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.

 

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.

 

My advice is to spend the money if you're not going to rebuild it yourself.

 

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.

 

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

 

I am in a medium size city in BC Canada. Didn't know about using Jeep bearings for 35 each. (Us dollars so in cdn 50) Only place that I found the bearings w races and cover was GM dealership and I can post the bill at 95 apiece.

 

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.

 

Amazon, Corvette tilt and telescope column... parts. lower end rebuild kit
part number
4487696k

see pix. $18.95

unkahal

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

They were about $35.00...it's not a Porsche! lol.

 

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

 

The problems I was Having was mainly the horn, which is an easy fix. I guess The more complete finished look of a resto. I’m pretty handy, but I’m so deep into the project I’ve been debating on just having it done so it’s one less thing to have to do.

 

Currently the engine is out, interior is stripped to the bare bones, and just started the engine wiring, which is so much fun.

 

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.

 

You might give these guys a call and see what they charge.

http://www.columnsgalore.com/rebuilt.htm

Call here too. That will give you 3 quotes.
http://www.steeringcolumnservices.co...rebuilding.php

 

Well played sir!

 

You could do this.
http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/int...olumn-to-tilt/

 

I considered It. It’s about the same price, unpainted. Painted is about $100 more. So $915 total.