Ahoy.

So my '76 won't start (mentioned in an earlier thread: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=545933). There is no resistance while turning the key. As I was having it towed home, the guy took a quick look at it and made reference to some kind of rod that goes through the steering column (which is tilt/tele, by the way) horizontally and connects to something or other. He said that this has probably become unhooked. I haven't looked at it yet, but I'm wondering -- if that is the problem -- what steps I need to take to disassemble the column.

I can see that there are two bolts holding the column to the firewall and two other bolts holding it to the area under the dash. Should I take all these out to drop/remove the column, or can this be fixed with the column in place? If so, how should I go about disassembling it?

Thanks.

P.S. It was beautiful outside for the first time in a long time today. :( :( :(

 

You may need to remove the dash colored panel that extends under your steering column. With it removed you should be able to see a rod that extends down driver top side of the steering column and is attached to the ignition switch. Disconnect the battery and then rotate the ignition switch to the "Start" position. On the T&T column the rod should now move up toward the steering wheel (pulling on the switch).

If the rod does not move, your problem is up inside the column head. If it does move, your problem is most likely in the switch. (But as you say, it feels as if the lock cylinder is not connected, the problem is most likely the plastic sector up inside the head.)

The good news is that I have very complete instructions on how to disassemble and repair the T&T steering column. They are posted at http://www.corvettefaq.com in the Steering Section. You may need to download two or all three of the papers:
Tilt & Telescoping 76 Steerng Wheel and Horn Parts
Tilt & Telescoping 69-82 Blowup Pic
Tilt & Telescoping 69-82 Disassembly & Repair Paper #1, #2, & #3
Tilt & Telescoping 69-82 Disassembly & Repair Pics #1, #2, & #3

The two special tools that you will need are a puller to remove the steering wheel hub and a tool that looks like a bridge to depress the locking plate so that you can remove a C-clip. People have reported that you can usually borrow these two tools from Autozone or other automotive shops.

I know that the papers are a bit wordy, but they will take your through the process step by step.

Don't forget, additional help is only a Forum Post or an eMail away.

Good Luck,
Jim Shea

 

Thanks Jim! Very detailed papers indeed. I'll try to get this sorted out.

 

Update: I found the little rod. Sure enough, it doesn't move when I turn the key to the "start" position. (Assuming I found the right one: it's about the diameter of coat hook wire, comes out of the column at the top, is barely visible, and can only be felt with my pinky finger.)

So now I suppose I have to disassemble the column and all that. Ah well, it shouldn't be too hard if I can manage to follow your instructions. Hopefully. :)

Thanks again Jim! :cheers:

 

You will need to remove the turn signal switch in order to get the housing off of the column. You might just as well drop the column and remove it from the car so you will have some room to work on it.

 

Hey Chris!
Have you done any business with Bruce over at Corvette Specialties in Surrey? I went up there and bought a '63 roadster from him a few years back He and his brother Glenn came South later and we partied in Bellingham on the 4th of July. Good guys.
Best, Greg

 

Greg,

I actually bought my car from them! To be honest, I can't remember the fellow's name, but it might have been Bruce. Early 30s, short hair? Anyway, yeah, they are good guys. I often go there for parts and I've always been quite happy with them.

:cheers:

 

Mind if I bother you with one more question? :D



I've got the column mostly disassembled, and the ignition cylinder removed, and everything seems to be fine. When I rotate the little **** with my hand I can see the rod at the top of the picture move in and out, and the rack & gears seem to move correctly. So what's the problem? :confused:

 

So he's hooked us both into a sale! I still buy parts from him when I can't find what I need locally. I just had Donny send me a trim piece for a '78 I'm working on. When they ship South of the border they don't hit us with the PST/GST. So the prices are VERY reasonable. Maybe we should let others on the forum in on this little secret. I've been through the used parts dept. upstairs several times and there's a mountain of stuff there.
If you were closer I'd be glad to help you with the column repair. Been inside many of those, not that difficult if you've had one apart before.
Glad to hear the weather's finally turning, maybe you can get those tops off for a change! What part of Vancouver do you hail from? :cheers:

 

Greg,

I'm actually in the Coquitlam area, but people seem to be able to place "Vancouver" more easily. The weather's been nice for the past two days, but I know as soon as I get this column fixed there'll be some more torrential rain.

Let me know next time you're here, we can go grab a beer.

:cheers:

 

Chris,
I just saw your picture when I re-posted. The slightly blurred rod in the top center of the pic is the steering wheel lock. The rack and gear that moves it is attached at the lower end to another rod that travels down the top side of the steering column to the ignition switch. It has a 90 degree bend on the end that fits right into the switch. Now this part is a little difficult to see, but if you reach down the hole where you removed the key and tumbler with a pair of needle nosed pliers and rotate the slotted piece of metal you'll see there, back and forth while looking or feeling under the dash on the top side of the column you should be able to tell if that rod is actuating the ignition switch. Do you follow? The switch is held on with two short 5/16 bolts. The rod may have popped out of the switch OR it may have broken at the gear and rack end that you are seeing at the top.

 

Hah! I was in Coquitlam years ago and my friend got arrested for swimming in Como Lake on a Saturday night very drunk and without his clothes! :bb

 

Yep, it's not moving the rod at all. So I suppose it's broken off at the gear. I'll see what else I can pull apart tomorrow. Thanks for the help! :cheers:

 

Bingo: