Corvette Transmission To Steering Column Lock Cable in Automatic
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 306
Likes: 1
From: Burnaby BC
Corvette Transmission To Steering Column Lock Cable in Automatic
I bought a new cable for my column lock from Ecklers as my old one broke, but it is an inch longer than the old one. WTF!
Anyone have this problem? Is there different legths for different years?
I will order another and see if it is shorter, but would like to hear some thoughts.
I know some people just toss these cables, but I am keeping every part in the car.
Others might say why do you need it.... I do not want any girl I pick up to accidentally bump the key out with her head while I am driving.
Anyone have this problem? Is there different legths for different years?
I will order another and see if it is shorter, but would like to hear some thoughts.
I know some people just toss these cables, but I am keeping every part in the car.
Others might say why do you need it.... I do not want any girl I pick up to accidentally bump the key out with her head while I am driving.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,687
Likes: 3,139
From: Shamong, NJ
According to my GM "1953 to 1980 Corvette Parts and Illustration Catalog", the automatic cable is 21 1/8" long. The 4sp cable is 30 15/16" long. There are 2 repros available for this. The 1st is a replacement one with a plastic or vinyl casing, these sell for about $18.00. The correct repro has a wire wrapped armored case like the original and sell for about $37.00.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 306
Likes: 1
From: Burnaby BC
According to my GM "1953 to 1980 Corvette Parts and Illustration Catalog", the automatic cable is 21 1/8" long. The 4sp cable is 30 15/16" long. There are 2 repros available for this. The 1st is a replacement one with a plastic or vinyl casing, these sell for about $18.00. The correct repro has a wire wrapped armored case like the original and sell for about $37.00.
I checked under the car again and noticed that in changing my oil pan to a summit aluminum one with cooling fins and a drain plug I moved the bracket 1/4 inch closer to the tranny shift link. My solution was to drill a second hole in the cable that is 1/4 inch closer. It worked like a charm.
Thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 893
Likes: 7
From: Orange Park Florida
Great idea! I had the same problem - new pan that altered the length and operation of the shift lock. My ignition key would snag and thus hang up the starter. I found your solution, applied it and solved the problem.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
The 'overall' length of the cable should not be the issue. That cable should have brackets that position the ends properly for connection to the linkage pieces. If the distances are correct for connection points to those brackets, all should work as intended.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 893
Likes: 7
From: Orange Park Florida
Your statement is correct for a straight line cable with a fixed shield - sliding or adjusting the shield toward either end doesn't affect cable length or its operation. However, a cable/shield that is arched or curved can be affected by pulling the cable/ shield outward or, pushing the cable shield inward. Moving the cable bracket down by adding a thicker tranny pan (pulling the cable/shield down) altered the cable length.
Last edited by JimT; Jan 1, 2012 at 09:03 PM.
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