I have a question for you all. Compared to a stock non-T/T column, does the T/T column collapse closer to the dash or does it extend closer to the seat? I'm wondering if the T/T column would let me bring the seat closer to the pedals. Yes, as we age we have trouble reaching the pedals again. Nobody around here seems to have a T/T column for me to sit behind.

 

wisoutlaw,the tele extends toward the seat,when the tele is adjusted in,it is in the same position as a non tele,i have a tele in my car and measured its length to the firewall plate when in the non extended position and measured the standard column i have sitting in the garage,same length.these are both 73 columns,i do not know if this applies to all c3 years.

 

Here are the steering wheel positions as calculated from the engineering drawings:

Standard (non-adjustable) column strg wheel position.
From lower shaft to point where strg wheel connects to column:
1969 - 1976 39.7 inches
1977-1979 38 inches So the later Corvette standard columns (with the dimmer switch on the column) located the steering wheel almost 2 inches further away from the driver.

T&T Strg Column strg wheel position.
1969 - 1970 Retracted 38 inches Extended 40.7 inches
1971 - 1976 Retracted 38.6 inches Extended 40.7 inches
1977 - 1982 Retraced 37 inches Extended 38.3 inches

So the early T&T columns (1969 - 1976) can position the steering wheel about 1 to 1.7 inches further away from the driver (strg shaft retracted position) to about 1 inch closer to the driver (steering shaft extended position).

However, if you install a later T&T dimmer column (1977-1982) into your 1969, you will locate your steering wheel quite a bit further from the driver. The later telescoping dimmer columns do not have as much telescope adjustment as the earlier T&T columns (but that is most likely not one of your concerns).

So if you were to install a later T&T into your early Vette here are the positions:
With the steering shaft retracted the steering wheel would be 2.7 inches further away from the driver. With the steering shaft extended
the steering wheel would still be 1.4 inches away.

For you information, here is the address of a paper that discusses the installation of a later T&T column into an early C3. I might add that since the T&T columns were nearly 100% of production in those later years, prices on the later T&T columns are generally lower than the early T&Ts.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=894

Good luck,
Jim

 

Jim is the man with steering systems,every time you post i continue to learn more about each part of the system.Thankyou for sharing on the forum.i also appreciate your papers,very helpful.