Steering Wheel Question
08-13-2006, 09:45 PM
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Steering Wheel Question
Question for the group:
I have a '76 that I just picked up and I'm getting those first few tasks complete. One of the problems it has is the telescopic portion of the column doesn't lock. I need to pick up a star screw for it because it is missing. However, in the 'vette AIM, I also see a "lever" below the horn button. It appears to sit just underneath the star screw.
I can't locate this lever online and I'll clearly need one. Also, I haven't been able to locate any kind of description or explanation as to how this lever actuates the telescopic lock. I've looked at Jim Shea's papers and haven't found any information on how this mechanism works either. If someone could enlighten me as to how it works I'd appreciate it. A source for this lever would also be great. Thanks in advance for your help.
I have a '76 that I just picked up and I'm getting those first few tasks complete. One of the problems it has is the telescopic portion of the column doesn't lock. I need to pick up a star screw for it because it is missing. However, in the 'vette AIM, I also see a "lever" below the horn button. It appears to sit just underneath the star screw.
I can't locate this lever online and I'll clearly need one. Also, I haven't been able to locate any kind of description or explanation as to how this lever actuates the telescopic lock. I've looked at Jim Shea's papers and haven't found any information on how this mechanism works either. If someone could enlighten me as to how it works I'd appreciate it. A source for this lever would also be great. Thanks in advance for your help.
08-14-2006, 08:01 AM
#3
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Jul 2000
Location: Saginaw Michigan
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The star screw is the same on all T&T steering columns. It is expensive but readily available. Don't forget that there is also a 4.3 inch long by 0.21 diameter rod inside the steering shaft just behind the star screw.
Here is a link to a picture of the 1976 T&T steering wheel and horn parts: http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...&HornParts.doc
The rotating lever to lock and unlock the 1976 telescope function is unique for that one year only. That is why you don't see that lever advertised. You might try a restoration shop like Paragon. They might have the part laying around.
Otherwise, you can use the 1969 through 1975 T&T steering wheel, horn button, and telescope locking parts. They will bolt right on your 1976 column. Also, 1977 through 1982 steering wheel, horn buttons, and telescope locking parts can be made to fit your 1976 column as well.
Here are two links to papers that explain the above installations.
1969-75 Wheel on 1976 T&T Column
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...nRev16FE06.doc
1977-82 Wheel on 1976 T&T Column
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...umn16FE061.doc
Hope this helps,
Jim
Here is a link to a picture of the 1976 T&T steering wheel and horn parts: http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...&HornParts.doc
The rotating lever to lock and unlock the 1976 telescope function is unique for that one year only. That is why you don't see that lever advertised. You might try a restoration shop like Paragon. They might have the part laying around.
Otherwise, you can use the 1969 through 1975 T&T steering wheel, horn button, and telescope locking parts. They will bolt right on your 1976 column. Also, 1977 through 1982 steering wheel, horn buttons, and telescope locking parts can be made to fit your 1976 column as well.
Here are two links to papers that explain the above installations.
1969-75 Wheel on 1976 T&T Column
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...nRev16FE06.doc
1977-82 Wheel on 1976 T&T Column
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...umn16FE061.doc
Hope this helps,
Jim