tired to lube both locks. I have installed. And nothing seems to help turn off the vehicle. The first one I broke trying to turn off my car. Second one I can get out after several minutes if wiggling the key. Any suggestions would help. I am thinking of changing the column. If I do. Could a column from a automatic car work for a manual 5 speed car? Please help guys. Also when the ignition lock is not in the car. It operates normally as it should. But once installed inhave
problems.

 

It is very hard to say what is going on. Columns are like 3d puzzles but they can go together wrong, this will cause a binding of parts and can cause an almost working situation. I did my first camaro column in 1988 on a stolen cars. It was smashed with a hammer, Since it was so smashed so bad I never saw it together right. I had to take it a part and put it back together again 3 times before I got everything working like it should. It was a good leaning experience. From that point on I could do them blind folded.

There is a rob that pushes on the ignition switch. That rod needs to seat it can cause issues like you described if its sitting on the edge of the seal. Also there should be a lot of adjustment in the ignition switch itself. I would be adjust the as far forward as possible and see if the cylinder starts to free up or just remove it and the key should move very freely.