Lower Steering Column Cover
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,190
Likes: 629
From: Port St Lucie Florida
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Lower Steering Column Cover
Over the years, previous owners of my car (69 standard steering column) were not careful with their ignition keys. As a result, the cover under the switch is badly scratched. Is this cover the "Lower Steering Column Cover"? If not, what is cover called and is it replaceable? Thanks as always.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 954
Likes: 2
From: San Jose CA
Buy a new one (all vendors sell them) or paint over (with a dye) an original found on EBAY, this forum, etc.
Link:
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1969-1977.html
Original may fit better.
Link:
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...1969-1977.html
Original may fit better.
Last edited by Clubby99; Mar 4, 2012 at 10:48 AM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,190
Likes: 629
From: Port St Lucie Florida
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Thanks guys. Glad to know I was looking at the right part. I'm leaning towards re-painting. Two questions though....is the cover easy to remove or should I mask and paint it as it is? Is the original paint (dye??) available?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
The lower steering column cover is underneath the column, connects the dash together underneath it. Unless people used a necklace as a key ring that's not the piece that would get damaged.
This is most likely what you're thinking about: http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...oducts_id=6953 (I realize this is for a later tilt C3, but I don't see a corresponding part for an early C3).
This is most likely what you're thinking about: http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...oducts_id=6953 (I realize this is for a later tilt C3, but I don't see a corresponding part for an early C3).
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,190
Likes: 629
From: Port St Lucie Florida
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Me thinks you are correct. The damage is just under the switch where a large set of keys could swing and scratch. Gonna check more closely in just a bit.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 954
Likes: 2
From: San Jose CA
Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 590
Likes: 2
From: Fairfield CT
It's more involved than that. I just rebuilt a later C3 column and took apart my stock 73 column. If it can be sanded and painted w/o disassembly, do it. There's a lot more to getting that section off than 3 screws; remove turn signal collar, ignition switch, etc. Jim Shea has posts on the forum where you can down load instructions for C3 steering column disassembly, repair and assembly. Here's a link to Jim's info paper It's well worth the time to download and read before you make a decision what to do.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=909
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=909
Last edited by mffi115; Mar 4, 2012 at 02:23 PM.
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
It's more involved than that. I just rebuilt a later C3 column and took apart my stock 73 column. If it can be sanded and painted w/o disassembly, do it. There's a lot more to getting that section off than 3 screws; remove turn signal collar, ignition switch, etc. Jim Shea has posts on the forum where you can down load instructions for C3 steering column disassembly, repair and assembly. Here's a link to Jim's info paper It's well worth the time to download and read before you make a decision what to do.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=909
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=909
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,190
Likes: 629
From: Port St Lucie Florida
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
So the plot thickens....don't have time tonight to look at Jim's post but will do so before ultimately deciding what road to take. Will keep everyone interested posted. Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 590
Likes: 2
From: Fairfield CT
I agree, unless you feel like getting intimate with the guts of your steering column. If you do, I would suggest getting the special tool to compress the retaining plate spring to remove the c-clip. It's a real bear w/o one. How do I know? - sore thumbs and an upset wife because I made her help me in a cold garage.
.