steering bracket needed?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Live Music Capital of the World
steering bracket needed?
When installing new headers on my '81, I removed this bracket on the the driver's side firewall for clearance. I am curious if it wouldn't hurt if I just left it off.
After reading Jim Shea's article, it seems it was only used for models 1969-1976 for a cable of the transmission interlock system. He says 1977-1982 started using a 'finger inhibitor' on the ignition lock cylinder.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...tems27JL04.doc
Other forum members with late C3's also mention having this bracket with nothing connected to it. Makes me wonder why Chevy continued to leave it on. Is it useful at all for late model C3's?
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j1...1329193194.jpg
After reading Jim Shea's article, it seems it was only used for models 1969-1976 for a cable of the transmission interlock system. He says 1977-1982 started using a 'finger inhibitor' on the ignition lock cylinder.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...tems27JL04.doc
Other forum members with late C3's also mention having this bracket with nothing connected to it. Makes me wonder why Chevy continued to leave it on. Is it useful at all for late model C3's?
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j1...1329193194.jpg
Last edited by Sweat; Feb 16, 2014 at 02:26 PM. Reason: clarification
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
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From: Charlotte NC
When installing new headers on my '81, I removed this bracket on the the driver's side firewall for clearance. I am curious if it wouldn't hurt if I just left it off.
I would not leave it off. Cut the material you need for clearance...but re-install the plate. It strengthens the base of your steering column to your firewall. Just my opinion.
Other forum members with late C3's also mention having this bracket with nothing connected to it. Makes me wonder why Chevy continued to leave it on. Is it useful at all for late model C3's?
The reason being...GM had already paid to have the tooling and dies made to make this part...so why spend money to modify this plate if simply not installing the cable is the only difference due to the steering columns had changed and did not have that arm coming out of the side as previous years.
I would not leave it off. Cut the material you need for clearance...but re-install the plate. It strengthens the base of your steering column to your firewall. Just my opinion.
Other forum members with late C3's also mention having this bracket with nothing connected to it. Makes me wonder why Chevy continued to leave it on. Is it useful at all for late model C3's?
The reason being...GM had already paid to have the tooling and dies made to make this part...so why spend money to modify this plate if simply not installing the cable is the only difference due to the steering columns had changed and did not have that arm coming out of the side as previous years.
DUB
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,223
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From: Thunder Bay
The bracket mounts the steering column to the firewall so you need to have it. The part I think you are referring to on the lower right (left of the picture) that is interfering with you headers can be cut off if it is not used on you car. I honestly don't know what it is for, but it must have been used for something on one of the Corvette models. On my '79 it never had anything in it.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
The bracket mounts the steering column to the firewall so you need to have it. The part I think you are referring to on the lower right (left of the picture) that is interfering with you headers can be cut off if it is not used on you car. I honestly don't know what it is for, but it must have been used for something on one of the Corvette models. On my '79 it never had anything in it.
DUB
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 26
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From: Live Music Capital of the World
The bracket is not actually connected to the steering column. It is only attached to the engine-side firewall around the column.
I am guessing that since it still exists but no longer has a cable attached beginning 1977, it may also be necessary for the fiberglass firewall reinforcement around the steering column. So, perhaps the protruding lip (that once held a cable attachment) could be cut off, but the bracket itself may be providing support for the firewall.
I found it easier to R&R the bracket nuts from the inside. Headers cleared perfectly.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/udazbsc04l...%20bracket.jpg
I am guessing that since it still exists but no longer has a cable attached beginning 1977, it may also be necessary for the fiberglass firewall reinforcement around the steering column. So, perhaps the protruding lip (that once held a cable attachment) could be cut off, but the bracket itself may be providing support for the firewall.
I found it easier to R&R the bracket nuts from the inside. Headers cleared perfectly.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/udazbsc04l...%20bracket.jpg
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
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From: Charlotte NC
Sweat.
Yes...I know of this bracket very well...and it is possible to trim off that extension area for the cable....and it should not weaken its integrity enough to make is a concern....so you have the clearance you need.
Yes... the two flange nuts are accessed from the inside and one of the threaded studs is staked permanently to the bracket...and the other bolt is a carriage bolt.
DUB
Yes...I know of this bracket very well...and it is possible to trim off that extension area for the cable....and it should not weaken its integrity enough to make is a concern....so you have the clearance you need.
Yes... the two flange nuts are accessed from the inside and one of the threaded studs is staked permanently to the bracket...and the other bolt is a carriage bolt.
DUB
