General Maintenance & Repairs - Easiest way to get steering wheel controls?

What is the easiest way to obtain having a steering wheel with radio controls in a car that doesn't have them? Swap just the steering wheels, swap the whole column? If I swap the whole column then I'll have to swap the ignition cylinder over unless I have the keys to the new column correct?

If you can get a column with the key it is easy to replace. Do some reading here because you will need to install the wires to the radio and then there is the Vats issue. Not too hard to do, I did it.

You need a new steering wheel and clockspring. You may find that getting a used column is the least expensive way to get these parts.

For the install, I'd just replace the wheel and clockspring rather than pulling the entire column.

Thanks wssix99. I've read over your how-to on removing and replacing stuff dealing with the column/steering wheel. I already have a steering wheel with the radio controls, I guess I just need to find a clock spring with the radio wire on it.

Do you happen to know a part number for the clockspring? Is the same clockspring used on any other vehicle?

Have you searched for threads on this? They may be old, but there have been threads describing everything step-by-step.

Good Luck on the clockspring,I had trouble finding one that is why i bought the whole column off Ebay. I think I paid $50 on a bid plus shipping..steering wheel, air bag everything I got a Great Deal.There are Many threads describing the process.