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Well the body's back on my '68 and re-assembling everything. I'm to the steering with my Borgeson box. I have a standard column and am familiar with the collapsing aspect of the mod. I've tapped it and it's now to the correct length. In shortening the column the 2 1/2" I needed, it also moved the plate that bolts to the firewall 2 1/2" in. Any suggestions on how to handle that? Do I grind it off and re-weld in to correct location? Thanks for the help.
I'm not familiar with the early steering columns. The later tilt-tele columns collapse internally, and keep the mounting flange in the same position (photo below).
If no one replies, you are likely to find your answer at Jim Shea's website:
Thank you for the response. I wish my column looked so neat. I used a block of wood and a hammer to knock mine back 2 1/4". There is a heavy wire mesh on the steering wheel side of that firewall flange. It's purpose is to absorb kinetic energy in the event of an impact. Any way, when I tapped it back, the firewall mount went back with everything else. Right now, my plan is to cut the two spot welds that hold it on, then relocate it 2 1/4" forward. However, we'll see how that works out as I'll have to replace the bearing due to the heat. UGH..
Well, since you've clearly destroyed that column, you might want to read Jim Shea's papers, and see if there is a diagram.
It may cost you a lower bushing, but if you put that lower flange in a vise, or hold it between some 2x4s at the edge of a workbench, can you collapse the lower column, between the fine splines and the coarse splines? what are the coarse splines for, anyway?
I'm surprised Borgeson didn't have an answer. Are you 100% certain that is a Corvette steering column?
Maybe use some Kano Kroil, or other penetrating oil, in the lower column.
I have Jim's papers and will look through them.
The "course" splines are not splines at all. That is a plastic part that seems to protect the bearing down there.
I read somewhere that the 67-68 Corvette column is unique. Borgeson didn't know anything of it and had no suggestions.
This is a Corvette steering column according to every other feature of it.
I will take a better look at it tomorrow and repost when I have a solution.
It will involve cleaning up that mess and relocating the firewall plate.
Thank you for the input.
Mess of a mesh sleeve pulled back out to the correct length. The lower bearing was rusted onto the steering column. So when I shortened it, everything collapsed. I have repaired the mesh where required. It will remain partially collapsed. While it will not work with 100% efficiency in a front end collision, it will offer some protection.
Tomorrow I remove the steering shaft and clean that up. A replacement lower bearing is ordered. Lube and bearing replacement is part of the rebuild.
Thanks for updating! Threads like this, showing the fix and (hopefully) a resolution are incredibly valuable to folks who read the Forum, now and for years to come.
Please let us know how it works out! I bet you'll really enjoy the Borgeson, likely even more now that you are fully invested.
Collapsing steering column and Borgeson
