I need steering column HELP!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
I need steering column HELP!
okay im coming to the colse of a two year restoration on my 79. its been fun and its been hell. one of the last shaky things i have left is my column needs to be rebilt. it wobbles at the tilt joint and looks way too rough to stay in my car in its current condition. i was considering sending it off to have someone rebuild it for me, but i really would rather do it myself since i am a perfectionist ( i dont mind the cost of having someone do it, but would have more peace of mind if i did it). ive already done my own T/A's ( not that bad for all the hype surrounding them- must invest in the proper tools though) so im not afraid to jump in, i just need some advice from you wonderful C3 guru's. what all do i need to buy (aka what does a rebuild consist of ) and how big of a job is it. does someone make a complete rebuild kit? well once a gain thank you in advance, i cant wait to conclude this c3 project and post pics.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 3
From: CA
For a "how-to" I would recommend reading Jim Shea's papers:
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/
For parts I would recommend:
http://www.corvettesteering.com/
Its not difficult, just takes time and patience.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/
For parts I would recommend:
http://www.corvettesteering.com/
Its not difficult, just takes time and patience.
Last edited by 71406; Aug 16, 2009 at 08:17 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 115
From: Saginaw Michigan
I would suggest that you take a look at the www.corvettefaq.com websight.
Click on Jim Shea's Steering Papers
Click on Corvette Steering Papers
Scroll down to the Tilt & Telescoping Steering Column 69-82 Section
Disassembly & Repair Paper #1 has several quick tests that you can perform on your steering column to help determine where the looseness in your column might be originating.
There are only two real special tools that you will need. A steering wheel hub puller and a locking plate compressor tool. I believe that both of them can be purchased or borrowed from most major automotive stores. The hub puller just needs to be used once. (You may already have the hub off.) You will need the compressor tool both to disassemble and reassemble your column.
If you need to disassemble the column down to the support area, you will need papers #2 and #3 as well as #1.
There are also a series of Pics #1, #2, and #3 that are available in the same section of the websight.
If you need further assistance, take digital pictures and just post questions right here.
Good luck,
Jim
Click on Jim Shea's Steering Papers
Click on Corvette Steering Papers
Scroll down to the Tilt & Telescoping Steering Column 69-82 Section
Disassembly & Repair Paper #1 has several quick tests that you can perform on your steering column to help determine where the looseness in your column might be originating.
There are only two real special tools that you will need. A steering wheel hub puller and a locking plate compressor tool. I believe that both of them can be purchased or borrowed from most major automotive stores. The hub puller just needs to be used once. (You may already have the hub off.) You will need the compressor tool both to disassemble and reassemble your column.
If you need to disassemble the column down to the support area, you will need papers #2 and #3 as well as #1.
There are also a series of Pics #1, #2, and #3 that are available in the same section of the websight.
If you need further assistance, take digital pictures and just post questions right here.
Good luck,
Jim
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: methuen ma
I would suggest that you take a look at the www.corvettefaq.com websight.
Click on Jim Shea's Steering Papers
Click on Corvette Steering Papers
Scroll down to the Tilt & Telescoping Steering Column 69-82 Section
Disassembly & Repair Paper #1 has several quick tests that you can perform on your steering column to help determine where the looseness in your column might be originating.
There are only two real special tools that you will need. A steering wheel hub puller and a locking plate compressor tool. I believe that both of them can be purchased or borrowed from most major automotive stores. The hub puller just needs to be used once. (You may already have the hub off.) You will need the compressor tool both to disassemble and reassemble your column.
If you need to disassemble the column down to the support area, you will need papers #2 and #3 as well as #1.
There are also a series of Pics #1, #2, and #3 that are available in the same section of the websight.
If you need further assistance, take digital pictures and just post questions right here.
Good luck,
Jim
Click on Jim Shea's Steering Papers
Click on Corvette Steering Papers
Scroll down to the Tilt & Telescoping Steering Column 69-82 Section
Disassembly & Repair Paper #1 has several quick tests that you can perform on your steering column to help determine where the looseness in your column might be originating.
There are only two real special tools that you will need. A steering wheel hub puller and a locking plate compressor tool. I believe that both of them can be purchased or borrowed from most major automotive stores. The hub puller just needs to be used once. (You may already have the hub off.) You will need the compressor tool both to disassemble and reassemble your column.
If you need to disassemble the column down to the support area, you will need papers #2 and #3 as well as #1.
There are also a series of Pics #1, #2, and #3 that are available in the same section of the websight.
If you need further assistance, take digital pictures and just post questions right here.
Good luck,
Jim
excellent papers! I did my column with these and there great, FYI this looks like a pretty inexpensive tool to get, even though you can get by without it
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=43072
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
Wow this is more than what i expected. thanx a ton guys. i plan on changing everything i can in the column, as i have spent a ton on this vette and there's no point in cutting any corners now that its almost complete. i do intend on getting all the correct tools needed, i do already have the puller just need to aquire the others.
