Help removing Steering column Iron brace
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Instructor
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From: Aiken SC
Help removing Steering column Iron brace
I need to remove the cast iron bracket that the steering column bolts up to. There are two bolts that I found that go up into the lower windshield frame, But it did not come down like I thought it would. It is hard to see up under there even with the dashes removed. Are there more bolts, or do I have to pull the whole steering wheel out? 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
The first pic is of my original 68 setup.
The bottom pics are from an 80 car that I had to use to adapt the 80 tilt/tel column. Both have the same mounting holes/pattern to the windshield frame. They do differ in shape and the second lower bracket is different and puts the column about an inch higher than the 68 car.
68 bracket setup
80 brackets (4 bolts to windshield frame)
NOTE THE PICS BELOW ARE UPSIDEDOWN. Use the pic above to determine orientation.
The bottom pics are from an 80 car that I had to use to adapt the 80 tilt/tel column. Both have the same mounting holes/pattern to the windshield frame. They do differ in shape and the second lower bracket is different and puts the column about an inch higher than the 68 car.
68 bracket setup
80 brackets (4 bolts to windshield frame)
NOTE THE PICS BELOW ARE UPSIDEDOWN. Use the pic above to determine orientation.
Last edited by 68 NJConv 454; Jun 7, 2007 at 07:37 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Aiken SC
Forgot to mention mine is a 69. Yes that part labeled "B" is what I am trying to get out. I have removed the top two bolts as well as the 2 lower bolts and nuts to free the steering wheel. So now all I have to do is pull it back towards the rear of the car???
Thanks for the quick help!!!!!
I am trying to get it out of the way so I can drill out the spot welds to remove the top middle outer portion of the lower windshield frame (where the glass lays down on it) so I can make some repairs to remove rust and weld in some patches.
I'm going back out to try and wiggle it out. I will check back in here in a few minutes.
Thanks again!!!
Thanks for the quick help!!!!!
I am trying to get it out of the way so I can drill out the spot welds to remove the top middle outer portion of the lower windshield frame (where the glass lays down on it) so I can make some repairs to remove rust and weld in some patches.
I'm going back out to try and wiggle it out. I will check back in here in a few minutes.
Thanks again!!!
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Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Aiken SC
Yes the pics are priceless and it helps a lot. BUT...
OK it looks like the lower metal piece is in the way covering the bolts closest to the firewall. I cannot seem to get it out. I guess I am going to have to pull the entire steering column :-( Oh and this is a 4 speed car so I have the clutch in the way too Crap.
Not what I want to do!
BTW "EDIT- sorry should have been 68 NJConv 454" NOT JamesB, that last pic of it painted looks really great! Is that POR-15?
And your garage is maybe more clutered than mine LOL.
OK it looks like the lower metal piece is in the way covering the bolts closest to the firewall. I cannot seem to get it out. I guess I am going to have to pull the entire steering column :-( Oh and this is a 4 speed car so I have the clutch in the way too Crap.
Not what I want to do!
BTW "EDIT- sorry should have been 68 NJConv 454" NOT JamesB, that last pic of it painted looks really great! Is that POR-15?
And your garage is maybe more clutered than mine LOL.
Last edited by chevyreb; Jun 7, 2007 at 10:49 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 952
Likes: 44
From: NC
I think you meant 68 NJ corvette...im using my parents garage haha
Glad the pictures helped! The steering column really isnt that bad to pull. You just have to get the two bolts off the fire wall off and then take the rag joint loose. You might as well replace the rubber disc in the rag joint if you have it out.
James
Glad the pictures helped! The steering column really isnt that bad to pull. You just have to get the two bolts off the fire wall off and then take the rag joint loose. You might as well replace the rubber disc in the rag joint if you have it out.
James
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From: Aiken SC
I think you meant 68 NJ corvette...im using my parents garage haha
Glad the pictures helped! The steering column really isnt that bad to pull. You just have to get the two bolts off the fire wall off and then take the rag joint loose. You might as well replace the rubber disc in the rag joint if you have it out.
