Steering Column Compatability
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 155
Likes: 6
From: MD
Steering Column Compatability
Forgive me for not searching this.....I was hoping to get a condensed response.
What steering columns will fit in a '72? Are they model year specific?
My friend asked me about them, he has a car that I am assuming has a broken or lost column......
What steering columns will fit in a '72? Are they model year specific?
My friend asked me about them, he has a car that I am assuming has a broken or lost column......
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,609
Likes: 12
From: Massapequa Park NY
78 - 82 will fit and they are 2" shorter than the original. BUT it will require modifications to the dash, steering column, lower cover, turn signal harness connector & the ignition switch connector has to be flipped.
At least that's what was required to install a 78 T&T column in my 70.
Jim Shea has posted information & papers on the steering column options and configurations
Jim
At least that's what was required to install a 78 T&T column in my 70.
Jim Shea has posted information & papers on the steering column options and configurations
Jim
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
78 - 82 will fit and they are 2" shorter than the original. BUT it will require modifications to the dash, steering column, lower cover, turn signal harness connector & the ignition switch connector has to be flipped.
At least that's what was required to install a 78 T&T column in my 70.
Jim Shea has posted information & papers on the steering column options and configurations
Jim
At least that's what was required to install a 78 T&T column in my 70.
Jim Shea has posted information & papers on the steering column options and configurations
Jim
Rick B.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,831
Likes: 959
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
I've heard that the later columns are lighter than the early C3 columns. Any chance you might know if that's true?
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
Here is the address of a paper that I authored on installing a 1977 thru 1982 T&T Corvette steering column into a 1969 thru 1976 Vette.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev23FE2011.pdf
Jim
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...ev23FE2011.pdf
Jim
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,877
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From: Doha
St. Jude Donor '08
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
1). The earlier lock cylinder housings were zinc or aluminum diecast. The later housings were plastic. Some savings there.
2). Earlier steering columns had shift tubes and a lever with a cable to the transmission in order to operate the strg column/transmission shift interlock system. 1977 and later columns eliminated the shift tube and cable mechanism and just had a little finger trigger next to the ignition key/lock cylinder. Savings again.
3). Later columns had the headlight dimmer switch as part of the steering column. May have been a slight saving over a floor mounted switch?
Jim
2). Earlier steering columns had shift tubes and a lever with a cable to the transmission in order to operate the strg column/transmission shift interlock system. 1977 and later columns eliminated the shift tube and cable mechanism and just had a little finger trigger next to the ignition key/lock cylinder. Savings again.
3). Later columns had the headlight dimmer switch as part of the steering column. May have been a slight saving over a floor mounted switch?
Jim
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
YUP, I have a late shark column in my '72, yes the lower housing, and I put a piece of 3/4 wood between column flange and firewall on inside, this recovered some of the shorter length, I flipped the aluminum sliding flanges over so to still be able to bolt the column up correctly....
Dig this, I bought it for ten bucks, TEN bucks, and it was complete, was in a wreck, with no wheel on it, or key for it, I rebuilt it in '95, been on the road since....it drives a rack for the last ten years....
Dig this, I bought it for ten bucks, TEN bucks, and it was complete, was in a wreck, with no wheel on it, or key for it, I rebuilt it in '95, been on the road since....it drives a rack for the last ten years....