Steering Column Repair Advice
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Steering Column Repair Advice
Hey guys, I need your advice on what I should do about my steering column. I sent it out to a local shop that specializes in column restoration and got my estimate back today for $847. Fully gone through and parts fixed to original specs. It’s out of a ‘74 and is tilt. It’s pretty rough as you can see.
#2
I had mine rebuilt locally here in MN and it was no where near what you're being quoted. Although, mine was in better shape. The guy replaced anything that needed replacing, he painted it and replace the horn button. I supplied the paint and button.
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Johnnypegs (02-28-2018)
#3
Team Owner
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My advice is to spend the money if you're not going to rebuild it yourself.
Last edited by Easy Mike; 02-28-2018 at 01:40 PM.
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Johnnypegs (02-28-2018)
#4
Pro
I did mine and it had lots of problems. It needed some welding as it was sloppy up and down as well as new bearings (upper and lower) Those alone were $200 +tax. Welding was 65 so parts are pricey. You can do it yourself but if you are not willing to tackle your price isn't bad if you are getting new bearings. It is a lot of labor to do it.
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Johnnypegs (02-28-2018)
#5
Melting Slicks
Counterpoint;
Nobody but you knows your level of mechanical skill.
I would rate rebuilding a Tilt column at 7/10 for A. precision, B. ability to layout parts and not get confused. C. take hi res photos of every sub-assy as it comes apart. D ability to read the DOZENS of available diagrams and procedures.
Not terribly difficult. Slightly tedious.
His price is high...find out why? I assume he's dis-assembling, bead blasting, primer/ paint. Renewing all wear parts. Replacing tilt and turn signal cams, controls, electrical blocks and starter relay, as well as rebuilding horn (with new) and ign switch. As much new as possible. NEGOTIATE!!! can't hurt!
I disagree with the above poster in that parts are VERY available and should cost-out at about $150.
You have a couple of parts missing on the lower end BTW.
I am rebuilding one now...'73 tilt+tele for my 69. A lot of it I will recondition myself and re-use (horn, tilt mech,with no play, tele mech with no slip, etc.)
Horn kit=$35
Lower bearing assy/bushing clip and guide sleeve and keeper Amazon..$18.95 ('jeep parts!)
Upper bearing $35
Controls/stalks $22.50 each
See! no where near $850
If you do a search on tilt column rebuild on google....you'll see there is a TON of info on this....this was not a C-3 only part...it's UBIQUITOUS.
Good luck. UNKAHAL
Nobody but you knows your level of mechanical skill.
I would rate rebuilding a Tilt column at 7/10 for A. precision, B. ability to layout parts and not get confused. C. take hi res photos of every sub-assy as it comes apart. D ability to read the DOZENS of available diagrams and procedures.
Not terribly difficult. Slightly tedious.
His price is high...find out why? I assume he's dis-assembling, bead blasting, primer/ paint. Renewing all wear parts. Replacing tilt and turn signal cams, controls, electrical blocks and starter relay, as well as rebuilding horn (with new) and ign switch. As much new as possible. NEGOTIATE!!! can't hurt!
I disagree with the above poster in that parts are VERY available and should cost-out at about $150.
You have a couple of parts missing on the lower end BTW.
I am rebuilding one now...'73 tilt+tele for my 69. A lot of it I will recondition myself and re-use (horn, tilt mech,with no play, tele mech with no slip, etc.)
Horn kit=$35
Lower bearing assy/bushing clip and guide sleeve and keeper Amazon..$18.95 ('jeep parts!)
Upper bearing $35
Controls/stalks $22.50 each
See! no where near $850
If you do a search on tilt column rebuild on google....you'll see there is a TON of info on this....this was not a C-3 only part...it's UBIQUITOUS.
Good luck. UNKAHAL
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Johnnypegs (02-28-2018)
#6
Pro
Jeep Bearings?
Counterpoint;
Nobody but you knows your level of mechanical skill.
I would rate rebuilding a Tilt column at 7/10 for A. precision, B. ability to layout parts and not get confused. C. take hi res photos of every sub-assy as it comes apart. D ability to read the DOZENS of available diagrams and procedures.
Not terribly difficult. Slightly tedious.
His price is high...find out why? I assume he's dis-assembling, bead blasting, primer/ paint. Renewing all wear parts. Replacing tilt and turn signal cams, controls, electrical blocks and starter relay, as well as rebuilding horn (with new) and ign switch. As much new as possible. NEGOTIATE!!! can't hurt!
I disagree with the above poster in that parts are VERY available and should cost-out at about $150.
You have a couple of parts missing on the lower end BTW.
I am rebuilding one now...'73 tilt+tele for my 69. A lot of it I will recondition myself and re-use (horn, tilt mech,with no play, tele mech with no slip, etc.)
Horn kit=$35
Lower bearing assy/bushing clip and guide sleeve and keeper Amazon..$18.95 ('jeep parts!)
Upper bearing $35
Controls/stalks $22.50 each
See! no where near $850
If you do a search on tilt column rebuild on google....you'll see there is a TON of info on this....this was not a C-3 only part...it's UBIQUITOUS.
Good luck. UNKAHAL
Nobody but you knows your level of mechanical skill.
I would rate rebuilding a Tilt column at 7/10 for A. precision, B. ability to layout parts and not get confused. C. take hi res photos of every sub-assy as it comes apart. D ability to read the DOZENS of available diagrams and procedures.
Not terribly difficult. Slightly tedious.
