On my 75 4spd vette (not sure if it has telescopic or standard steer column....I just bought car and car is still storage til ny state snow melts...planning this work ahead for when I get it out this or next month) I may need to replace my Speedo head unit if the speedo drive gear doesn't fix the non working speed, odo problem....68-82 Shop manual states in order to get to the left cluster instrument panel, the steering column must be lowered (see chapter 10).....Chapter 10 removes steer column, but does state the specifics to only lower column......just want to make sure I have the lowering procedure correct as steering column is a critical component....Has one lowered the steer column and/or replace speedo head?, any tips would be greatly appreciated......

 

you live close by and on my 1977 i have lowered my column in the following manner, first and always disconnect the negative battery post to prevent shorting out something and possibly frying a fusible link. remove the center guage cluster! now remove the lower sterring column cover (i believe 2 screws) then you will see the 2 bolts that hold the column up. loosen these 2 and the column will "relax" the next thing the driver's dash pad needs to be loosened as well, 2 screws in the door jamb and 3 on the dash pad, take care now when moving the dash pad pay attention to the area (lip) that rides on the steering column. you can tilt the dash pad toward you enough to reach behind and un clip the speedometer cable and headlight switch also the dash wiring harness is a bit of a bear but with patience you wil be able to remove the light sockets and then sliode the dash pad enough the get to the tach cable/plug (my 77 has a plug i am unsure about '75) with all connections loose the pad will then be able to slide up i pushed the lower potion inward while gently pulling up and out. i hope this gives you some ideas.
........................................ ....chris

 

thnx, this is good specific instructions...doesn't sound too hard, I will try it...... hate to bring it to have a shop do this, would take forever and they would prolly charge me an arm and leg.....are u in bucks county? Did u have any problems getting your 77 thru emissions??

 

You should never remove those two vertical screws that hold the steering column up into the dash and let the steering column just hang there. What you are doing is cantilevering the column by the flexible coupling and the attachment at the floor. This can ruin the lower steering column bearing. You really need to remove the two nuts that hold the lower column plate to the floor and to the plate on the engine side of the attaching hardware. This will relieve the stress on the lower end of the steering column.

You may find that you are this far along that it will provide a lot more access to the instrument cluster if you just detach the column from the flexible coupling and just pull it completely out of the car.

There are more complete instructions at www.corvettefaq.com
Go to Jim Shea Steering Articles
Click on Corvette Papers
Scroll down to either the Standard or the Tilt & Telescoping Disassembly & Repair Paper #2. (The instructions for dropping either column are the same.)

Jim

 

thanks jim,
i only told him what i did as my column was not lowered for very long. the prosedure i mentioned did not cause any damage as you stated but i can certainly see where it could. i guess the bottom line here is to make sure you are comfortable in doing the job at hand. and, any input and instructions are most likely appreciated as for jtp-754sp, no, i have no issues getting through pa emissions as it is only a visual inspection (no sniffer) to make sure all the components are there. thanks again jim.!! the next time i need to get behind my driver's side dash i will do it your way and see if it is any more beneficial.
........................................ .........chris