Ignition cylinder antitheft shield

[YellowBeep]

Has anyone seen one of these before? It looks to be riveted in place and completely envelopes the ignition cylinder on my 2002 TJ. I drilled a hole through the bottom to access the cylinder release clip but this dang shield still holds it in place. How do I remove this thing? There's not enough room to get a drill between the rivet and dash/steering wheel. I need to replace the ignition actuator but can't get it out with this in place

 

[hear]

help me steal this jeep

 

[YellowBeep]

I'd have more peace of mind with my soft top if it wasn't as simple as just stabbing a flat blade screwdriver into the switch on the other side of the ignition actuator.

But really my keys are visible in the first pic

 

[06lj]

Lower the column by removing the 2 nuts holding it to the dash. That should give you enough room to get a drill in there. You can also just pull the column, which wouldn't take that much longer, and work on it on a bench. If you pull it just make sure to secure the steering wheel so you don't break the clockspring.