Tom69

I just took delivery of my C3 yesterday. My steering column is fixed. Since my body has added a few more growth rings since the 60's...how difficult would it be to install a tilt wheel / adjustable steering column?

I have located a restored unit in the color blue. My interior is red. I suppose the column could be repainted to match.

How many hours of labor would you estimate for the install?

Thanks

Gordonm

I have done this a few times. If this is your first time figure an afternoon full of @&$#%. After you have done a few I could probably drive it in and an hour or so drive it out. Some depends on the "rusty" bolts and how much you want to clean up while doing this. Careful this could start a frame off resto

Tom69

I'll have to continue to give this more study. I had a few gremlins pop up today during my second day of ownership. I don't want to get my "Gotta Fix" list behind my "Like to do" list.

Thanks for your input.

1969RAY

Hey Tom, when the top is down, it's easy to ignore the fixed steering wheel. When the top goes up, it's a whole new ballgame. The swap is pretty easy-straight forward job. Watch details, most can do it.

Tom69

I've been reviewing the AIM and Service manual. It looks like you might need a few special tools for the job. While building the courage to tackle this task I have a few minor issues to address closer to my pay grade.

Gordonm

What special tools are they saying you need. I can't think of any "special" tools. Pretty much a couple of bolts and the rag joint. If I remember right one of the connectors has to be rotated 180 degrees but other than that what else are they talking about.

loup68

I only have and use 6-point sockets. The rag joint bolt needs a 7/16" 12-point socket. Lou.

mrvette

Back long about '96 I put in a late shark TT column in my '72 and spaced it out from the firewall flange about 3/4 inch, flipping around the aluminum tab inserts just under the dash so to get the clearance....been that way since....love the smaller/thick wheel.....



now here is the snicker, I got that entire column for TEN BUX.......try THAT trick today......

Jim Shea

When converting from a non-adjustable column to an adjustable typs (i.e. a Corvette T&T) the ignition switch mounted on the column jacket is unique between the fixed and tilt types. The two type of columns operate their unique ignition switches in opposite directions.

The wiring harness in a Vette is the same regardless as to the type of steering column. The Vette wiring harness has two connectors that plug into the ignition switch. When converting from fixed to tilt type (or vise versa) you need to take the two wiring harness connectors and twist them 180 degrees so that they will install into the switch.
Jim

VCuomo

Suggestion: If you do swap to a TT column, have the column rebuilt before you install it. That's assuming, of course, that it hasn't been rebuild recently.

Lobzila

I had this brilliant idea to put in C5 Sport seats on my 68. On the mock up, discovered that my legs are pinned to the seat by that monster steering wheel. Figured no problem, swap to a 68 tele/tilt column. Big problem, 68 did not come with one! Ended up with an Ididit tilt column and a new steering wheel and all is good. Now to just finish the rest of the interior.

Tom69

Great advice. The dealer that sold me the car located the "rebuilt" TT column. I asked him who was the source of the rebuild so that I could get an idea as to what parts had been replaced. He is researching that information for me now.

Tom69

I may have read too far into the removal and installation instructions. The manual refers to use of Tool J-2927 (steering wheel puller) and Tool J-22191 (Horn Contact Carrier and Spring Removal tool).

Also, thanks for the 180 degree connector rotation reference...I missed that requirement in the procedure.

BBCorv70

I installed a T&T column in my 70. The only special tool I recall needing was the steering wheel puller. They're not terribly expensive, available at most auto parts stores, maybe even stores like Harbor Freight.

Does the new column come with the direction signal switch installed? I believe it differs from the standard.

Jim Shea

When speaking as to C2/C3 steering columns it is just a bit confusing because Saginaw manufactured the actual steering column. Chevrolet designed and purchased the steering wheel, hub, telescope lock, turn signal lever, tilt lever, and horn contact hardware.

So when you are purchasing a used steering column, make sure that you are getting all the above hardware because purchasing them piece by piece is quite expensive.

All the stuff in this picture (except the part on the lower left - labeled steering column) was supplied by Chevrolet.

I would think if someone was selling a steering column, he/she should be including all of the above except the actual steering wheel.
Jim

BBCorv70

It was many years ago when I installed the T&T column.

How is the ignition lock handled? I don't recall for certain what was involved in swapping out the lock cylinder.
You may need to remove the steering wheel hub on the non T&T column to access the spring loaded tab which retains the lock cylinder. I am assuming you're transferring your original lock to the new column. If the hub needs to be removed to access the tab, a steering wheel puller will be needed.

ShakinJ

Going to be doing this to my '69. My legs are too long to get my feet up high enough to hit the brake and clutch pedals. All good advice here, subscribed and learning as the thread continues!

Tom69

You CF guys have been way too helpful and I have been shamed into attempting this task. I contacted an eBay vendor listed below and felt confident of his rebuild product so I ordered the TT column.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111466607626?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Once again, thank you all for your great input.

1969RAY

If the inside is as nice as the outside-you did fine.

69427

Jim, thanks for the info. I've been kicking around swapping out the current t&t column for a slightly lighter (from what I've heard) non-adjustable column.
Also, swapping in a later C3 smaller diameter wheel years ago was one of the better changes to the car.