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how to open up steering column?

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Old May 13, 2014 | 03:12 PM
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Default how to open up steering column?

Hi Guys,

I've rebuild the interior of my '69 350 manual but when I put the dash back on the hazard lights wouldn't work, although the indicators do. An electrician thinks the fault is at the button on the column, but I can't see how to get into it. It looks like it needs some sort of puller to remove the end piece next to the wheel. How is it removed?

Regards,

Barry.
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Old May 13, 2014 | 03:47 PM
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do you mean a steering wheel puller?

http://www.zoro.com/g/00059799/k-G15...FRFk7AodgxYAhQ
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Old May 13, 2014 | 04:02 PM
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You will need wheel puller and then a separate but similar tool that is a "U" shaped device that screws onto the center shaft and depresses the round plate under the steering wheel so that you can remove the clip ring. It comes apart pretty easy after that is removed.
Steering column tool???
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Old May 13, 2014 | 04:10 PM
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Have you tested the hazard flasher?
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Old May 13, 2014 | 05:12 PM
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Thanks Mike, Mel, and Malibu - That could be difficult to find a steering wheel puller in the UK at short notice - I wanted to get it done this week. Is there a different flasher unit for the hazards? I can only see the indicator one under the map pocket. I've never had any trouble with this switch in 20 years - it would be a relief if the fault is somewhere else.
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Old May 13, 2014 | 06:04 PM
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Originally Posted by chevyfiftynine
Thanks Mike, Mel, and Malibu - That could be difficult to find a steering wheel puller in the UK at short notice - I wanted to get it done this week. Is there a different flasher unit for the hazards? I can only see the indicator one under the map pocket. I've never had any trouble with this switch in 20 years - it would be a relief if the fault is somewhere else.
Yes. The one under the map pocket is for the indicators, the one for the hazards is plugged into the top of the fuse panel.
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Old May 13, 2014 | 06:49 PM
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Default hazard flasher

Thanks Mashman - I don't recall seeing the flasher unit by the fuse box but I'll check it out tomorrow. I'll be hoping that the fault is there, not the column. Regards, Barry.
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Old May 15, 2014 | 05:39 PM
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Default hazards working!

Thanks to Mashman for pointing out that there are two flasher units - one for the indicators and the other, attached to the fuse box, for the hazards. I found this today before the electrician came round and instead of trying to take the column apart, he managed to get all the lights working by connecting up a spare flasher that he had.

I'm pleased to say that all the electrics seem to be working, although I still have the job of putting the whole lot back together again, hopefully by the end of next week. Thanks to all who replied.

Regards,

Barry.
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Old May 15, 2014 | 05:50 PM
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Originally Posted by chevyfiftynine
An electrician thinks the fault is at the button on the column.
You need a better electrician.
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Old May 15, 2014 | 07:34 PM
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Originally Posted by petes74ttop
You need a better electrician.


And for what it is worth..... due to you possible having hard time getting parts and such...is to have a factory assembly manual /or a wiring diagram.

I can say that you really need to be careful who you let get into your car. I do this type of work for a living and if your mechanic does not have the ability to know how to do what is needed ( NOT writing that he is that way)...I would hate it for you to have problems and something hard to find gets damaged due to hasty conclusion.

DUB

Last edited by DUB; May 15, 2014 at 07:37 PM.
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Old May 16, 2014 | 12:48 PM
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Default alternator suppressor

He seems to have done a good job, but he won't have worked on a 'Vette before, and he had to correct a lot of dodgy wiring that some electrician had done in the past.

I wonder if anyone knows about this - at the back of the tacho there's a small cylindrical suppressor which I imagine is to stop the tacho needle fluttering. It's never been a problem before, but after I've put the dash back together again, I don't want to find that there's a fault. I want to finish the job next week, but I don't know if I'd be able to get another by then, especially in the UK. Is this part necessary, or can I do without it?

Regards,

Barry.
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Old May 16, 2014 | 05:56 PM
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Your tachometer is mechanical so NO electrical capacitor is needed for anything to do with the tach..if it is still factory.

The only capacitors that I am aware of ...if my memory serves me correctly...are for the brake light switch area and directly under the steering column.

There is a cylindrical solenoid under the tach...and that has vacuum hoses going to it for your wiper door....along with two wires...one being blue and the other yellow...if I am not mistaken.

DUB
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Old May 16, 2014 | 06:34 PM
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Default Got a picture?

This part?
http://www.zip-corvette.com/catalog/...id-tachometer/
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Old May 17, 2014 | 05:55 AM
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Default capacitor behind tacho

Hi Dub and Pete,
It isn't the vacuum solenoid - it's a small cylinder with a wire at one end which goes into a brown lead which is live with the ignition on. It's an inch long and looks just like a radio suppressor and is screwed into the back of the tacho. I'll try and include a picture. The lead is missing. It looks original, but when I looked up Eckler's catalogue I couldn't find it. I tested it with an ohmmeter but got no signal. It could be that it wasn't working in the first place.
Regards, Barry.
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Old May 17, 2014 | 06:14 PM
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chevyfiftynine,
Yes..it is for the radio...and it does connect to the large brown wire in the wiring harness.

You might be able to fine one used in good condition...from Willcox...or possibly Contemporary Corvette.

DUB
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Old May 18, 2014 | 08:17 AM
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Default radio suppressor

Hi Dub, my guess is that at some time maybe when the original radio was removed that the lead to the radio came off leaving only the one to ignition, and the suppressor is fitted to the back of the tacho as an earth. The radio always worked okay so it means I can put the dash back on and if I do need to suppress the radio I can still connect it without taking off the dash again. Thanks to everyone who replied.
Regards, Barry.
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