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Old Jan 25, 2015 | 10:31 PM
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Well while chasing a no courtesy light issue in speedo or console I was attempting to lower my steering column to get access to instrument cluster and one of the nuts broke loose on the bracket where the two bolts holds the column up, so now the bolt just spins freely. Anybody ever encountered this problem and have a solution. I didn't realize how rusty the bolts were. Also could you all help me with the blowing of the clock/lighter fuse which is also for the courtesy lights. What all does this fuse control? Thanks in advance!!
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Old Jan 26, 2015 | 06:56 AM
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Anyone?
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Old Jan 26, 2015 | 07:37 AM
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You mean the bolt is still in place, and spins with the nut on the upper side?
Well, in this case you have to cut the head of the bolt or try to drill it out while someone is holding the bolt with a wrench.
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Old Jan 26, 2015 | 08:46 AM
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Hi V,
Ugly!
Have you tried to reach the nut yet?
On my 71 it's a square nut, not hex.
I can just feel it with my fingers.
I guess I'd begin by trying to soak the bolt and nut with WD40 while trying to figure out a scheme to get a wrench of some sort on it.
I'm not sure just how later dashes are assembled?
Is it the nut the one on the outside of the column, or the one towards the center of the car?
Regards,
Alan
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Old Jan 26, 2015 | 09:43 AM
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Originally Posted by zuendler
You mean the bolt is still in place, and spins with the nut on the upper side?
Well, in this case you have to cut the head of the bolt or try to drill it out while someone is holding the bolt with a wrench.
Yes the nut broke loose from the bracket and just spins. I tried to put a socket on it but could not find the right size. Thanks for your response!!
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Old Jan 26, 2015 | 09:49 AM
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Originally Posted by Alan 71
Hi V,
Ugly!
Have you tried to reach the nut yet?
On my 71 it's a square nut, not hex.
I can just feel it with my fingers.
I guess I'd begin by trying to soak the bolt and nut with WD40 while trying to figure out a scheme to get a wrench of some sort on it.
I'm not sure just how later dashes are assembled?
Is it the nut the one on the outside of the column, or the one towards the center of the car?
Regards,
Alan
I soaked the bolts with PB blaster. The nut is toward the center console. So the nut is square? I thought it was a hex. That's why I could not get a socket to work. I will try to get a wrench up in there. Thanks for your response!!
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Old Jan 26, 2015 | 10:26 PM
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Originally Posted by zuendler
You mean the bolt is still in place, and spins with the nut on the upper side?
Well, in this case you have to cut the head of the bolt or try to drill it out while someone is holding the bolt with a wrench.
I cut the head off the bolt and got the column down.
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Old Jan 26, 2015 | 11:06 PM
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Originally Posted by VETTE N ME
I cut the head off the bolt and got the column down.

Now that you got the steering column down and out of the way you should be able to unbolt Plate (C) from Bracket (A). Then have someone reweld the loose nut back on the plate.
Jim

Last edited by Jim Shea; Jan 26, 2015 at 11:10 PM.
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Old Jan 27, 2015 | 05:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Jim Shea

Now that you got the steering column down and out of the way you should be able to unbolt Plate (C) from Bracket (A). Then have someone reweld the loose nut back on the plate.
Jim
Vette N Me,

I understand it's a square nut that's tack welded into Plate (C) and Bolt (K) screws into it, No?

How/what did you use to cut that bolt head off?

Steve
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Old Jan 27, 2015 | 03:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Cavu2u
Vette N Me,

I understand it's a square nut that's tack welded into Plate (C) and Bolt (K) screws into it, No?

How/what did you use to cut that bolt head off?

Steve
I used a cutoff wheel on my drill. The square nut is still on the cut bolt. So I will have to put a bolt, washers and nut to hold the column back up.
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Old Jan 27, 2015 | 05:52 PM
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Originally Posted by VETTE N ME
I used a cutoff wheel on my drill. The square nut is still on the cut bolt. So I will have to put a bolt, washers and nut to hold the column back up.
Gotcha. I had to do something similar is rebuilding a seat pan.

Steve
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