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OK...whose pulled a standard 63-66 steering column?
What did you find when you got it on the bench? I'm specifically interested in the wiring harness and wiring protector. Mine had no protector and I can't get the aftermarket replacement to fit. Anyone have a story to tell - or sage advice?
I just had my column out a few weeks ago to replace the turn signal switch. My wire protector was all mangled and I didn't want to put it back in, so I simply taped the wiring harness to the top of the column and moved on. Maybe a "bubba" repair . . . but, I can live with it!
I just had my column out a few weeks ago to replace the turn signal switch. My wire protector was all mangled and I didn't want to put it back in, so I simply taped the wiring harness to the top of the column and moved on. Maybe a "bubba" repair . . . but, I can live with it!
Tom
I'm trying to "un-Bubba" a few wiring issues - and this is is one of them. Would you say that your flat cable "fit" in the mangled protector before your took it off? That's what I am tryi8ng to sort out. My turn signal switch works great, but I wonder if it was replaced with something non-OEM that is the source of this apparent oversize cable? Or, is the aftermarket protector not wide enough?
Would you say that your flat cable "fit" in the mangled protector before your took it off?
YES . . . the flat cable did fit, but I've had to replace the turn signal switch 2 or 3 times in the past 10 years, so I just decided to eliminate the protector. My car is no NCRS beauty queen!
I’ve done this. The wires are an issue with the shield, but getting the escushion over the shield is even more difficult. Good luck.
I did this job a couple years ago and did it twice. Smashed/crimped the wires the first time. It's a frustrating job that is learn by doing. I have no secret to success. Not even beer helped.
The shield protector I used (possibly from Paragon) accommodated the wires but really did not want to traverse the escutcheon. I just filed the escutcheon a tad to provide safe passage.
Mine was black taped round and round till the end less the last 1foot.
It works and is undetectable
unless your letting folks crawl under your dash.
Again, they would have to know what they are looking for.
Wrap it professionally looking.
Tuck it in on the connection clip on the column and start the next repair
My thoughts on the matter
Marshal
I may have a couple of the protectors left in my stock, they are NOS from Corvette Steering who supplied all the vendors with them. I don't think they're sold anymore but to be honest I never looked for them either. I can get a picture of one if it helps.
The shield protector I used (possibly from Paragon) accommodated the wires but really did not want to traverse the escutcheon. I just filed the escutcheon a tad to provide safe passage.
What you are telling me suggests that the correct wire cover should be wider that what I have, as there is a ton of clearance for my part to slide through the escutcheon. Here are the dimensions I am seeing:
My flat cable width - 0.625"
Wire duct inside width - 0.525" (at least 0.100" too narrow)
This leads me to believe that the duct I received from Top Flight/Corvette Central is incorrect (too small). If someone could quickly take a caliper to their duct (that fits) for the outside dimension that would be telling.
If it is proven that my cover is too small, It would be a plus to know a source to get the right part...
Johnny
Don't know if this any help but here are some shots from our '65.
I don't recall where we bought the wire mold (likely, Paragon, CC or LIC) and it was a long time ago.
I don't recall having to cram the harness ribbon into the mold.
The wire mold is about 5/8".
Dave Z
Here is one of the ones I have left. There were two used, one has a hole drilled in it one doesn't. The same part was used and the buyer drilled the hole. There might have been a difference in length too, I would have to see if I still have my notes on them. These were the best other than originals, I can't say what is sold today.
Here is one of the ones I have left. There were two used, one has a hole drilled in it one doesn't. The same part was used and the buyer drilled the hole. There might have been a difference in length too, I would have to see if I still have my notes on them. These were the best other than originals, I can't say what is sold today.
Sure looks like that would do the trick. I sent you a PM today also. Let me know how I can get one if you would be so kind...
Johnny
Don't know if this any help but here are some shots from our '65.
I don't recall where we bought the wire mold (likely, Paragon, CC or LIC) and it was a long time ago.
I don't recall having to cram the harness ribbon into the mold.
The wire mold is about 5/8".
Dave Z
This makes me suspect that the issue may be that I have an aftermarket turn signal switch that uses a wider flat cable.
You could try folding the flat cable lengthwise to get it to fit better, or even split all of the wires from the ribbon for a looser fit.
Here are a few photos of what I believe was a original, on a '66 std column. Note the wires are not ribbon. The plastic tube had a slit along the entire length to route the wires.
If the column is out it's easy to route the wires. If it's in, you need to release and pull all of the connector pins from the plastic housings so you can feed them through the rectangular slot in the hub and the cluster escutcheon, then reinsert in the plastic housings.
[QUOTE=rich5962;1607209289]You could try folding the flat cable lengthwise to get it to fit better, or even split all of the wires from the ribbon for a looser fit.
Here are a few photos of what I believe was a original, on a '66 std column. Note the wires are not ribbon. The plastic tube had a slit along the entire length to route the wires.
If the column is out it's easy to route the wires. If it's in, you need to release and pull all of the connector pins from the plastic housings so you can feed them through the rectangular slot in the hub and the cluster escutcheon, then reinsert in the plastic housings. /QUOTE]
Thanks Rich! I believe that this is the answer. The harness was very likely not originally a flat cable! It was individual wires. It seems that replacement turn signal assemblies started coming with the flat cable - and here we are. The column is on the bench now. I'm not going to overthink this any longer and will split off at least some of the wires and use the otherwise nice looking cover I bought....
Last edited by JohnnyRay; Nov 5, 2023 at 10:13 AM.
Reason: add pix
Thanks to Rich5962 for pointing out that the column harness was not originally a ribbon cable! One more reason why Corvette Forum is of such a value - the knowledgeable members!
My solution was to split off the two outside conductors, which allowed an easy insertion into the wire cover. Results show in the pix below...
OK...whose pulled a standard 63-66 steering column?
