Attempted theft of P38A resulted in broken steering wheel..HELP!

Thieves and/or vandals have tried to break the steering lock off my P38A and only succeeded in breaking off the steering wheel! (which they took).
Visible is the splined shaft in the centre of the column with a centre hole threaded on the inside. There is no other damage to the column.
Is it necessary to replace the entire column assembly complete with ignition lock etc? (as a helpful garage have told me it is) Or is it possible to replace the top of the spline shaft which would appear to be retained by a circlip?
I would appreciate any help.

The Steering Coloumn is in two or three sections (two I think) joined at a UJ just after the engine bulkhead.

You may get away with just replacing the top half where it passes through the Bulkhead.

If they tried to damage the ignition barell, you will need one of those or if they have damaged the steering lock, similarly you'll need a new ignition lock!

As attached...

Whereabouts in the Country are you?

If they damaged the system that allows the wheel to collapse into itself you'll need a new column. Given how ham fisted most crooks are, I wouldn't discount it. You might be able to retap the threads and bolt on a new wheel.

If you need new ignition barrel, it'll be worth getting a new door lock too, at least that way one key does everything.

would that of had the air bag in it?

Would be nice to know what Area you live as to where the crooks are operating could you put it in the stolen section too please op.

Who'd wanna nick a P38? Some thieves are getting desperate!

Thanks Saint.V8, that's very helpful, esp the diagram. As I said there's no damage, it's almost as if they just wanted the steering wheel!..and having found that they cost about £150 even from a scrap yard maybe they did!

By the way we're in South Cheshire so if anyone knows somewhere I can take it...

Thanks for your replies you guys

...and on looking at the diagram it looks like I could get a wheel and bolt it straight in the threaded hole at the top of the shaft, but I guess you can't get at it cos of the airbag..bloody airbags...bloody thieves...rant rant

steering wheels are about £30
Ring Charles on 07977509008 he has loads of p38 parts
he's in nantwich

moparmiss said:

...and on looking at the diagram it looks like I could get a wheel and bolt it straight in the threaded hole at the top of the shaft, but I guess you can't get at it cos of the airbag..bloody airbags...bloody thieves...rant rant

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The airbag unbolts from the wheel. I believe you turn to the left to expose one bolt then back to the right to expose the other, obviously when already off you can readily get to them.

Bix said:

The airbag unbolts from the wheel. I believe you turn to the left to expose one bolt then back to the right to expose the other, obviously when already off you can readily get to them.

Click to expand...

correct except there are 4 torx bolts

StuckAgainSteve said:

Who'd wanna nick a P38? Some thieves are getting desperate!

Click to expand...

Very popular for the ram raiders back in the day
I once saw one that had been used to punch a hole in a wall
The car didnt fair well but it did open a hole

You didn't happen to have a wooden/walnut steering wheel by any chance. If so maybe they where just after that and not the car. When I sold my '97 last year a guy offered me £500 just for the steering wheel.

No it didn't have a wooden one, it's a '97 too. It used to be a police vehicle for a short time so it's got up-rated this and that. Thanks for all your helpful comments..I phoned Charles whom I'm going to see tomorrow.