68 Steering Column Install Issue
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2014
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68 Steering Column Install Issue
Need some insight as to why this steering column doesn't want to mount properly. I can't move it up high enough to mount to the column mount without crashing into the LH dash pad. I've got to use 8 washers to fill the gap and I have to use 2" long bolts. Something just isn't right but I can't seem to identify what. Any thoughts?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 12
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DZRick: I did have the dash out of this car and just recently re-installed it with a new upper dash pad from Corvette America. Everything went together like I would expect but maybe the upper dash pad is sagging or not installed correctly (?). I did make sure the tabs slipped under the lip at the base of the windshield and the 2 bolts on each side went in fine for the upper dash pad. I've routed the wiring harness above the tach and speedo as shown in the AIM. The speedo and tach and basically up tight against the steering column mount.
This may require some fiddling but I hope more than anything that the LH dash pad doesn't need to come out!
This may require some fiddling but I hope more than anything that the LH dash pad doesn't need to come out!
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
I recently re-installed my standard '68 steering column and don't know why you would have a clearance problem (but each car is different)..... had to re-route the dash wiring harness twice, but had plenty of clearance between the column and the "notch" in the gauge panel.
I was even able to remove the two thick aluminum slotted spacers shown in your photos---- to gain another 1.5" of clearance between the seat and the bottom of the steering wheel----which caused the steering column to fit snugly at the top of the "notch" in the panel....now it is easier to slide into the driver's seat with that extra clearance.
I was even able to remove the two thick aluminum slotted spacers shown in your photos---- to gain another 1.5" of clearance between the seat and the bottom of the steering wheel----which caused the steering column to fit snugly at the top of the "notch" in the panel....now it is easier to slide into the driver's seat with that extra clearance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: myrtle beach sc
Army
Doorgunner, I hate to tell you this, but those two aluminum "spacers" are not spacers. During an accident, the column can slide forward on the slots! They are there for your protection! Lou.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Thanks. Lou...now I know why I put them in the special-parts-shoebox (in case I needed them again-which I do!)
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2014
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It must be something with the LH dash pad, I did my best to get the wiring above the gauges but it is a struggle to get that thing in so its entirely possible that its slipped down or something. I think I'll have to do some investigating. This column has never been in this car before, the PO went all bubba on it and installed an aftermarket column and made it fit by hacking away at the dash pad and the column mount. I've had the car almost completely torn down so not much more bubba to uncover I hope but its amazing to me how much trouble and effort some people will go through instead of just buying a $10-25 part.....
Not that anything steering or dash pad related on a '68 is $25 hahaha, but in other instances around this car thats what I've seen.
Not that anything steering or dash pad related on a '68 is $25 hahaha, but in other instances around this car thats what I've seen.
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