76 Steering Column Cable Too Long

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Apr 7, 2013 | 01:14 PM

roger3

Thread Starter

Pro

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 680

Likes: 5

From: Denham Springs LA

76 Steering Column Cable Too Long

I have to bend my steering column interlock cable to connect it. Been this way since I bought the car.

It's a 76 vette with several 77 parts. It was wrecked by PO on left front.

I think the steering column is from a different year vette because it has a different steering wheel (aftermarket). I don't know what year steering column it is.

Is there anyway to adjust the arm coming out the steering column?

Roger

Apr 7, 2013 | 07:24 PM

20mercury

Safety Car

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 3,753

Likes: 721

From: Lafayette Louisiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by roger3

Roger, I would be happy to take a photo and send it to you of my stock 76 if that would help. PM me your email or I will have to go try and upload to photobucket. I do not remember being able to adjust the arm and I thought my cable bends up to engage the arm and thought that was the way it was supposed to be. But I will go look.

Also planning on taking the 76 to the Baton Rouge Corvette Show in Plaquemine next Sat. If you are going, you can check it out.

Last edited by 20mercury; Apr 7, 2013 at 07:26 PM.

Apr 8, 2013 | 07:57 AM

roger3

Thread Starter

Pro

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 680

Likes: 5

From: Denham Springs LA

Thanks for the help. My cable has to have a bend in it where it attaches to the steering column. It doesn't seem normal to have to kink the cable to connect it.

I just sent you a PM with my email address.

I think I am going to State Capitol Raceway Saturday instead of St Jude. State Capitol is having a race/car show/swap meet. If I have my car ready to race. If not, then we are going to St Jude. I'll let you know.

Thanks,

Roger

Apr 8, 2013 | 07:10 PM

RodgerF

Instructor

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 108

Likes: 5

From: Connellsville PA

On my '76 there is some adjustment to the arm. How much do you need?

Rodger

Apr 8, 2013 | 08:29 PM

roger3

Thread Starter

Pro

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 680

Likes: 5

From: Denham Springs LA

Rodger,

I need about a quarter inch for the interlock cable.

My problem is both cables (interlock and shift) seems a little long. Where they meet at the transmission they are both about 1/4".

Apr 9, 2013 | 08:36 PM

RodgerF

Instructor

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 108

Likes: 5

From: Connellsville PA

I's been since last fall when I messed with mine. The interlock cable on mine was bent and prevented the key from moving to the lock position. The PO must have been having the same issue as you and "forced" it, bending the cable. I got a new one but have yet to replace it.

Start by disconnecting the interlock cable at both ends and loosen the nut for the shifter cable. Rotate the transmission lever all the way counter clockwise then all the way clockwise to park. To properly adjust the shifter cable, the console must be removed. Using a .040 feeler gauge placed ahead of the pawl on the shifter, place the shifter in park. Tighten the nut on the transmission linkage to 20 foot pounds.

The adjustment for the interlock cable in on the steering column. Loosen the two nuts at the firewall at the end of the steering column from the inside. These can be a pain. rotate the bracket until the cable just slips over the retaining pin. You may need someone to help tighten the nuts while you hold the adjustment.

It's been a while but I'm pretty sure you should be able to get the adjustment you need for the cables. I may be able to scan the instructions from the manual if you need them.

Rodger

Apr 10, 2013 | 10:40 AM

roger3

Thread Starter

Pro

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 680

Likes: 5

From: Denham Springs LA

Rodger

Thanks for the info. I found the pages you mentioned in my AIM. I'm gonna work on it tonite. I'll let you know how it goes.

I'll take a couple pics and post them.

Roger

Apr 10, 2013 | 10:38 PM

roger3

Thread Starter

Pro

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 680

Likes: 5

From: Denham Springs LA

Shift cable worked out fine.

Interlock cable about 1/2" too long. That's with loosened steering column and it positioned as far up as it will go.

I took the interlock cable off the car. Each end of the cable has a long flat lug with hole to fit over the connecting pins. I drilled a second hole in each end, effectively shortening the cable connecting length. It fits now.

Roger