Learning_Curve

I can't justify the 500-800 bucks to replace my trashed '76 Tilt/Tele column. I've looked at ebay "Hot Rod Columns", but I have my reservations on the quality. Today I noticed a slew of standard (no tilt/tele) Corvette columns for around 100 bucks.

So here's my question. What will I really be giving up by forfeiting my tilt/tele? I'm 6'2", and have heard comments on us taller folks needing this feature to help facilitate ingress/egress. I would most likely use a smaller diameter steering wheel than stock, and that would help a little.

riggs 74

I'm 6'1'' and I would not enjoy the car as much if I had to fight the steering wheel each time I got in and out.

Can you rebuild your old column, or maybe have someone rebuild it for you?

Riggs

Learning_Curve

Yes and yes. But I have a feeling that the parts alone would add up to hundreds of dollars. At the very least I'm looking an upper and lower cover, I have no keys to it, and who knows what else it'll need.





So when I can get a complete non-adjustable column for half of the cost of repair parts, it starts to look very tempting. I'll keep the stock column and maybe make it a future project.

I feel a little dumb asking how neccessary tilt is to driving, but I'm going through a restoration without ever had driven my car! I joke around that I hope that after all this time and money spent on this car I'll be able to fit in it when I'm done.

Spacecoast

I am 5ft 10 (175 lbs) and life without tilt in my 72 is "acceptable". I can definitely see the advantage to having it, and maybe some day I will add it whenever I redo my interior years from now.

bigvette1

Wonderful option the T&T. Well worth the money to repair. BTW - how did this one get so mucg interior rust even on the steering wheel??

Spocc

i'm 6' 1/2 " 200lbs

& use my 80 for a DD for the last almost 6 years.

i say get the tilt, you'll be glad ya did.

Pete.

Learning_Curve

The car may have sat with the t-tops out. But the "rust" on the firewall is actually the factory sealer, and the steering wheel is just dirty/mildewed.

MRANT212

6'2 250 here with a 71 and no tilt.... Just a little bit tight sliding in and out!! Go for the tilt!! I should have changed my column when I did everything!

Clams Canino

I'm 6' and 210 here. In a '68 with the oversize steering wheel. I make do.
-W

Mark G

Well, in about a month you could drive up to Bloomington Gold (Chicago) and pick from between dozens of used columns guys are selling there, in addition to other parts you may have on your list. I have to admit, I don't know what they're going for, but I doubt $500.

#2, Rebuild - You could just put in a few new parts and you're good to go. NAPARTS.COM has lots of GM steering column parts, and these guys have the bowls you need: http://www.steeringcolumnservices.co...opic-parts.php. I mean, it's not rocket surgery. You can break down a column pretty quickly and if you have the parts painted before you take it apart, you should be able to get it together pretty quick.

#4 Replace w/Something else - There are guys that have tons of Trans Am part, or Cadillac steering columns that used telescoping columns. They'd be a lot cheaper. But I have no idea what will/won't fit. Maybe others do.

#5 Buy the reconditioned one - If you want to get going right away, just break down and buy the new one. You'll put at least $100 if not close to $200 in parts in your column plus a couple days' work

briankeery

Some good advice here.......

DZRick

I think height has a lot less to do with anything than width.

markids77

Get a solid column and use that for now. You are in a similar situation to mine where the car still needs much; your resources can be better spent on carpet, seat covers, etc. Store the tilt column for now and rebuild it after the car's on the road if you wish the extra space it affords. You will be able to fully recoup the cost of the temporary column when you are finished with it.

damoroso

Doesn't look like the car is going anywhere soon, why the push for a column now? Maybe the rebuild route is the right one. You get what you want (the first time) and you can buy the parts as funding allows. Plus, you'll learn that much more about your car and gain a new skill!

John 65

Heres a 76 parts car in Tennessee. Not sure how far from you, but maybe ya get lucky.

http://nashville.craigslist.org/pts/3022355059.html

71scgc

I say rebuild it.
You have steering guru Jim Shea on here to help you when you get stuck.
All Hail Jim Shea!!

Learning_Curve

Thanks for all the encouragement. I guess after stripping the car, painting the frame, rebuilding the diff, the suspension, all new brakes, new floor pans, I just want something easy! And the pictures at the top are from 2008.

This is more up to date.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...resto-mod.html

And yes, I've read some of Jim Shea's papers. Guess I'm rebuilding.

damoroso

Yeah,that's alittle differnt than the first pics!!! Well, since you've put all that time, effort and money into it so far, might as well cheese out on the column...

Let us know how the rebuild goes!!

Shark Racer

My friend has a 71 non-tilt and I can barely get into it. I know if I ever bought another C3 tilt would be mandatory.

scrappy76

I am 5'4" and I have no problems fitting in my 76 nontilt.