steering column apart... need help
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,554
Likes: 3
From: pasadena in the great state of TEXAS
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
steering column apart... need help
my turn signal lever on my '78 was rotating in it's mount instead of moving the switch, i was under the impression that i needed to tighten a small bolt. i do not see any bolt. do i need to go deeper? also the column lock tool i got was not long enough with the tele wheel, i pried the keeper off but i think i fu$*ed up cause now i gotta figure out how to get it back on, has anyone else had this problem or am i doing something wrong? also this plastic piece that was over the locking plate keeper was brittle with age and did not survive, 
is it necessary and is it available anywhere? here are the pics of what i have any help will be greatly appreciated!!!! thanks
is it necessary and is it available anywhere? here are the pics of what i have any help will be greatly appreciated!!!! thanks
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia/NYC CT
Welcome to hell.
The plastic retainer can be found at Zip. It looks the same as what i had to get for mine, though mine is a 76. It costs about 15 bucks, plus shipping. And yes, you need it, if you want your horn to work properly. As for the turn signal lever, on mine, it screws in and out, no bolts or screws. If you hit it, and it doesn't click, that means one of those copper springs is not latched properly. I'm not sure what you mean by turning in place.....don't you have to move it either up or down, to engage the signal?
The plastic retainer can be found at Zip. It looks the same as what i had to get for mine, though mine is a 76. It costs about 15 bucks, plus shipping. And yes, you need it, if you want your horn to work properly. As for the turn signal lever, on mine, it screws in and out, no bolts or screws. If you hit it, and it doesn't click, that means one of those copper springs is not latched properly. I'm not sure what you mean by turning in place.....don't you have to move it either up or down, to engage the signal?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,554
Likes: 3
From: pasadena in the great state of TEXAS
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
what i mean is i can put it in a bind and make the turn signal work but if i just push it normally the lever moves in it's base, (see the 1st 3 pics, see how the lever is rotated up and down, the signal is not on ).
15 bucks!!! damn corvette tax
15 bucks!!! damn corvette tax
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 385
Likes: 3
From: RTP NC
I got that plastic retainer at a Chevy Dealership for 10 bucks... Here's some pics that show the plastic retainer..
BTW, mine is a '76..
Also, here's Jim Shea's explanation of the plastic retainer:
The plastic part GM 7808385 is called the C-clip retainer in some of my Saginaw service literature. If the C-clip comes out, the steering wheel and upper steering shaft can come out right into your lap! The C-clip is a critical safety part. The retainer traps the C-clip so it cannot come out. Also, even though the plastic part is not called an insulator, it does just that. Without 7808385 the big spring on the underside of the lower contact will tough the metal locking plate and your horn will blow continually.
Jim
http://s189.photobucket.com/albums/z...eel%20removal/
BTW, mine is a '76..
Also, here's Jim Shea's explanation of the plastic retainer:
The plastic part GM 7808385 is called the C-clip retainer in some of my Saginaw service literature. If the C-clip comes out, the steering wheel and upper steering shaft can come out right into your lap! The C-clip is a critical safety part. The retainer traps the C-clip so it cannot come out. Also, even though the plastic part is not called an insulator, it does just that. Without 7808385 the big spring on the underside of the lower contact will tough the metal locking plate and your horn will blow continually.
Jim
http://s189.photobucket.com/albums/z...eel%20removal/
