Question- Steering column rebuilders
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,293
Likes: 6
From: North of the Bay California
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,671
Likes: 10
From: california
i did not even mention the springs and levers that make these columns work. they are a pain. the only forgiving factor is it can be done sitting comfortably in the drivers seat and laying the parts on the passengers seat...disassemble/reassemble. for an experieced tech, it's about a 4 hour job..
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: PASADENA MARYLAND
yes, from a column rebuilder that drifted over from the C1-C2 section, i have rebuilt many C3 tilt teleys. along with many other cars with/tel columns. your problem is the pivot pins (a common problem). find somebody that knows how to repair these (like i do). the tilt/teley columns have lots of parts and require special tools to do one. you need to disassmble from the steering wheel down, then the lock plate, then the turn signal switch and also pull the key lock and the gears/linkage. then pull the telescopic mechanism. only then will get at the pivot pins, you need another tool to remove and replace them.
i did not even mention the springs and levers that make these columns work. they are a pain. the only forgiving factor is it can be done sitting comfortably in the drivers seat and laying the parts on the passengers seat...disassemble/reassemble. for an experieced tech, it's about a 4 hour job..
i did not even mention the springs and levers that make these columns work. they are a pain. the only forgiving factor is it can be done sitting comfortably in the drivers seat and laying the parts on the passengers seat...disassemble/reassemble. for an experieced tech, it's about a 4 hour job..
Is there a way to prolong the life of the system .( other then not using it ofcourse ). Im not looking forward to the repairs as stated above ...
thanks .
Last edited by lock-n-load; Jun 19, 2009 at 09:28 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
To prolong the life of your T&T column don't swing yourself in and out of the car using the steering wheel for leverage. It may be more difficult getting in or out but it definately will prolong the useful life of the column.
The most common long term problem with the Saginaw tilt and the T&T columns is the loosening of four critical support screws that are buried deep in the steering column head. They are a pain to reach since the steering wheel and quite a few parts must be disassembled in order to reach them.
However, there are really only two required special tools needed to perform the operation. You must have a steering wheel hub puller and you really need a locking plate compressor tool. I believe that both can usually be borrowed from most automotive stores.
FYI, I have fairly complete instructions posted at Terry Rudy's websight www.corvettefaq.com on the Tilt & Telescoping 1969-82 Steering Column Disassembly & Repair Papers #1, #2, & #3 as well as Disassembly & Repair Pics #1, #2, #3 if you are so inclined.
Go to the www.corvettefaq.com websight.
Look under Jim Shea's Steering Papers and then under Corvette Steering Papers.
Jim
The most common long term problem with the Saginaw tilt and the T&T columns is the loosening of four critical support screws that are buried deep in the steering column head. They are a pain to reach since the steering wheel and quite a few parts must be disassembled in order to reach them.
However, there are really only two required special tools needed to perform the operation. You must have a steering wheel hub puller and you really need a locking plate compressor tool. I believe that both can usually be borrowed from most automotive stores.
FYI, I have fairly complete instructions posted at Terry Rudy's websight www.corvettefaq.com on the Tilt & Telescoping 1969-82 Steering Column Disassembly & Repair Papers #1, #2, & #3 as well as Disassembly & Repair Pics #1, #2, #3 if you are so inclined.
Go to the www.corvettefaq.com websight.
Look under Jim Shea's Steering Papers and then under Corvette Steering Papers.
Jim
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
If your are serious about sending your T&T column out for repair, there are a couple of businesses that specialize in steering columns. I don't believe that any of them are supporting vendors. So if you want some addresses let us know. We won't be stepping on the feet of current supporters.
Jim
Jim
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 188
Likes: 1
From: Kamloops BC
Thank for the replies. I think I will try this job myself next weekend. Where I work I have a shop with every tool I could possible need and the help of a fellow worker who has had experience with columns similar to this. I have already printed Jims Papers (thanks Jim).
