Building TT Column, what to use?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,000
Likes: 22
From: Boulder Creek California
Building TT Column, what to use?
My next project is replacing my current T/T steering column in my '77. Most parts are okay, as far as steering goes it has no functional problems, but the turn and cruise lever have broken off and the internal switches are getting very difficult (hence the turn signal snapping a second time). I want to basically create a whole new column from a rebuildable core while I'm redoing the interior. I'll get one used from EBay or here on the forum. I wouldn't mind reusing a few non-wear pieces of my current column, but I usually can't have more than 1 day of downtime. Starting from core, I have all the time in the world to do it right, like I like. Anyhow, main questions follow:
What year column should I use? I read something about later columns having energy absorbtion (wouldn't mind that) but I dont' know about fit, I know trim is different at the least. Some modification is okay, but I can't afford the downtime to mock it up and fabricate stuff in the car.
What are the things I'll have to replace off a column that's been in a barn for a few years? Bearings, U-joints, and electronics definitely.
Thanks
-Chris
What year column should I use? I read something about later columns having energy absorbtion (wouldn't mind that) but I dont' know about fit, I know trim is different at the least. Some modification is okay, but I can't afford the downtime to mock it up and fabricate stuff in the car.
What are the things I'll have to replace off a column that's been in a barn for a few years? Bearings, U-joints, and electronics definitely.
Thanks
-Chris
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
77 has some unique pieces. I would find a 78-82 column. They are much cheaper than the 69-76 ones. Should bolt right in. Maybe Jim Shea will chime in. All C3 Columns are "energy absorbing".
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
The 1977 steering column was the only year that the C3 steering column lever also operated the windshield washer/wipe system (it was part of the headlight dimmer pivot). All other years the wipers were on the dash.
So unless you have some other ideas as to how to switch your windshield washer/wipers on, you need another 1977 column to supply parts.
I don't know if this is much help but the Chevette tilt columns also used the same windshield washer/wipe switch that was part of the dimmer pivot. I doubt that Chevette tilt columns are very common either.
So unless you have some other ideas as to how to switch your windshield washer/wipers on, you need another 1977 column to supply parts.
I don't know if this is much help but the Chevette tilt columns also used the same windshield washer/wipe switch that was part of the dimmer pivot. I doubt that Chevette tilt columns are very common either.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,000
Likes: 22
From: Boulder Creek California
Gotta love transitional years. You probably would have mentioned this, but I guess I can't just use a '77 switch in a '78+ column? How many pieces would have to be different to make a "mixed breed?" Or is there alot of interdependance? If no-go, I guess I'll just have to wait until a '77 column turns up, I don't really have any interest in reconfiguring the dash or anything. Oh well, thanks guys.
-Chris
-Chris
Last edited by LiveandLetDrive; Feb 7, 2005 at 11:10 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Looking through the Zip and Dr Rebuild catalogues they both call out the same plastic lock housing from 1977 through 1982. So this should mean that you can transfer the wash/wipe switch and dimmer pivot from your 1977 to a later 1978-82 donor T&T column.
If you can find a 1977 tilt lever with the cruise button on the end of it, you should be able to assemble it to any of the later columns. You should be able to thread the wires down through any of the later columns just like the 1977.
The turn signal switchs 1977 through 1982 should all interchange. The 1980 -82 switches had three additional wires for cornering lights. You should still be able to use any of the switches and just ignore the extra wires even though catalogues call out specific switches.
If you can find a 1977 tilt lever with the cruise button on the end of it, you should be able to assemble it to any of the later columns. You should be able to thread the wires down through any of the later columns just like the 1977.
The turn signal switchs 1977 through 1982 should all interchange. The 1980 -82 switches had three additional wires for cornering lights. You should still be able to use any of the switches and just ignore the extra wires even though catalogues call out specific switches.
