Fubba

This is on a 71. I'm trying to find a part number for the upper bearing race seat that sits under the spring. It seems someone has taken my column apart before and did not put this piece back. It caused the inner race to wear and fall below the actual bearing so there was lots of play between the bearing and shaft which translated to lots of steering wheel movement. Does anyone know the part number for the seat?

The second question is about the Ignition Switch Actuator Rack Preload Spring. I cannot for the life of me figure out how this installs back in the column. Every diagram I have including Jim Shea's info does not show or explain where this spring goes. Can anyone shed some light on this as well? Thanks!

0Willcox Corvette

The upper race was only serviced with the OEM bearings, the aftermarket bearings don't have them. I believe I still have some of the NOS bearings in stock at this link... https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...m-w-race-69-82

I can get the race separate from the bearing, but I just checked and I'm out of it. It would take me about 10 days to get one in here and shipped out. https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette...ace-w-tt-69-82

Or I can look and see if I have a decent used one...

as far as the rack spring... if you copy this picture and paste it into your paint program it will enlarge.



The wire end of the rack hooks to the pin in the steering column, the funny end goes inside the gear and floats in the groove, the other end screws down to the column.

Hope this helps.

Willcox

0Willcox Corvette

I knew I had some better pictures of that rack...





Willcox

Fubba

Thanks for the reply!

I've actually got the race and bearing. I ordered a whole kit with the upper, lower, and rack. I'm missing the seat that holds that upper race in place. Is that something I can get from you?

Also, I've got that spring in place. It's the little leaf spring that I'm not sure about. I don't see it in those pictures you posted. Again, thanks for the reply.

0Willcox Corvette

I'm not sure what a leafy spring is.. can you post a picture of it?

The rack only has a few simple parts, the drive gear plastic, the rack gear (aluminum), the lower shaft gear and rod and the spring shown in the picture above.

Willcox

Fubba

Here's a link. It won't let me post a pic from my phone.

https://corvetteparts.com/item/spring-steering-column-rack-slider-1969-1996

corvgreg

If you still need help:

I have the metal tab that goes under the rack and the collar that goes on top of the upper bearing. There is also another split collar that goes on top of the other collar.

Greg

0Willcox Corvette

This spring... it just clips in and holds tension on the rack aluminum gear. I don't have a picture of this right now but I'll check and see.. Maybe someone else will have one or email Jim Shea direct, his email is on his papers and he may have a good one.
https://willcoxcorvette.com/1969-198...ilt-tele-26785

Fubba

Thanks for the help on this. I got it figured out. I have another question though.

I attached Jim Shea's blowup pic of my column. I need to know how #19 Turn Signal Lever Shield fits in the column. Does anyone have a picture of the inside of the column with this piece installed? I can't seem to find one.

corvgreg

Here is pic:

Fubba

Thanks for the help so far.

What color are the 3 screws that hold the plastic turn signal switch in the column? Are they black or silver? I’ve got 3 smaller black screws and 3 larger diameter silver screws. The black screws have higher and lower threads and the silver screws are regular machined ones. Any idea?

corvgreg

black with almost wood screw like threads

Fubba

Thanks!

Do you happen to know where the larger diameter silver screws go? They’re 1/4-20x7/8 if that helps. I know there’s longer skinnier ones that hold the horn contact on but I’m not sure about these larger ones.

Street Rat

Pm sent