Researching a possible project for a C3 build and would like to figure out if it would be possible to put a C5 T&T column in a C3?
The end result is to have all the functionality that comes with a more modern vette (ie...cc controls/ radio controls/Hi low beams etc) .

I don't have the year of the C3 as it hasn't been purchased yet...this may be a factor in what year I choose.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

I don't know if the column will swap, but how will you work with the air bag from the C5?

 

My 79 T-T column has high/low beams, cruise control, all stock. Perhaps add a bluetooth button array for the radio?

 

I would dump the airbag

 

what about the light switch...is it still on the dash?
the washer and wiper control?
like I said I am still in research mode....I have spent most of my wrenching on Harleys...not cars....so I am WAY out of my element here.

 

And you have to re-do the gauge panel because the C5 column is fat-

 

Youll spend five times as much getting that ugly thing to fit and work on your c3 when you could probably buy a working rebuilt tilt/tele that bolts right up.

 

The problem you'll find with trying to add any modern control from a relatively new car into one as old as a C3 is that extremely few of these controls are direct acting with momentary operation. At least one electronic module interprets the commands and takes (or requests) action by the actual device being controlled. In the case of steering wheel controls (like climate control and stereo) in GM cars the switches are part of a "resistance ladder". Each position of each switch contains a resistor that is part of a single control circuit. When the electronic module (often the IPM for "instrument panel module") detects resistance on the wire it can tell which button was pressed by measuring that resistance. Then, via a one-wire communication bus that connects most or all of the electronic modules in the car, it requests that a device or another module take some action.

Even if you create or borrow electronic modules to interpret signals the device you want to control still has to accept outside inputs that are compatible with the entire system. While I know some aftermarket radios have accessory modules that restore at least some of the functions of an integrated system they act as the final link in the chain and typically get their instructions from the control system and not the control points (switches) themselves. C3 HVAC controls are completely mechanical--you'd need some serious $,$$$s and/or smarts to come up with a way to operate say temperature and fan speed (common on steering wheels) via remote switching.

 

Lights and wipers are on the dash. Cruise control was an available option in 1979, so my stalk has that, and switches the high beams in the modern manner. As others have pointed out, a late C3 T-T column may get you most of what you want with a lot less effort. Most switches in a C3 are current carrying, so if you want to use the C5 switches, you will need add a bunch of relays, or a complete controller.

 

You could add extra functions to the factory column/wheel by using aftermarket controls. Nothing in C3's are bluetooth/wireless compatible so you'd have to use relays to operate the various functions, but the buttons could be added like the ones in the following link. Still would be probably easier, fit better, and be a lot better looking than using a C5 column in a C3 interior.

https://alexnld.com/?term=&s=Bluetoo...my=product_cat

 

Thank you all....your responses are were EXTREMELY helpful. Looks to me like I will keep the orginal steering column and just spruce it up so to speak. The Bluetooth suggestion is really intriguing...and SwampeastMikes contribution really spelled a lot out for me. Thanx again guys/gals.

 

You can get something like this- Programmable Trigger output module to interface the Bluetooth

https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item..._PAC-TR12.html


USB and you set it up with a Laptop- and it has relayed 3A outputs






I took the original steering column- added electric power steering motor to it from a Nissan and Wiper & Controls from a mid 90's Caddy-