I need a replacement column for my modified '75. I would be happy with the shorter version in the '77-80, which I understand is a drop in other than for W/W switches.

Mine has broken in multiple places - on the 2"ish diameter main pipe part. I will shortly attempt to weld it up, in car, but am concerned not only for damaging my interior or catching the car on fire, but that the tube is something other than mild steel (possibly hardened) and the weld or weldzone could be unreliable.

This is one of the few things I have not replaced on the car and I tried all three big aftermarket sources: Flaming River, IDIDIT and Billet Specialties. None have a drop in for C3's (except for the '68.) One has one on the drawing board (think 30 years is long enough?) and another would custom build me one, using mine as a pattern, in, oh, 4-6 weeks.

I tried one big column supplier in NY recommended by someone here or on another vette board I am a member of. They were very helpful and offered to rebuild mine, regardless of damage, but, again, in a fair amount of turnaround time and not all that cheaply. They had none in on exchange for the '75's but a handful for the '77-'80 - but would not sell me one of those *at any price!* without an exchanged core! They recommend I find one on E-Bay! I need this thing reparied and running a lot sooner than surfing E-Bay for some unknown quantity.

This is my primary driver and has a scheduled handful of mulit-thousand mile interstate trips to make in the next 6-8 weeks, one of which I have already missed this coming Saturday.

I would like this thing coming to me, next or second day, tommorow.

Does anyone have a source on refurbished (or even not) columns? A vette junkyard? A dealer with NOS stuff laying around?

Thanks in advance!

 

Try calling these guys... contempory corvettes... 1-800-for-vette is the number i think. http://www.contemporarycorvette.com/ for their site. They might have a used one in good shape for you. Shipping might be a deal breaker for you though.

 

There are a number of sellers of used parts, search the archives for information. I've had great dealings with Gary Gruhala in Desoto, MO. You might want to think about one thing though - the 77 column is it's own odd animal, due to the earlier-style left-hand dash but the inclusion of such things as the column-mount dimmer switch.

 

I called a local Vette shop (512-442-1051) here in Austin. He has two columns available. A 75 without a steering wheel that is parts only for $75 and a complete column with steering wheel for a 79 asking $350. He says the 79 is in good shape and ready to install.

I hope this helps some...

 

A 1977 column will bolt right into your 1975. You just won't need to use the wash/wipe switch on the turn signal lever since you already have the switch on the dash. 1978 through 1982 Vette columns will bolt into your 75 but will you will need to shorten the plastic shroud that extends down to the instrument cluster. Not a big deal!

This paper describes how the later year C3 column can be adapted to the early C3s.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...3Rev01FE05.doc

Jim

 

you mentioned the place in NY, I had columnsgalore.com rebuild my 75 TT column. in Oct.05 they took 3 weeks and did a fantastic job. yes pricey( $420.00) but they did a great job.
I know u need one fast sorry

 

Call Tom at Corvette Steering he'll rebuild it for you and do it right.

 

Wayne,
If you can use a 74 non-tilt you can have it for 25 plus shipping no steering wheel.