Got the interior just about all out of my 77. Need to replace the plastic part on the steering column that is just below where the ignition is. I have searched the AIM and other books and cant seem to nail down what this part is. Here is a pic and I have tilt and tele scopic steering. Should I replace the heater core while I have everything ripped out. Doesnt leak and also what color would you guys say this interior is buckskin or doeskin. Thanks again

 

The heater core is not a job you want to do unless you have to. I say leave it unless it's failed you somehow.

I'm not sure about the plastic part. What're the color odes on the metal tag riveted tot eh inside of the driver's door up by the bulk head?

 

This is not the original color of the interior. Thats why I cant use the metal tag.

 

Jim Shea's paper calls that a shroud. Couldn't find one at any of the Vette parts places. You may need to find a good used one. You can try these guys:
http://www.columnsgalore.com/index.htm

If it's a 77, the color is Buckskin trim code 64C or 642. Doeskin was a 78 color and is code 59C and 592.
If you have the dash apart, I would change the heater core. You are half way there.

 

Do you have a copy of Jim Sheas diagram with that part on it. Thanks

 

Here's the link to all of his papers. You will want to add it to your favorites. Very useful stuff.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?page_id=4

 

I'm afraid that I don't have much good news. In order to replace that key release shroud you will need to completely disassemble the steering column. That means taking it out of the car to work on it.

My disassembly and repair papers pretty thoroughly cover disassembly of the T&T column about to the point of tightening the four support screws. Well you need to get there and then some.

Please go to www.corvettefaq.com and go to Jim Shea Steering Articles. Click on Corvette Steering Papers. Download the Tilt and Telescoping Disassembly & Repair Papers #1, #2, and #3. Also download the Disassembly & Repair Pics #1, #2, and #3.

Disassemble the whole upper end and pull out the tilt steering shaft. Then remove the four screws and the support. Remove the lock plate by tipping the top of the plate and rotate it slightly counterclockwise to disengage it from the column jacket. Then separate the key release shroud from the jacket with a twisting pulling motion.

Now, the key release shroud for 1977 was a one year only part. That is because the key release column was new in 1977 but the instrument cluster was carryover from 1976 and previous years. In 1978 the cluster was changed. So the 1978 through 1982 key release shrouds are much longer than the 1977 shroud. The good news is that the 1978 through 1982 shrouds can easily modified by cutting them back to the 1977 length.

Not that the 1978 through 1982 shrouds are easy to find. But certainly easier than the one year only 1977 shroud.

Good luck,
Jim Shea

 

Thanks for the reply Jim. The shroud that I am talking about seems to be a single piece. I am not talking about the shroud the key goes into but the piece below it. I guess its called the bowl maybe freom looking at your papers Thanks Jim.

 

One of the things that makes this problem difficult to explain is that the T&T column changed in 1977 to the type that required you to trip the small lever (called the key release lever) by the ignition lock cylinder in order to turn your key all the way to OFF-LOCK. There isn't one good blow-up of the Corvette T&T with the key release feature.

Another real headache is that the Saginaw drawings and blow-ups call out components with one name, Chevrolet drawings and blow-ups call those same parts by different names. My steering column literature borrows from both sources. So we really need to be looking at the same drawing so we are calling things the same.

I just uploaded a blowup of a Saginaw tilt column with a key release lever and dimmer. The column isn't exactly a 77-82 Corvette T&T but except for the telescoping upper steering shaft, the blowup is the closest thing that I can find to your steering column.

Please download this drawing: http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...mmerblowup.doc

Let's use the call outs from this drawing in all future discussions.

The lock cylinder and ignition key go into the Cover, Lock Housing #18 Just behind the Cover is the Steering Column Housing Shroud #65. It is the part with the ignition Key Release Lever #63. This is the part that I think you want. As I mentioned before, the 1977 Shroud is unique for that one year. But the 1978-82 shrouds can be cut back to the same short length to match a 1977 shroud.

After you download the above blowup, possibly you might want to call me direct. First eMail me and I will respond with my phone number.

Jim

 

Thanks Jim for the diagram. The part I am talking about is #65 I beleive the steering column shroud. I will PM my # to you so we can talk. Thanks again.

 

Never took the column down that far but I dod look in the ZIP catalog and didnt see what you described. Look at pgs 20-21 maybe you see it?

If you have an xtra $50.00 I would recommed replacing the heater core in as much as you already have the pass side dash and consol removed. Once theyre out there is just some duct work and I think (1) bolt thru the firewall. The hoses are easy to get to from the bottom of the car. I got the core from Corvette America here in PA $49+. I thought the hardest part was getting the dash & consol in and out.
good luck.