nix1981

Hi,
I need help on whether or not my steering column (Tilt/Tele) is right for my car - early 69 (Oct 68). I cannot seem to find any photos etc of clear identification other than there is a "bowl" etc. that identifies this as an early, mid?, or late column. The "bowl that's shown does turn a bit when the trans is shifted as some have indicated but I have really no idea. I'm planning on sending this out to have rebuilt but want to make sure it's appropriate. Thanks!

Boswell

I have an early 69 model as well (Oct 68). I have a factory original tilt tele. Based on your photos I'd say you have an original as well. They are not overly difficult to rebuild. Jim Shea's papers big help.
Regards, Norm

nix1981

Thanks! Any photos of the horn button? Mine seems to be a little different than most too.

corvgreg

Yes its an early 69. Other differences are mainly internal, ribbed turn and tele levers, sticker on rotating bell.

Alan 71

Hi n,
I believe the tilt/tele horn button has a rounded shoulder and is larger than the standard column's button with the distinct shoulder.
Regards,
Alan

Note: they both have the upper/inner square in the pennant painted black, not white.

Tilt column.


Standard column.

nix1981

So, my horn button looks more like the 'standard' button and doesn't seem to go all the way out to the edge of the turn ring for the telescoping like I've seen some. It's also pretty faded. So, I'm pretty sure it's the wrong one. I'll need to make sure I get a new one or see if someone has one floating around. Thanks Alan, and everyone who's commented, it really helps. I'm just one that needs to see side-by-side comparisons sometimes. It doesn't have to be the column that came with the car, just the correct one - or as close as I can get.

Alan 71

Hi nix,
Looking at that photo I'd say it appears to be a button from a standard column too.
Regards,
Alan

nix1981

So, it appears to be the right column, wrong button - the button is much cheaper to replace.

corvgreg

I have a spare one with some fading of the red flag. If you want new, any of the vendors have them.

SB64

Your last picture is a standard horn button. I also have an early 69 (Oct68)

nix1981

Great pictures, this helps a great deal! As far as I can tell, there was a difference in the stickers that came on the 'bowl' that also determined if you had an early gen 1, or an early gen 2. The late had a different cover altogether? A photo of that would be great too, so there's something to compare.

I'm ordering the NCRS and the Rick Bizzoca books to help identify what's what...I'm hoping they're not duplicate - I understand that the Bizzoca book helps identify the transition the 69 was going through at the time. Wonder if Alan can provide some guidance on this?

corvgreg

The 69 column went from the exposed bell to the plastic covered bell in about April of 1969.

The 69 stingray guidebook unfortunately does not cover the changes in the column.

SB64

my donor car during my restore build had a non tilt column with this sticker still on it. Also an early 69 build. (Nov.68)

RVZIO