'69 steering column
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque nm
'69 steering column
I bought a used tilt/telescoping steering column(out of a '74) to replace the one in my '69. Now I found out the shaft is bent! Does any one know if the shaft in my non tilt/telescoping column will work in the new one or where I can find one..this has been going one for 2 weeks now and I need help..should I buy one from flaming river or what? Any ideas appreciated...Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,246
Likes: 114
From: Watkins Glen NY
Not knowing much about columns myself, I would guess there is next to nothing that interchanges between a standard column and a tilt/tele.
Search for posts here in the forum by Jim Shea, very knowledgeable in this area. Many writeups by him regarding columns and their repair.
Search for posts here in the forum by Jim Shea, very knowledgeable in this area. Many writeups by him regarding columns and their repair.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
No chance that a standard column steering shaft will work.
The column can be taken apart and the bent shaft placed in a press and straightened. My T&T Disassembly & Repair Papers provide complete instructions all the way to removing the steering shaft if you are inclined toward some exacting teardown work. I say this because many owners have indeed taken their own columns apart and repaired them. Others have gotten the column apart and had a very difficult time reassembling it.
You will only need two special tools. A steering hub puller and a lock plate compresser tool. Both are readily available at most major automotive stores. You may even be able to borrow them at minimal or no cost.
You most likely will require a new plastic c-clip retainer. If it has never been replaced in the past, you will most likely find that it breaks apart when you try to get it off the upper steering shaft. It is available through GM dealers #7808385, or though most Corvette part suppliers.
My instructions can be found at:
www.corvettefaq.com
Click on Steering Papers
Click on Jim Shea's Steering Papers
Click on Corvette Steering Papers
Scroll down to the Tilt & Telescoping Steering Column Section
Down load: Tilt & Telescoping Column 69-82 Disassembly & Repair Papers #1, #2, & #3 (You will require all three papers.)
Down load: Tilt & Telescoping Column 69-82 Disassembly Instructions Pics #1, #2, & #3.
Another option would be to send the column to companies like:
Steering Columns Galore
http://www.columnsgalore.com/index.htm
Corvette Steering Services http://www.corvettesteering.com/corv...g_Services.htm
GM Tilt Steering Column Service
http://www.gmtiltsteeringcolumn.com/services.html
If you decide to do it yourself, additional help is only a computer click away.
Jim
The column can be taken apart and the bent shaft placed in a press and straightened. My T&T Disassembly & Repair Papers provide complete instructions all the way to removing the steering shaft if you are inclined toward some exacting teardown work. I say this because many owners have indeed taken their own columns apart and repaired them. Others have gotten the column apart and had a very difficult time reassembling it.
You will only need two special tools. A steering hub puller and a lock plate compresser tool. Both are readily available at most major automotive stores. You may even be able to borrow them at minimal or no cost.
You most likely will require a new plastic c-clip retainer. If it has never been replaced in the past, you will most likely find that it breaks apart when you try to get it off the upper steering shaft. It is available through GM dealers #7808385, or though most Corvette part suppliers.
My instructions can be found at:
www.corvettefaq.com
Click on Steering Papers
Click on Jim Shea's Steering Papers
Click on Corvette Steering Papers
Scroll down to the Tilt & Telescoping Steering Column Section
Down load: Tilt & Telescoping Column 69-82 Disassembly & Repair Papers #1, #2, & #3 (You will require all three papers.)
Down load: Tilt & Telescoping Column 69-82 Disassembly Instructions Pics #1, #2, & #3.
Another option would be to send the column to companies like:
Steering Columns Galore
http://www.columnsgalore.com/index.htm
Corvette Steering Services http://www.corvettesteering.com/corv...g_Services.htm
GM Tilt Steering Column Service
http://www.gmtiltsteeringcolumn.com/services.html
If you decide to do it yourself, additional help is only a computer click away.
Jim
Last edited by Jim Shea; Mar 9, 2010 at 10:15 PM.
