Tilt and telescopic steering column
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,375
Likes: 1,067
From: Virginia USA
Tilt and telescopic steering column
I have a '71 with the standard column. I'm in the process of potentially buying a TT column. Don't know the year yet. A couple of questions.
Are the columns the same if they are close in years. I know a later C3 probably won't work in my '71 because of the multifunction switch etc. but if it's a year closer to mine are they swappable? Also if it does fit will my non TT steering wheel and horn button work? Will the ignition connector be the same with same pinouts etc.?
Any other pitfalls or advice for this swap is greatly appreciated. My car is a non-power steering car. I replaced the rag joint years ago and it's still in great shape.
THANKS!
Are the columns the same if they are close in years. I know a later C3 probably won't work in my '71 because of the multifunction switch etc. but if it's a year closer to mine are they swappable? Also if it does fit will my non TT steering wheel and horn button work? Will the ignition connector be the same with same pinouts etc.?
Any other pitfalls or advice for this swap is greatly appreciated. My car is a non-power steering car. I replaced the rag joint years ago and it's still in great shape.
THANKS!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,817
Likes: 470
From: Wichita Kansas
Sadly it has been too long ago that I replaced my '72 non-tilt tele with a tilt tele but I can tell you that the harmonica (sp) plug mounted on the underside of the tilt tele has a different plug than the non tilt column. I think that the ignition switch was different too. And the horn workings in the column are different, as well as the button. I don't believe the column I put in my '72 was for a '72. And now that I have typed this information, I'm thinking I haven't been a bit of help to you afterall. But I'll leave it here in case I have helped. Long and short of it is, I believe the ignition switch and the wiring plug is different between the two columns.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,375
Likes: 1,067
From: Virginia USA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,240
Likes: 1,013
From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
Any 69-75 tilt/tele column will work in your 71. 76 could too but everything from the hub up needs changed. 77 fits but has the wiper switch on the column. You will need a new horn button. Steering wheel the same. The ignition switch connection is the same you just have to turn the dual connector 180 degrees to plug in to the tilt column. Turn signal switch connection is the same.
Your other option is a 78-82 column. They go in pretty easy as I built one for my 69. It just takes a small mod to the lower collar, and a turn signal switch connector swap or adapter. The advantage of the later column is that it is almost 2 inches shorter so it moves the wheel farther away from you. They are also quite a bit lighter if you are in to that. They have the dimmer switch on the column but I just removed the switch and rod and continued using the floor switch. Many simply extend the wires a little and use the column dimmer. The later columns do not use the back drive cable and have no shift bowl or tube. They use a simple key release lever you push to get the key to off lock. Much simpler than the earlier system. The later columns can also be bought much cheaper.
You will love the tilt/tele column for sure. Let me know if I can help.
Bill
Your other option is a 78-82 column. They go in pretty easy as I built one for my 69. It just takes a small mod to the lower collar, and a turn signal switch connector swap or adapter. The advantage of the later column is that it is almost 2 inches shorter so it moves the wheel farther away from you. They are also quite a bit lighter if you are in to that. They have the dimmer switch on the column but I just removed the switch and rod and continued using the floor switch. Many simply extend the wires a little and use the column dimmer. The later columns do not use the back drive cable and have no shift bowl or tube. They use a simple key release lever you push to get the key to off lock. Much simpler than the earlier system. The later columns can also be bought much cheaper.
You will love the tilt/tele column for sure. Let me know if I can help.
Bill
Last edited by 69ttop502; Feb 13, 2026 at 08:13 AM.
