And there was light!

Jos is back after being away for 2 weeks. Meaning he can continue to work on the car. And that's what  he did this weekend. One of the key items (pun intended) was to sort out the ignition / steering lock.

For this I looked up some repairguides to see how this was mounted, Always useful to have a reference:

https://www.autozone.com/repairguides/Dodge-Aspen-Volare-1976-1980-Repair-Guide/Steering/Steering-Wheel/_/P-0900c15280087c36

https://www.autozone.com/repairguides/Dodge-Aspen-Volare-1976-1980-Repair-Guide/Steering/Ignition-Switch-and-or-Ignition-Lock-Cylinder/_/P-0900c15280087c46

Starting with the removal of the steering wheel which is remarkably in a very good condition. The brand is called "Personal" which is made in Italy. I have to admit this brand was unknown to me. It appears this is now a combined brand with Nardi. See their website: www.nardi-personal.com/
And we did happen to have visited Nardi last year with the IHWC gang. Interesting to see that the "Personal" logo just as the Monteverdi logo is using a crown.

The leather of the steering wheel is now treated well and the wheel is put in storage. And temporary a different steering wheel has been mounted. Apparently Jos has a stock I'm not aware off.

Again an interesting view on how the horn wiring has been put together:

Further dismantling resulted in getting the lock/cylinder removed. Meaning no more steering lock and being able to start the ignition. Yes.

Hooking up the battery and there was light:

Remarkably it was functioning after being unused after 30 years in the outside. Next the blinking lights were tested. And to my surprise these were functioning too, how cool is that:

I like the slow blinking and I suppose this is/was standard in the USA. Older European cars, pre-seventies do have this as well.

And while we are at it, also the power controlled windows were tested. Note this was an optional feature on this car.

Only the passenger side was working and needed a little help. I suspect the drivers side has got a stuck motor or else a wiring/relais issue. But still I consider this very promising results. Keep that postive vibe!