I purchase a Tilt Telescopic column with everything minus the horn button for $ 100.00. I was told it was out of a 73 Corvette. My bad. I was in the process of the swap from my original standard column to the tilt column I bought. After removing the standard column I laid it next to the tilt and notice that from the floor pan mount to the end of the shaft on the standard in about 7” the tilt in about 1” shorter. What have I gotten myself into?
Any one have a clue as to what I have and can or should I continue trying to swap it out.
Attachment 47605834

 

The general shape of the two steering columns look correct for a standard (non-adjustable) Corvette column and a T&T. But the one definately looks longer than the other. Here are dimensions to compare.
The best place to use as a common reference point between the two columns is the center of the aluminum breakaway capsule on the driver side of the mounting bracket (capsules are not in line with each other).

Standard Column - centerline of capsule to tip of steering shaft 18.3 inches
T&T Column - center line of capsule to tip of steering shaft (shaft telescoped or retracted all the way in) 17.29 inches

Std Column - CL of capsule to top edge of lock housing 16.1 inches
T&T - CL of capsule to top edge of lock housing 15.9 inches

Std Column - Tip of steering shaft to lower bearing 34.85 inches
T&T Column - Tip of steering shaft (retracted) to lower bearing 33.8 inches

Std Column - Tip of upper steering shaft to lower shaft tip 39.69 inches
T&T Column - Tip of upper shaft (retracted) to lower shaft tip 38.6 inches

Std Column - Tip of upper strg shaft to bottom edge of plastic shroud 14.77 inches
T&T Column - Tip of upper strg shaft (retracted) to bottom edge of plastic shroud 13.8 inches

Std Column - Lower steering shaft length from lower bearing 4.75 inches
T&T Column - Lower steering shaft length from lower bearing 4.7 inches

I hope that my math is correct on all of these dimensional comparisons.

If the only problem is the length of the lower column sticking out from the lower bearing, just gently pull the shaft out to the correct length. Don't beat on the shaft but try and apply a constant pressure on the shaft to get it to move out.

 

Jim
It does seem that shaft does need to come out about 1” as from the lengths you gave me confirm that.
I placed the column in the car and it does not even reach the coupler. It lacks about ¼” to touch it.
I have tried pulling on it hanging from it and no luck. This column must have either been in a wreck or have been dropped on the shaft.
Any other suggestions as how to correct this shaft length?

 

The same thing happened to me on a 1970 that I once had, the T/T col. that I bought was shorter then the fixed col. that I was replacing, I did exactly what Jim Shea suggested and it worked fine. The guy I bought it from didnt really want to answer me about the column being in a wreck. Peace,,,,Moosie

 

I don't have a direct answer about getting that shaft back out by one inch or so. I do know that it goes in a lot easier than it comes back out. I know that this same problem has come up several times. The shaft does come out!

It is fairly easy for the shaft to be shortened when the steering column is shipped somewhere; by prying on the column in order to make room so that the flexible coupling can be removed from the car; and also by dropping the column on its end once it is out of the car.

If you install the lower column flange, you will have something to pry against. Hammering on the flange (or shaft) could tend to damage the column bearings and it could feel rough as you rotate the steering wheel.

BTW, did the T&T column and the standard column match the dimensions that I calculated for you? I have to admit that the standard column looks bigger even though but both columns look very similar to C3 Vette columns.
Jim

 

I got it.
I used the method that BlackRat described that he used to pull the shaft out. I was a little reluctant to use a come along, but it worked. Thanks for your help. I’ll now have a Tilt Telescopic column in my car.

 

So the two columns matched all the other dimensions????
The picture sure doesn't look that way.
Jim

 

Sorry Jim I did not check all the dimensions you provided. I was most concerned with the lower shaft connecting to the coupler. I have already installed the column in the car. Have not installed the steering wheel yet as I am waiting on a new ignition switch and the C-Ring retainer to arrive. I will measure the std. column tonight to see how it matches up with the ones you provided and check the ones that I can for the T&T column. Thanks for your help.