steering column options
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
wow Jim, very impressive. You must have great memories being a part of the creation/design of such an amazing car. I bet back in the day you had no idea you were a part of something so special that in the years to follow people would be so involved in enjoying/tinkering with these vettes.
So a 77 sounds like a much better fit and I'm sure its easier to come by.
Is it correct to assume that the "A" & "B" brackets that I noted above in my pics from a 77 would also be a direct bolt-in to my 68 so I could install a 77 tilt/tele column?
I would rewire to have the highbeam dimmer & wiper on the column.
I want to keep the ignition on the dash, is it possible to cut & patch the column to remove the ignition and keep it on the dash?
BB, how much of a pain is the 96 column install? you keeping the 96 steering wheel? I would imagine the airbags would be a huge PIA to make work with all the sensors and such. What column functions are you planning on making functional?
So a 77 sounds like a much better fit and I'm sure its easier to come by.
Is it correct to assume that the "A" & "B" brackets that I noted above in my pics from a 77 would also be a direct bolt-in to my 68 so I could install a 77 tilt/tele column?
I would rewire to have the highbeam dimmer & wiper on the column.
I want to keep the ignition on the dash, is it possible to cut & patch the column to remove the ignition and keep it on the dash?
BB, how much of a pain is the 96 column install? you keeping the 96 steering wheel? I would imagine the airbags would be a huge PIA to make work with all the sensors and such. What column functions are you planning on making functional?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 1
From: VetteMOD
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
Originally Posted by 68 NJConv 454
BB, how much of a pain is the 96 column install? you keeping the 96 steering wheel? I would imagine the airbags would be a huge PIA to make work with all the sensors and such. What column functions are you planning on making functional?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Originally Posted by BBShark
That is something that would require crash testing
You converting the wiper and highbeam dimmer switches to the column? I would like to do this when I get a hold of a 77 column. I want to leave the ignition in the dash though.
Take pics of what you have to go thru with ur 96 column. I must have 500 pics of everything I've done with my frame-off on my 68. Before and after pics are awsome!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
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From: Saginaw Michigan
I have a lot of information on C3 steering columns. I have zero information on C4s and C5s.
I do not know how easy or difficult it will be to install the 1977 type column support bracket into your 1968.
Take a look at my paper on installing a 1977-82 column into a 1969-76 Vette. The dimmer wiring information at least will be of help.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...3Rev06JN06.doc
Yes, I would think that you should be able to eliminate the ignition lock cylinder bulge on the side of your column. You should be able to saw it off and patch it with epoxy or bondo. You should probably back it up with screening. Be sure to take the lock bolt out of the column. Since you will have most of the guts out of the column anyway, you sure don't want it somehow migrating back and locking up the column while you are driving.
The 1977 (and later) columns also have the small lever next to the lock cylinder (called the finger inhibitor) which can be eliminated as well.
If I were to guess, I think your major fit problem will be where the column head meets the instrument cluster.
Jim
I do not know how easy or difficult it will be to install the 1977 type column support bracket into your 1968.
Take a look at my paper on installing a 1977-82 column into a 1969-76 Vette. The dimmer wiring information at least will be of help.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...3Rev06JN06.doc
Yes, I would think that you should be able to eliminate the ignition lock cylinder bulge on the side of your column. You should be able to saw it off and patch it with epoxy or bondo. You should probably back it up with screening. Be sure to take the lock bolt out of the column. Since you will have most of the guts out of the column anyway, you sure don't want it somehow migrating back and locking up the column while you are driving.
The 1977 (and later) columns also have the small lever next to the lock cylinder (called the finger inhibitor) which can be eliminated as well.
If I were to guess, I think your major fit problem will be where the column head meets the instrument cluster.
Jim
Last edited by Jim Shea; Nov 12, 2006 at 04:42 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Originally Posted by Jim Shea
If I were to guess, I think your major fit problem will be where the column head meets the instrument cluster.Jim
Just trying to find a column and brackets now. Trying some vette salvage yards since restored columns are running big bux these days. More than a chrome aftermarket column with todays technology and features. Weird.
Thanks Jim and BB for your help and info. I'll take lots of pics and try to do a write up.
