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I am working on a 1977 Vette project car with a bad steering column. The column is tilt/telescopic but seems to be missing some parts and has lots of free play/slack, and probably out of my area of expertise (and budget) to restore. I was looking for a replacement column on ebay and noticed that the C3 column listings are for 69-76 and 78-82 models, but does not include the 1977 model. The only ones I can find specifically for a 1977 model are very pricey, $2000 to $3000 range. What is specific about the 77 column? Will an earlier (69-76) or later (78-82) column work in a 77? What about a column from a C4 Vette, I have a 96 Vette donor car with a good column. Lastly, how about the Flaming River replacement columns, anyone have experience with these? I’m just looking for a good working column that won’t crush my budget.
Buying the parts to rebuild your column should be relatively cheap. There are rebuild videos on how to do it. And there is a website (somebody will chime in ) with step-by-step instructions on how to do it. That being said I'm pretty mechanically able and I just hate opening up one they are just a frustrating thing to work on. So, you might consider looking for somebody local who specializes in them or shipping it to one of the rebuilders. Just be glad you're not dealing with a C4 and their VATS system.
The 77 column was a one year only because it had the wiper controls and high beam switch as one. It was the first year they changed the dash panels so it's a bit shorter than the early ones as well.
Like Bazza said, one year only column. You could try and fit a later 78 up column. Wiper switch is going to be the biggest problem. And of course wiring everything else up. I recently converted a 81 column for use in a 77. But if your doing that much work you may as well repair the one you have.
Like Bazza said, one year only column. You could try and fit a later 78 & up column. Wiper switch is going to be the biggest problem. And of course wiring everything else up. I recently converted a 81 column for use in a 77. But if your doing that much work you may as well repair the one you have.
as 4-vettes & Bazza write, best to look to 78 for a starter...but that wiper switch makes the column one-year only. Here are the pages from the NCRS 75-77 tech manual, the most recent edition. It lists the specifics for a 77 column. No cruise simplies the lever. Perhaps installing the wiper switch in the location used in 78...left of the column...on second thought you may not have room. Also explore Lectric Limited and see what type of column wiring harness they offer, compare 77 to 78. you could possible mount a 78 wiper switch in the bracket that holds the manual headlamp switch...just don't use the 78 wiper/washer bezel.
A 77 wiper switch will fit with NO modifications into a 78-79 colum no problems. I'm taking about the switch part only.
The pivot brackets are the same, only difference is how they attach.
77 - early 78 used a pivot bolt, Late 78 on GM changed to a solid press in pin.
Here is a early 78 pivot bracket & actuator for the dimmer operation.
Once the dimmer actuator was remove a 77 wiper switch is installed...
Last edited by bmotojoe; Dec 10, 2024 at 10:21 PM.
Yup, like that. I added the wiper switch to a 81 column. There are a few other minor differences. But it works. But, your in fairly deep just doing this.
Thanks for all the info on this, much appreciated. I will try to restore the existing 77 column if possible to keep the costs in check. It appears that someone took it apart to unlock the steering because they lost the keys, but that is only my best guess. I have rebuilt a column on my 68, but it was very straight forward with no tilt or telescopic options,
1977 Steering Column Options
