76 steering column replacement
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola FL
76 steering column replacement
Hello.
I just bought my project after years of drooling and I am starting to realize just what I bought into. Since shes going to be a daily driver im working on the essentials first.
The first problem is the steering wheel. I know 76 has the vega which very few people seem to like. My problem is a PO tore the entire column apart and couldnt put it back together correctly.
Problems:
The telescoping feature doesnt lock.
The whole steering wheel rocks around the inside of the assembly like its missing a bushing or bearing.
Turn signal doesnt hold to the left and doesnt release on the right.
Ignition sticks forward keeping the starter engauged.
No hazard lights assembly.
No horn assembly.
Center threads on the post are destroyed so the star bolt wont screw in.
Pro's
ummm its original.
Im thinking buying a whole new assembly would be better than trying to un-Bubba the mess.
What year steering columns will be drop in replacements?
I just bought my project after years of drooling and I am starting to realize just what I bought into. Since shes going to be a daily driver im working on the essentials first.
The first problem is the steering wheel. I know 76 has the vega which very few people seem to like. My problem is a PO tore the entire column apart and couldnt put it back together correctly.
Problems:
The telescoping feature doesnt lock.
The whole steering wheel rocks around the inside of the assembly like its missing a bushing or bearing.
Turn signal doesnt hold to the left and doesnt release on the right.
Ignition sticks forward keeping the starter engauged.
No hazard lights assembly.
No horn assembly.
Center threads on the post are destroyed so the star bolt wont screw in.
Pro's
ummm its original.
Im thinking buying a whole new assembly would be better than trying to un-Bubba the mess.
What year steering columns will be drop in replacements?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
With the many problems that you describe, you either need to purchase a complete replacement steering column or you need to send the disassembled parts to a competent rebuilder. Two that come to mind are Steering Columns Galore and GM Tilt Steering Column Services.
If you can score a complete 1977 through 1982 Corvette steering column, this paper explains how to make the installation into your 1969 through 1976 early Vette.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=894
Jim
If you can score a complete 1977 through 1982 Corvette steering column, this paper explains how to make the installation into your 1969 through 1976 early Vette.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=894
Jim
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 273
From: Dunedin NZ.
I have the 77 column in my 70 but it was fitted by a PO. I ended up with two headlight dip-switches, fortunately they kept with the floor operated one which I prefer and the unused column one I have used as the manual override switch for the torque converter lock up:-)
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 234
Likes: 3
From: Johnston Rhode Island
I just sent my 1971 column out to be rebuilt. I found a very good guy in Texas who has been doing it for years. His turn around is approximately a week. I tried with Jim Shea's help, but bubba got in there. I figured replacing everything was the best move instead of just my broken sector.
Larry Johnson....817-296-1819.
http://corvettecolumns.com
You can tell him Henry from RI referred you. He has my column now.
Larry Johnson....817-296-1819.
http://corvettecolumns.com
You can tell him Henry from RI referred you. He has my column now.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola FL
Thanks everyone.
A guy on here is parting out a few 74s. I need his windshield and a few other odds and ends. If he has a column and can cut me a deal I will make the 5 1/2 hour trip.
A guy on here is parting out a few 74s. I need his windshield and a few other odds and ends. If he has a column and can cut me a deal I will make the 5 1/2 hour trip.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,487
Likes: 83
From: Titusville Florida
I just sent my 1971 column out to be rebuilt. I found a very good guy in Texas who has been doing it for years. His turn around is approximately a week. I tried with Jim Shea's help, but bubba got in there. I figured replacing everything was the best move instead of just my broken sector.
Larry Johnson....817-296-1819.
http://corvettecolumns.com
You can tell him Henry from RI referred you. He has my column now.
Larry Johnson....817-296-1819.
http://corvettecolumns.com
You can tell him Henry from RI referred you. He has my column now.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola FL
I just sent my 1971 column out to be rebuilt. I found a very good guy in Texas who has been doing it for years. His turn around is approximately a week. I tried with Jim Shea's help, but bubba got in there. I figured replacing everything was the best move instead of just my broken sector.
Larry Johnson....817-296-1819.
http://corvettecolumns.com
You can tell him Henry from RI referred you. He has my column now.
Larry Johnson....817-296-1819.
http://corvettecolumns.com
You can tell him Henry from RI referred you. He has my column now.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola FL
So I pulled out the old column and sourced a 75 rebuilt locally. Everything is matching up so far except the harmonica.
Does anyone know if the wire positions are the same for a 76 as a 75? I plan on using a small flat piece of metal to pull the tabs out and just swap the plastic harmonicas.
Does anyone know if the wire positions are the same for a 76 as a 75? I plan on using a small flat piece of metal to pull the tabs out and just swap the plastic harmonicas.