Need help with loose steering column!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Massillon Ohio
Need help with loose steering column!
My steering wheel column on my 64 is loose and the horn was blowing every time I turned a corner. I noticed that the indentation on the right hand side of the lower column was missing a bolt. I bought a phillips head screw and it is about 80 percent of the way in but won't tighten. How can I take off the entire column? I have the steering wheel off and the piece that activates the horn (which now doesn't work). I'm down to the main bolt but I can't figure out how to remove the cylinder that has the turn signal lever and then the lower cylinder. Help!
Also, I noticed on the fuse box a row of empty areas on the right-hand side. Do fuses go there and what size should I buy?
Thanks.
Also, I noticed on the fuse box a row of empty areas on the right-hand side. Do fuses go there and what size should I buy?
Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,501
Likes: 0
Re: Need help with loose steering column! (MF64VETTE)
Let me start by saying I'm not a midyear expert; no doubt some of our resident midyear wizards will correct any errors I propose. Here's my answers and good luck!!
I'm not sure these two conditions are related.
You may have done yourself a disservice by replacing the bolt with a screw. Instead, you should have removed the corresponding bolt to check for sizing.
Do you have an AIM (Assembly Instruction Manual) or any sort of manuals for this kind of service? It's not that difficult but there is a number of bolts which you must access. Do you need to remove the column? This is rarely the case. Usually, it's sufficient to drop it out of the way.
Those empty areas are likely for accessories which your car doesn't have. Are any of your car's functions not working (other than the horn)? The empty areas can be used to wire aftermarket accessories as well (ie: fog lights, stereo amps, etc)
My steering wheel column on my 64 is loose and the horn was blowing every time I turned a corner.
I noticed that the indentation on the right hand side of the lower column was missing a bolt. I bought a phillips head screw and it is about 80 percent of the way in but won't tighten.
How can I take off the entire column? I have the steering wheel off and the piece that activates the horn (which now doesn't work). I'm down to the main bolt but I can't figure out how to remove the cylinder that has the turn signal lever and then the lower cylinder. Help!
Also, I noticed on the fuse box a row of empty areas on the right-hand side. Do fuses go there and what size should I buy? Thanks.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Massillon Ohio
Re: Need help with loose steering column! (Mac)
Thanks, Mac.
There is no corresponding bolt to use for comparison. A car show friend who restores old cars suggested I get an allen bolt from the hardware store. I went there yesterday and a guy tried several screws and bolts but none fit right except for this phillips head screw.
I'll keep trying. Thanks.
There is no corresponding bolt to use for comparison. A car show friend who restores old cars suggested I get an allen bolt from the hardware store. I went there yesterday and a guy tried several screws and bolts but none fit right except for this phillips head screw.
I'll keep trying. Thanks.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,456
Likes: 6
From: Spicewood, Texas, USA TX-Texas
Re: Need help with loose steering column! (MF64VETTE)
I am no midjeer expert either, but the steering column may be similar to later cars.
On later cars, two bolts attach the mounting "wings" on the steering column to a stamped steel support mounted behind the dashboard. This stamped steel support has two nuts welded in position to receive the steering column bolts. These bolts are indeed "screws"...machine screws or cap screws that is.
Later cars use 3/8NC X 1" long cap screws and I wouldn't be surprised if they were the same on midjeers. Go to an auto supply store (NOT HOME DEPOT) and get at least Grade 5 fasteners (bolts, screws, whatever) for this application.
On later cars, two bolts attach the mounting "wings" on the steering column to a stamped steel support mounted behind the dashboard. This stamped steel support has two nuts welded in position to receive the steering column bolts. These bolts are indeed "screws"...machine screws or cap screws that is.
Later cars use 3/8NC X 1" long cap screws and I wouldn't be surprised if they were the same on midjeers. Go to an auto supply store (NOT HOME DEPOT) and get at least Grade 5 fasteners (bolts, screws, whatever) for this application.
