Replacing a std Steering column with a Tilt column
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Replacing a std Steering column with a Tilt column
I've purchased a Tilt/Telescoping column to replace by standard column in my 1972 Convertible. Both columns are 1972 Corvette columns. Is it a straight swap? Thank you, Tim
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Yes they are a straight swap. One thing to keep in mind.
The ignition switch on your new T&T column operates in the opposite direction from the ignition switch on your non-adjustable column that is being replaced. You will need to twist the two connectors 180 degrees on your vehicle's wiring harness in order for them to snap into the T&T column switch.
I hope that you were able to purchase the turn signal switch lever, the tilt lever, and the horn and telescope hardware along with the column.
This is a blowup of a 1977-82 T&T steering column telescope lock and horn hardware. The components may not be exactly the same as the components on a 1969-75 T&T column. But all of them are required.
Good luck,
Jim
The ignition switch on your new T&T column operates in the opposite direction from the ignition switch on your non-adjustable column that is being replaced. You will need to twist the two connectors 180 degrees on your vehicle's wiring harness in order for them to snap into the T&T column switch.
I hope that you were able to purchase the turn signal switch lever, the tilt lever, and the horn and telescope hardware along with the column.
This is a blowup of a 1977-82 T&T steering column telescope lock and horn hardware. The components may not be exactly the same as the components on a 1969-75 T&T column. But all of them are required.
Good luck,
Jim
Pro
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 675
Likes: 1
From: Mount Laurel NJ
The ignition switch on your new T&T column operates in the opposite direction from the ignition switch on your non-adjustable column that is being replaced. You will need to twist the two connectors 180 degrees on your vehicle's wiring harness in order for them to snap into the T&T column switch.
Good luck,
Jim
Thanks
Jonathan
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
From: White Bear Lake MN
I just completed the exact same swap. The two plug wires that plug into the silver box on top of the column plug in upside down from what they were in your standard steering column. They only fit one way but you will notice they go in different than your old column. Mine worked perfectly on the first try.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
I just completed the exact same swap. The two plug wires that plug into the silver box on top of the column plug in upside down from what they were in your standard steering column. They only fit one way but you will notice they go in different than your old column. Mine worked perfectly on the first try.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Yes they are a straight swap. One thing to keep in mind.
The ignition switch on your new T&T column operates in the opposite direction from the ignition switch on your non-adjustable column that is being replaced. You will need to twist the two connectors 180 degrees on your vehicle's wiring harness in order for them to snap into the T&T column switch.
I hope that you were able to purchase the turn signal switch lever, the tilt lever, and the horn and telescope hardware along with the column.
This is a blowup of a 1977-82 T&T steering column telescope lock and horn hardware. The components may not be exactly the same as the components on a 1969-75 T&T column. But all of them are required.
Good luck,
Jim
The ignition switch on your new T&T column operates in the opposite direction from the ignition switch on your non-adjustable column that is being replaced. You will need to twist the two connectors 180 degrees on your vehicle's wiring harness in order for them to snap into the T&T column switch.
I hope that you were able to purchase the turn signal switch lever, the tilt lever, and the horn and telescope hardware along with the column.
This is a blowup of a 1977-82 T&T steering column telescope lock and horn hardware. The components may not be exactly the same as the components on a 1969-75 T&T column. But all of them are required.
Good luck,
Jim
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
From: White Bear Lake MN
After taking out the original column, which I was doing other work anyway, it took me about 30 minutes to figure out how to get the key assembly moved over. The new column just goes right into place like the old one and the existing wires blog right in. I hadn't done it before so there was extra time getting it in position for the firewall plate and bolts but now I can do it quickly.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
From: White Bear Lake MN