1976 Steering Wheel question

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Jan 19, 2015 | 07:51 PM

Kris Tunetso

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Racer

Joined: May 2014

Posts: 420

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From: Springfield Missouri

1976 Steering Wheel question

While doing a bunch of other little things this weekend I decided to investigate why my horn button doesn't sound the horn when pressed. Bubba the previous owner pulled the relay and jerry-rigged a momentary contact switch in, which works, so the horns themselves are fine. It's just something in the column that's out of sorts.

Removing parts was pretty straightforward and I'm pretty sure I know what parts I need to buy to get it working again. I think my lower horn contact is broken where it retains the spring, eyelet and insulator. The eyelet and insulator are missing entirely. It certainly looks like the little tube might be broken, but I cannot be sure without removing the wheel. I borrowed a puller from my brother but he doesn't have any of the anchor bolts to connect the puller to the hub, just the puller plate and the main center bolt. I can buy some bolts and washers from the hardware store, I just need to know what size to get.

So my question is, what thread pitch are the holes in the hub?

Thanks folks.

Jan 20, 2015 | 02:26 PM

Kris Tunetso

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Racer

Joined: May 2014

Posts: 420

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From: Springfield Missouri

*bump*

Anyone? Bueler? Bueler?

Jan 20, 2015 | 09:55 PM

76vette1

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From: Houston Tx.

I had to go check my puller. The bolts should be 5/16-24UNF x about 3-1/2" long. The length should give you enough room to get your puller on top of the steering shaft.

Jan 21, 2015 | 12:40 AM

Kris Tunetso

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Racer

Joined: May 2014

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From: Springfield Missouri

That gives me a place to start. Thanks!

Jan 21, 2015 | 08:14 PM

Kris Tunetso

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: May 2014

Posts: 420

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From: Springfield Missouri

Couldn't find 5/16-24UNF bolts at the hardware store, but two 5/16-18 bolts seemed to thread in and work just fine. Got the wheel off and confirmed the lower horn contact is broken. Now I have a complete list of parts to order to get my horn working again. Yay!

Thanks again.

Jan 21, 2015 | 08:47 PM

76vette1

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From: Houston Tx.

My apologies for the incorrect thread. It's been a long time since I have pulled a steering wheel. Glad you got it off.

Jan 21, 2015 | 10:43 PM

briankeery

Melting Slicks

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From: Midland Ontario

NCM Sinkhole Donor

Good to hear you figured it out. Having a horn is not really an option as most drivers don't seem to have quite the appreciation for these fine automobiles as we all do.

Jan 21, 2015 | 11:11 PM

Kris Tunetso

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: May 2014

Posts: 420

Likes: 5

From: Springfield Missouri

Quote:

Originally Posted by 76vette1

My apologies for the incorrect thread. It's been a long time since I have pulled a steering wheel. Glad you got it off.

No apologies necessary. You at least got me looking for the right threads.

Quote:

Originally Posted by briankeery

Good to hear you figured it out. Having a horn is not really an option as most drivers don't seem to have quite the appreciation for these fine automobiles as we all do.

Honestly the main reason I'm doing this is because Bubba the PO didn't bother to figure out why exactly the horn button didn't work, so he rigged up a momentary contact switch to the relay connector and screwed it to the bottom of the dash. I want to get rid of that hack-job and go back to something that is.... safer. Not to mention that I sometimes hit the button with my leg. Also, this is something I can do alone in the evenings after work. Some of what I need to do requires an extra set of hands that I just don't have. My kingdom for an octopus, you know?