Gap between the steering column and gauges.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
Likes: 7
From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Gap between the steering column and gauges.
How large should it be on a 78? My column feel lower after I reinstalled it. Mine looks like about 1/2 and see under the gauges. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
First of all, unless something is loose, your steering column should bolt right back into the dash in a location very close to where it was originally.
Download this column installation picture from the AIM manual.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/StdC3C...llationPic.doc
From the picture you can see where the steering column attaches directly to Mounting Plate (C) with two vertical Bolts (K) and Washers (L). The column should snug right up against that plate (just like it did originally). This should keep a consistant gap between the column and the instrument cluster before and after your installation. BTW, the Washers (L) should be on the lower side of the mounting bracket that is part of the steering column. They do not go between the column and Mounting Plate (C).
However, it is possible for Mounting Plate (C) to be adjusted a slight amount. Mounting Plate (C) attaches to Bracket (A) by means of four Bolts (D) and Nuts (E). If you loosen those bolts you will find that Plate (C) can slide up and down a ramp that is part of Bracket (A). This will allow a slight amount of vertical adjustment of the steering column.
Hope this helps,
Jim
Download this column installation picture from the AIM manual.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/StdC3C...llationPic.doc
From the picture you can see where the steering column attaches directly to Mounting Plate (C) with two vertical Bolts (K) and Washers (L). The column should snug right up against that plate (just like it did originally). This should keep a consistant gap between the column and the instrument cluster before and after your installation. BTW, the Washers (L) should be on the lower side of the mounting bracket that is part of the steering column. They do not go between the column and Mounting Plate (C).
However, it is possible for Mounting Plate (C) to be adjusted a slight amount. Mounting Plate (C) attaches to Bracket (A) by means of four Bolts (D) and Nuts (E). If you loosen those bolts you will find that Plate (C) can slide up and down a ramp that is part of Bracket (A). This will allow a slight amount of vertical adjustment of the steering column.
Hope this helps,
Jim
