As many of you know I’ve been collecting parts for my 73 big block restomod.
I collected most everything I need and now I’m collecting all the parts and components to rebuild the tilt/tele steering column.
Who offers the best quality kit or parts and components to rebuild everything in the column?
For those who have completely rebuilt your column, what was the final cost?
Thanks in advance,
OCB

 

I have done several columns , there are a lot of expensive pieces in there , most don't need replacing, unless obviously there's wear . Even though I have about 3 weeks to wait when I order , I pull the unit down and see exactly whats needed first .

For example the tilt /tele can be loose at the swivel point , which can mean worn holes in the block of cast alloy the (swivel) pins sit in , very expensive piece to buy , over US $200 , or it can be from loose screws into the same block , cheap fix , a few drops of loctite and some time.

There are a few plastic pieces that need replacing almost every time you go into a column , the plastic piece that covers the lock plate so it stops the horn going off continually , costs about $20 last time I bought one .

If the indicator switch and hazard lights work , then the plastic based turn signal switch should be ok , the grease used in the column and age seems to make the plastic and wiring go brittle ,from the ones I have worked on .

If the upper bearings are shot , like my 77 column went, then its better to do the job on a bench .

I get all my parts from Zip corvette , the last lot of upper bearings I got were awesome , the plastic carrier was a way better design than the original .

 

This is great information.
I’m trying to put together all the common replacement parts like switches, wiring harness, plastic components, bearings, etc and have them in a box waiting for when I tear into the column.
I’m sure I’ll find a few things that didn’t need replacing or things I still need.
My goal on the restomod is to have pretty much everything new in it when completed.
Just imagine if Zip or one of the other vendors put together a kit to replace every component needed to completely restore a C3.
That is exactly how my garage looks right now.
Thanks!

 

Check out this company they have videos plus parts not I had mine rebuilt there its steering column service phone # 435 319 6011 in NM.

 

I bought all the bearings, turn signal switch, and rack kit from the dealer.

I would seek out NOS GM parts. They are out there.

 

Thanks I will.

 

Great to hear they are still out there.
I’ll make a list of part numbers from the AIM and parts catalog and start my search.

 

You can check with Tony's Corvette in MD, Tony bought out the T&T part stock from Corvette Steering when I bought out the steering gear stock after Tom Reina passed away.

 

Hey Gary,
Thanks for the tip,
Greg

 

Make sure the rack kit is the correct one before you install it.count the number of teeth on your rack and see if it is the same they sent me 3 that was wrong.

 

Thanks!

 

I just completed this project. It was kind of a whooping but good for the brain. I got all my parts from Zips and Corvette Central. My criteria was all plastic and rubber parts had to go. Reused most the metal parts with one exception. I wanted to replace the pinion gear that the key turns but it came with a rack too. I liked the old rack better, it had tighter clearances and didn't proudly state it was made in China. So I tried to use the old rack with the new plastic pinion. Big mistake because after a few steps the key was not pointed in the right spot. Had to take it all apart again and use the stupid china rack with the new pinion. I found the link below very helpful along with Jim Shea's papers. With the link I just slowed it down and it was easier than decoding all the terminology (i.e."left hand cam lifter alignment guide"). One warning if you use the link. He doesn't show a step where you install the tilt spring guide. I got the column together and found a weird part on the bench. Crap! Now I can take it apart and put it together like a champ. Three times is a charm. There was one screw left over and I was going crazy till I remembered it was the screw I used with the slide hammer to pull the pins. Anyway, I can't vouch for my build's success until I test drive it and don't crash into a tree.

Here is the link:

 

Thanks, that is a big help.