i have a 70 vette with T&T. The previous owner was in the middle of a steering column restoration and im just double checking to see if there is a right or wrong was to put the c clip in. I noticed that the clip is not symmetrical, so i have a hunch that it has to go in a certain way. Can anyone help?

 

I believe it's okay going in any way just because the one in my TT column, just spins freely once it's installed.

Nothing really gets too close to it so I don't think it's orientation really matters...


...unless I'm thinking of a different C-clip.

 

it is the c clip that holds the lock plate and the turn signal cancelling cam on.

 

If it is that c-clip it only goes in one way. Each side of the clip is a different thickness. The real question is did they put the turn signal cancelling cam in the right way. If your turn signal cancels itself when turning right and left then it is correct. If it only cancels when turning one way or the other it will need to be turned around.

 

The following are the instructions found in my Disassembly & Repair Paper #1. The instructions are making reference to the steering column blowup drawing:
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...owup03FE04.doc

Here are the instructions:
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"Reassembly - Horn Contact, Shaft Lock, and C-clip
Place the upper bearing preload spring #5, the horn contact carrier #4, and the lock plate #3 onto the upper end of the shaft. Note, the steering shaft yoke #44 has two flats on opposite sides of the open end. The flats are not equal in length. Assemble the horn contact carrier so that its flat matches the long flat on the shaft yoke assy. Also, the hub on the shaft lock plate is raised on one side. The raised section should be pointing toward you as the shaft lock plate is assembled on the shaft yoke.

Reinstall the locking rod #40 and the “star” screw/set screw. Telescope the upper shaft #41 inward to its shortest length and tighten the “star” screw with a phillips screwdriver (or the set screw with an allen wrench) to lock the shaft in place. Now compress the shaft lock with the special bridge tool or by hand and install the c-clip #2.

A Note of Caution: The c-clip is a critical safety part. If it is omitted or not engaged properly, the entire steering wheel and the upper steering shaft will be able to be pulled right out of the steering column at any time.

Reassembly C-clip Retainer, Bumper, and Spacers
Now, remove the “star” screw/set screw so that you can install the c-clip plastic retainer #1, the bumper, and spacers."
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I make no mention as to the orientation of the C-clip.

 

Whoops!!!!
I just found a statement in one of my old Steering Gear repair manuals.

"Locate the C-ring to lock shaft with the wider leg of the C-ring on the keyway side of the upper shaft. Install the C-ring retainer with the singel tab opposite the small lobe on the carrier. Snap the retainer over the C-ring and install the bumper."

Jim

 

So where can you get one of those handy-dandy tools that lets you get the C-clip on (and off too, I suppose)?

 

Free for rent at Autozone.

 

I was thinking of a different C-clip all together. Sorry guys.

 

Lisle tools Part number 57340 $25 bucks including shipping

Hope this helps

Sean