Steering Column Swapping

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Aug 9, 2009 | 04:13 PM

yellowC3

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Sep 2007

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Steering Column Swapping

I have a few questions. The car is a 76. My problem is i have a bad column and am missing the tele lock ring/horn cap... up down left right play...tele doesnt lock and i have to hold it down when i drive

.. The column has to go. I understand on the 76 the wheel and hub are one piece. What would be needed to swap in a 68-75 or 77-82? Does the wiring harness for the ignition/blinkers/hazard all plug in the same? ALSO If i get a column without tele, will that make the steering wheel sit in more? even all the way in its still to close i hate it! Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Aug 9, 2009 | 08:17 PM

moosie982

Safety Car

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 3,547

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From: Carbondale Pa.

What you need to do is do a search for Jim Shea, he is the resident steering expert on here, ask him, Good Luck.
Peace,,,Moosie

Aug 9, 2009 | 08:36 PM

72LS1Vette

Safety Car

Joined: Aug 2001

Posts: 4,883

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From: North Easton Mass

Quote:

Originally Posted by yellowC3

Hopefully Jim Shea will chime in on this thread, but you might be missing the rod that goes under the star-shaped bolt. When you turn the ring it tightens or loosens the star-shaped bolt a bit and puts pressure on the rod inside to lock the tele function. Try turning the bolt by hand to see if the column locks into place.

If the 76 non-tele column is anything like the 72 non-tele the wheel will sit much closer to your chest, so a non-tilt column is probably not an option.

Rick B.

Aug 10, 2009 | 08:06 AM

Jim Shea

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2000

Posts: 6,001

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From: Saginaw Michigan

Your 1976 T&T column (even though it is in rough shape) is exactly the same as 1969 through 1975 T&T columns. So if you find a replacement 69-75 column try and purchase it with all the various steering wheel locking parts, and horn parts. I am quite sure that all of your missing parts are still available from various Corvette suppliers.

These papers should be a big help.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...nRev16FE06.doc

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...&HornParts.doc

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...umn16FE061.doc

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...sRev08AU04.doc

Jim

Aug 10, 2009 | 09:02 AM

Arcticshark

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 6,388

Likes: 2

From: Eagle River Alaska

I'm pretty sure the 77-82 columns were closer to the dash, giving you a little more room. Mine's a 77. I'm 6'1" and I have no problems with the wheel being too close. Mine is a non-tilt though. Good luck.

Aug 10, 2009 | 10:40 AM

Ganey

Race Director

Joined: Apr 1999

Posts: 11,520

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From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS

Yes, 77 & 78-82 T&T are shorter.

Grant has some direct bolt on st. wheels. I put the Grant black leather one on my Corvette a long time ago. It has polished slotted spokes & a shallower dish which moves it closer to the dash. Nice, about 13 1/2". Ideal, esp. if one is tall.

Pic. on website.

Aug 10, 2009 | 12:05 PM

BigBlock 72

Instructor

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 148

Likes: 3

From: Desert Hills Arizona

Great info Jim Shea, thanks for sharing! Not to steal a thread, but can a non tilt-telescoping be changed out without removing and/or replacing the whole steering column? To the untrainied eye it almost looks like it in the pictures. The column in my 72 sits real low and I can hardly slide my legs under it - (and my legs aren't fat)...

Aug 10, 2009 | 12:05 PM

yellowC3

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 123

Likes: 0

thanks for the replies. I really apppreciate the help Mr. Shea those papers will come in very useful. The truth is, i can get a 81 tilt column that matches my interior for a descent price. Is an 81 regular tilt shorter? or does it have to be 77-82 tele? Also noone said anything about having any problems swapping into a 76? Thanks Again.