When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Don't think it a real big deal, but does the boot end of the Steering Interlock Cable go to the Tranny end or to the Steering Wheel end? AIM is unclear, to me anyway.
I'm thinking dirt/dust/crap flows downward, so I'm guessing the boot end belongs up.
Where is it on your cars?
Thanks.
Yes. You can disconnect both ends of the lock out cable and leave it in place or totally remove it. Then move the steering column lock lever to the unlocked position and secure it to not move.
Yes. You can disconnect both ends of the lock out cable and leave it in place or totally remove it. Then move the steering column lock lever to the unlocked position and secure it to not move.
After parking in reverse for 46 years, I disconnected mine at the transmission and secured the lever in the up position. Pulling into the garage and parking in first gear is sweet.
How exactly do you secure the steering column after you disconnect so it doesnt slip over and lock on you ??
Some have used wire to keep the lever up. I fabricated a metal strap that goes from the lever in the up position to the master cylinder stud and secured with a nut.
That way the ignition will turn off, the key can be removed and the steering wheel locks.
When the lever is in the down position, you can't turn the ignition to the off position to remove the key.
The downside would be if you're driving with someone that got mad at you, they would be able turn the ignition off and pull out the key, thus locking the steering wheel.
You would be SOL at highway speed.
Originally Posted by Jim Shea
The lever on the lower end of all 1969 thru 1976 Corvette steering columns is a very important part of the General Motors Steering Column/Transmission Shift Interlock System. When GM introduced their locking steering columns on all GM cars in 1969 they were very afraid of lawsuits from people who (by mistake) might turn off their engine and also lock their steering wheel even while the car was still moving forward.
So GM and Saginaw Division designed a system where a gate inside the steering column head was opened when the lower lever was moved to the full UP position. When a manual trans is shifted into REVERSE or a automatic trans is shifted into PARK a cable connected to the transmission pushes the lower lever on the steering column to the full UP position (if it could be viewed from the driver seat, that lever would be at 1 o'clock).
It is important to understand that there are five positions for the ignition switch/ignition key. From full clockwise to full CCW those positions are: START, RUN, OFF, OFF-LOCK, & ACCESSORY.
Regardless if the gate is open or not, the driver is always allowed to just turn the engine OFF. But until the gate is opened, the ignition key cannot be rotated further to OFF-LOCK which would not only will shut the engine off but also would cause the steering wheel to be locked. Also, the ignition key can only be pulled from the lock cylinder in the OFF-LOCK position.
So with the cable not connected and interlock not functioning, it is important to understand that you will be able to shut off your engine and also lock your steering wheel even while your Vette is moving.
Jim
Last edited by 71 Green 454; Jul 22, 2021 at 09:22 PM.
I rebuilt 2 steering columns, 1 had a Tilt System, and I'll be damned if I can remember the details mentioned here. Growin old is TERRIBLE TO THE MIND! Those Shea papers we Gospel to me.
Thanks so much for the refresher 71!
Steve
Last edited by Cavu2u; Jul 22, 2021 at 11:43 PM.
Reason: Forgot to sign.
I got all hot and bothered when after installing the M20, adjusting the Shift Rods, and attaching the Interlock Cable to the Steering Column's Lever, and shifting into Reverse, I couldn't move the Ignition Switch to OFF and remove the Key. Removing the Cable from the Lever allowed the Lever to move up a little, allowing the Ignition Switch to then move to OFF and remove the Key. I thought the new cable was too short. How can this be.
Did a successful search and found some good Forum threads on the subject with photos, including the upper Steering Column being disassembled. Those photos gave to me the answer to my problem. The Locking Pin must engage one of the cutouts in the Locking Plate's outer edge. Slightly turning the Steering Wheel turns the Locking Plate, and doing this while turning the Ignition Switch to OFF, a Locking Plate "Hole" will find the Locking Pin, allowing the Pin to extend. This not only locks the Steering Wheel, but also raises the Steering Column's Interlock Arm, allowing the Key to turn the Ignition Switch to OFF and remove the Key.
Having rebuilt both tilt/telescopic and fixed Columns before, I should have thought of this simple answer, but I'm old and senile. What did I learn from this?
1. Keep it simple Stupid!
2. Do a search. See what someone else took their time in posting your problem so you don't have to bother them, or anyone else, about it again!
Interlock Cable Install Question
Those Shea papers we Gospel to me.