1982 Steering Column Reassembly Help Please
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: West Chester PA
1982 Steering Column Reassembly Help Please
I took apart my 82 steering wheel (aftermarket wheel from when I purchased the car) to find out why my horn wouldn't work. I think I figured out the problem which is there's nothing pushing down the contact when you hit the horn button. At some point I'll put back in a proper Corvette steering wheel. In the meantime, however, I can't get the C-clip back on even with the proper tool. Every time I try to push the cam cancelling assembly and the shaft locking plate down to put on the c-clip, I can't push it down far enough with the spring pressure to get to the slot for the c-clip. The tool is ineffective because the shaft just keeps sliding up when you tighten the tool, in essence no pressure to the plate. If the shaft locked into place this wouldn't be a problem to tighten the tool down and put pressure on the plate. The shaft pulls straight out all the time and from what I can tell the c-clip would be the only thing holding it in.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I have done this a few times. It is a two man job or at least that is how I do it. I take two tools, screw drivers or something long like that. Try to get the tips padded or put tape on them so it does not slide on the plate. As I push down, you really have to bear down on it, I have my some slide the clip in. Those tools do not work well on T&T columns. I have never had one of those tools as I have done it many times this way. Be careful the two tools will want to slide when you really start putting pressure on them. I just took a 77 column apart this after noon and have two more columns in the basement for rebuilding.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
In order to use the lock plate compressor tool you need to lock the upper steering shaft from sliding. Use the star screw to lock the shaft. If the star screw interferes with the lock plate compressor tool, use a 5/16-18 UNC set screw to lock the shaft. The tool will work properly.
Jim
Jim
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 25
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From: West Chester PA
Yes, me too. What I can say is that there are a lot of intricate parts, springs, etc...in there once you get in. Take some pictures during your disassembly process. I took a few and am trying to post the ones where I'm stuck. The 1st pic is the cam without the plate on top and the 2nd with the plate on top. Now if I could just push them both down far enough to get the c-clip on I'd be in good shape.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I do have a bunch of pictures of my 72 column coming apart which helped a lot during reassembly. Having another one to look at also helps. The later ones are a little different from the early C3 columns.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: West Chester PA
Thanks guys very much for the quick tips. I'll give the star screw a try first. Having problems posting the pics at the moment, but will try to get them posted. I'll let you know how it goes.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: West Chester PA
Got the set screw, put it in and it worked like a champ!! Thanks very much Jim and others. It's amazing how something so simple stumped me, but I'm new to this. You guys are awesome! Saved me a ton of time and frustration. Thanks!!
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
Thanks Mr. Shea, I like that better than poking my self with two screw drivers. But if I didn't have the proper tool, I could use the two people with two drivers. Thanks you guys. I Appreciate, the answers. Have a great day. Gene
