69 tilt/tele steering column
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 7
From: Chetwynd B.C.
69 tilt/tele steering column
Would a 69 tilt/tele steering column fit in a 68? If so how difficult and what modifying would be necessary? I don't really need the tele but don't think there is just a tilt is there? Correct me if I'm wrong!!
Also what other year would fit in a 68?
shmoky
Also what other year would fit in a 68? shmoky
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
A 1969 Corvette steering column (T&T or standard non-adjustable) will not just bolt into a 1968. The spacing of the vertical bolts that go through the aluminum breakaway capsules and hold it up into the dash are not even close. Also I don't believe that the cutout in the instrument cluster is the correct diameter to accept the steering column jacket and the shroud that is part of the 1969 column.
One other problem is that the 1969 column has the ignition lock cylinder built into the head. Your ignition lock cylinder and ignition switch are built into the instrument cluster.
The 1968 Corvette dash structure and first generation, energy absorbing, steering column were designed to function together in a serious frontal crash. The steering column jacket was designed to absorb energy while other parts of the column were designed to collapse at the same time.
The 1969 Corvette dash structure and steering column (although similar) had to be redesigned to accept the new, second generation, function locking, energy absorbing steering column with the ignition switch mounted on top of the column jacket under the dash. Also energy absorbing and collapse criteria had to be met with the new dash structure.
Nothing is impossible, but this is not a job to be taken lightly.
Jim
One other problem is that the 1969 column has the ignition lock cylinder built into the head. Your ignition lock cylinder and ignition switch are built into the instrument cluster.
The 1968 Corvette dash structure and first generation, energy absorbing, steering column were designed to function together in a serious frontal crash. The steering column jacket was designed to absorb energy while other parts of the column were designed to collapse at the same time.
The 1969 Corvette dash structure and steering column (although similar) had to be redesigned to accept the new, second generation, function locking, energy absorbing steering column with the ignition switch mounted on top of the column jacket under the dash. Also energy absorbing and collapse criteria had to be met with the new dash structure.
Nothing is impossible, but this is not a job to be taken lightly.
Jim
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 22
From: Marina CA
Ididit makes a 68 only tilt only column that bolts right in and works great.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 7
From: Chetwynd B.C.
Thanx for the replies. I was hoping you would answer Jim and I assumed it wouldn't be an easy project. Thanx for the confirmation. 1Fordman I will do a search for that Ididit column.
shmoky
shmoky
