Any thoughts?

 

I talked to Ididit earlier today. Here's something to think about. They make a billet aluminum steering column for the 76' vette and it costs $575. The only catch is that you have to relocate your starter switch becuase they don't have any provisions for that. The lady I talked to told me I could relocate my old unit, or I could go with a credit card style switch. That seems like a pretty good security idea. It would probably be harder to steal a card that you don't start with keys right? Anyway, she also said that if I used their column I could use any steering wheel that I wanted. :D :D I personally hate that Chevy Vega wheel that GM calls a corvette steering wheel. What are your thoughts on this guys?

 

Flaming River also makes steering columns that will fit our cars. They offer them in polished aluminum and steel if you want to paint it.

 

Does Ididit have a web page? Also, I can't find columns for a 76 in the Flaming River web page. Is it a "Special" or what?

 

This is coming from an engineer that worked for 39 years at Delphi Saginaw Steering Systems (formerly Saginaw Steering Gear Division). Saginaw developed a full line of energy absorbing steering columns for all General Motors vehicles in order to meet Federal Occupant Protection Standards. Before 1967 the steering shaft and steering column (in just about any passenger car or truck) were constructed as solid shafts and tubes and in a severe frontal collision they could be driven rearward and act as a "spear".
The collapsible, energy absorbing steering column has saved many, many lives in the 35 years that they have been in production.

I know that certain types of street rods and competition vehicles have no choise but to use what steering columns are available. However, I have to add my concerns about modifying a daily driver type vehicle and taking out a perfectly good, energy absorbing steering column and replacing it with a solid column, (particularly just so that you can install a different steering wheel).

The 1976 C3 steering column is identical to the 1969 through 1975 steering columns. Therefore, any steering wheel that can be adapted to fit the early C3 Vettes will work on the 1976. Even leather wrapped steering wheels from later Vettes (1977 through 1982) can be adapted to the early C3s.

 

[QUOTE]...in a severe frontal collision they could be driven rearward and act as a "spear"....QUOTE]

A point well taken. I was a wrecker driver in the 60's and I've seen this twice. The impact can be so hard that the spokes of the steering wheel break off and the hub is driven into the driver's chest. I shoulda been thinking.

 

Yeah but here's the problem. My ignition key doesn't work now that i converted to a 700R4. When the guy before me owned the car, he told me somebody tried to break into the car and steal it. He broke the small aluminum column peice at the bottom and exposed the mechanism. He screwed around with it. It worked fine until I swapped the trans, and now I can't pull my key out of the ignition at all. That's why I just want to be rid of all the problems with this column and get a pretty aluminum one.

 

I got one for my 68 .But the ignition is already on the dash. Mine is chrome and i did it because i wanted tilt.You could just chrome yours probably a hassle.But that credit card key is to cool.I also bought a 4 spoke polished Lecarrea wheel and had IDIDIT cut me a special horn button with the crossed flag emblem in the center from a aluminum corvette mag. I see the point on the column collapings but if i was worried about that i'd buy a C5 with air bags or drive a GEO metro .These are old cars and as soon as you add one high performance part your going over the guide lines that car was designed to handle .So build it up run it up and hold on.Because thats what fun is all about .I pulled my column out to redye my dash if you 2 guys want pics for ideas let me know. :chevy

 

I've have some pics for you while i do it. Ididit told me 2 to 2 1/2 weeks till i get the column. I'm also going to complete my gauges and install the phatom tach and speedo I bought. I can't wait. Thanks for the boost of confidence Terry.