His price is high...find out why? I assume he's dis-assembling, bead blasting, primer/ paint. Renewing all wear parts. Replacing tilt and turn signal cams, controls, electrical blocks and starter relay, as well as rebuilding horn (with new) and ign switch. As much new as possible. NEGOTIATE!!! can't hurt!
I disagree with the above poster in that parts are VERY available and should cost-out at about $150.
You have a couple of parts missing on the lower end BTW.
I am rebuilding one now...'73 tilt+tele for my 69. A lot of it I will recondition myself and re-use (horn, tilt mech,with no play, tele mech with no slip, etc.)
Horn kit=$35
Lower bearing assy/bushing clip and guide sleeve and keeper Amazon..$18.95 ('jeep parts!)
Upper bearing $35
Controls/stalks $22.50 each
See! no where near $850
If you do a search on tilt column rebuild on google....you'll see there is a TON of info on this....this was not a C-3 only part...it's UBIQUITOUS.
Good luck. UNKAHAL
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Johnnypegs (02-28-2018)
#7
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Aug 2006
Location: mount holly NC
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C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Johnnypegs,
You seem to be very handy judging by the other work that you have done.
What are the problems with your steering column?
With Jim Shea's papers and a little help from this forum, I'm sure you can
do this repair too.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?cat=5
Just scroll down to '74 tilt & telescope.
You seem to be very handy judging by the other work that you have done.
What are the problems with your steering column?
With Jim Shea's papers and a little help from this forum, I'm sure you can
do this repair too.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?cat=5
Just scroll down to '74 tilt & telescope.
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Johnnypegs (02-28-2018)
#8
Melting Slicks
it's a jeep thing.Understand? LOL
Amazon, Corvette tilt and telescope column... parts. lower end rebuild kit
part number
4487696k
see pix. $18.95
unkahal
part number
4487696k
see pix. $18.95
unkahal
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Johnnypegs (02-28-2018)
#9
Pro
Misunderstood
This is the outer steering shaft bearing kit. I didn't even add the price of this in as cheap. I am talking about the inner top and bottom roller bearings for the steering shaft. LOL
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Johnnypegs (02-28-2018)
#10
Team Owner
Rebuild it yourself, this is not rocket science. If you can read and know how to use basic hand tools its a walk in the park and a few beers.
Last edited by Mr D.; 02-28-2018 at 04:10 PM.
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Johnnypegs (02-28-2018)
#11
Just another Corvette guy
Johnny,
Having rebuilt/repaired dozens of tilt columns, I have to say L-46man's recommendation is spot on.
From the pictures you posted it appears most of your problems are cosmetic. Again, there is literally tons of info on line covering these columns. Don't be afraid of it. Order the bearings and tear it down. Lots of pics as you go so re-assembly is easy. Clean, tighten, lube, repaint and save yourself about $700. If you get stuck re-post here for additional info.
Greg
Having rebuilt/repaired dozens of tilt columns, I have to say L-46man's recommendation is spot on.
From the pictures you posted it appears most of your problems are cosmetic. Again, there is literally tons of info on line covering these columns. Don't be afraid of it. Order the bearings and tear it down. Lots of pics as you go so re-assembly is easy. Clean, tighten, lube, repaint and save yourself about $700. If you get stuck re-post here for additional info.
Greg
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Johnnypegs (02-28-2018)
#12
Melting Slicks
#13
Melting Slicks
Few thoughts,
Few thoughts: I rebuilt my 68 tele steering column using Jim Shea's info but I think a tilt tele is a little more complicated.
Second, if you shop around, you should be able to buy another whole steering column in good shape for cheaper
Second, if you shop around, you should be able to buy another whole steering column in good shape for cheaper
#14
Racer
Thread Starter
Johnnypegs,
You seem to be very handy judging by the other work that you have done.
What are the problems with your steering column?
With Jim Shea's papers and a little help from this forum, I'm sure you can
do this repair too.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?cat=5
Just scroll down to '74 tilt & telescope.
You seem to be very handy judging by the other work that you have done.
What are the problems with your steering column?
With Jim Shea's papers and a little help from this forum, I'm sure you can
do this repair too.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?cat=5
Just scroll down to '74 tilt & telescope.
#16
I also have learned my limitations over the last 14 years and do not hesitate to send the more difficult things out to be restored to a much higher level than I could ever do...because I just do not have the tools, knowledge and experience.
Last edited by Faster Rat; 02-28-2018 at 07:12 PM.
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Johnnypegs (02-28-2018)
#17
Le Mans Master
http://www.columnsgalore.com/rebuilt.htm
Call here too. That will give you 3 quotes.
http://www.steeringcolumnservices.co...rebuilding.php
Last edited by Duke94; 02-28-2018 at 07:36 PM.
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#18
Racer
Thread Starter
Whenever I feel overwhelmed by the task(s) at hand, I remember the advice about how to eat an elephant....one bite at a time.
I also have learned my limitations over the last 14 years and do not hesitate to send the more difficult things out to be restored to a much higher level than I could ever do...because I just do not have the tools, knowledge and experience.
I also have learned my limitations over the last 14 years and do not hesitate to send the more difficult things out to be restored to a much higher level than I could ever do...because I just do not have the tools, knowledge and experience.
#19
Le Mans Master
Hey guys, I need your advice on what I should do about my steering column. I sent it out to a local shop that specializes in column restoration and got my estimate back today for $847. Fully gone through and parts fixed to original specs. It’s out of a ‘74 and is tilt. It’s pretty rough as you can see.
http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/int...olumn-to-tilt/
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Johnnypegs (02-28-2018)
#20
Racer
Thread Starter
You could do this.
http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/int...olumn-to-tilt/
http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/int...olumn-to-tilt/