James
Glad the pictures helped! The steering column really isnt that bad to pull. You just have to get the two bolts off the fire wall off and then take the rag joint loose. You might as well replace the rubber disc in the rag joint if you have it out.
James
Update, I got it out, ( after being side traked to fix a neighbors DSL router) what a pain, reminded me of my V8 Vega days LOL.
Anyway, Thanks a LOT again for the help guys! This is my first Vette so I am still learning. I have a fair amount of knowlege on Vegas and 70-73 Camaros. But I must be insane trying to do a frame off on a 71 Camaro and get a Corvette made into a daily driver (short term while I complete the Camaro) both at the same time. I hope I never luck up into having two project cars at once again until I retire LOL!
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Glad you got it out. Probably just stuck in there with the firewall insulation and some surface rust. Once the two back bolts are loose or out and the top two it should just pull out...as long as that lower bracket in my pics above is also disconnected. Taking the column out would probably give you better access.
Yes that is POR-15 and yes that garage is a dump. I am doing my frame off in one of those tent carports so I have no where to hang my parts to paint and dry so I use my pops garage. There is so many tools and parts in that garage that I could have used instead of buying new but there's no chance in hell anyone could find them. That garage has swallowed parts from 2 other vette body-on restorations, a firebird formula, a firebird gta, mustang gt & basket case motorcycle + daily driver stuff. But I know exactly where all my stuff is!
Yes that is POR-15 and yes that garage is a dump. I am doing my frame off in one of those tent carports so I have no where to hang my parts to paint and dry so I use my pops garage. There is so many tools and parts in that garage that I could have used instead of buying new but there's no chance in hell anyone could find them. That garage has swallowed parts from 2 other vette body-on restorations, a firebird formula, a firebird gta, mustang gt & basket case motorcycle + daily driver stuff. But I know exactly where all my stuff is!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Aiken SC
Glad you got it out. Probably just stuck in there with the firewall insulation and some surface rust. Once the two back bolts are loose or out and the top two it should just pull out...as long as that lower bracket in my pics above is also disconnected. Taking the column out would probably give you better access.
Yes that is POR-15 and yes that garage is a dump. I am doing my frame off in one of those tent carports so I have no where to hang my parts to paint and dry so I use my pops garage. There is so many tools and parts in that garage that I could have used instead of buying new but there's no chance in hell anyone could find them. That garage has swallowed parts from 2 other vette body-on restorations, a firebird formula, a firebird gta, mustang gt & basket case motorcycle + daily driver stuff. But I know exactly where all my stuff is!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 952
Likes: 44
From: NC
I stand corrected, and thank you. I was in a bit of a rush earlier.
Update, I got it out, ( after being side traked to fix a neighbors DSL router) what a pain, reminded me of my V8 Vega days LOL.
Anyway, Thanks a LOT again for the help guys! This is my first Vette so I am still learning. I have a fair amount of knowlege on Vegas and 70-73 Camaros. But I must be insane trying to do a frame off on a 71 Camaro and get a Corvette made into a daily driver (short term while I complete the Camaro) both at the same time. I hope I never luck up into having two project cars at once again until I retire LOL!
Update, I got it out, ( after being side traked to fix a neighbors DSL router) what a pain, reminded me of my V8 Vega days LOL.
Anyway, Thanks a LOT again for the help guys! This is my first Vette so I am still learning. I have a fair amount of knowlege on Vegas and 70-73 Camaros. But I must be insane trying to do a frame off on a 71 Camaro and get a Corvette made into a daily driver (short term while I complete the Camaro) both at the same time. I hope I never luck up into having two project cars at once again until I retire LOL!
Not a problem, I enjoyed going through the old pictures I took when I was converting my car to a 4 speed. I didnt realize I could see the bird cage in the pictures, it looks pretty good! Good luck getting that vette complete for a DD. Lots of people say dont use the vette as a daily driver, but I think once you work out the kinks it just regular mantinence like every other car. early 2nd gen camaros are awesome! is it a z-28, RS, or ss by any chance?