Hi guys, 13 years after selling my first Corvette (a '77 L48) I just picked up my 2nd Corvette (a '72 LT-1 coupe) this week and I need some guidance with reinstalling the original steering wheel and the original stereo.

The steering wheel on the car is a later model ('77+) wheel so I dont think the column has been modified in any way. Just looking for some instruction on how to make the swap, any special tools required, etc.

The stock stereo includes a rather large external heatsink that will need to be mounted somehow. I haven't pulled the dash apart yet to see what I'm dealing with and I'd like to have an idea of what I'm getting into before I do.

If the answers to my questions are already posted I apologize, I did look but I couldn't find anything.

Thanks for any help!

 

If you have a non tilt column it is a very straight forward install. First if you don't want to toot your own horn several times, disconnect the battery. Then pull the horn button off. Next remove the three screws holding the horn contacts in place and remember the orientation of the contact ring. Next remove the phillips head screws that hold the steering wheel in place. Then install your new steering wheel.

Hope this helps and welcome to the forum.

 

Contrary to the above, the T&T should be an easy change. The standard (non adjustable) steering wheel parts are the ones that are all different.

If you have a standard steering column, the 1977+ standard steering wheel has an integral hub. Also all of its horn and attaching parts are unique so you will need a hub and all of the horn parts for a standard 1969 through 1975 steering wheel in order to revert back to original.

If you have a T&T steering column, I think that all of the 1977 parts will interchange to your 1972 steering column. All you need is the correct steering wheel.

I suggest that you go to this sight: http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?page_id=4

If you have a standard steering column download these three papers:
Std Column 69-75 Strg Wheel and Horn Parts #1 & #2
Std Column 76-78 Strg Wheel and Horn Parts

Or if you have the Tilt & Telescoping Steering Column download these two papers:
Tilt & Telescoping 69-75 Steering Wheel and Horn Parts
Tilt & Telescoping 77-82 Steering Wheel and Horn Parts

I think that they will help in figuring out what parts you need.

You will need a steering wheel puller to get the hub off the steering column shaft. Don't try and hammer on the shaft to loosen the hub. Borrow or purchase a puller. All of the other parts come off with sockets, or phillips screwdrivers.

Jim

 

Thanks for your help guys, I'll let you know how I make out!

 

Steering wheel swap is complete, pretty simple thanks to your advice!