C-2 Steering Column

[Chris R.]

Several months ago I noticed the turn signal lever on my 64 had dropped toward my left knee after signaling for a left turn. I was able to twist the collar that contains the turn signal mechanism to the right and it moved back into position. After a couple of instances I decided to pull the steering wheel and replace the turn signal harness. The old mechanism wasn't returning the turn signal lever after the turn anyway so I thought I'd kill 2 birds.

When I took the steering column apart a couple of loose pieces of thin black plastic fell to the floorboard. I can't tell where they came from. I can't see where they broke off from the steering column. Nor do they look like they broke off from the back of the turn signal mechanism, it's all white molded plastic. Could they be some type of shim?

After replacing the turn signal harness and reinstalling the steering wheel, the collar is probably looser than ever. It practically spins freely around the steering column.

Thanks for any advice.
Chris Rose
Memphis, TN

[Bob R.]

Re: C-2 Steering Column

You might want to look at the Long Island Corvette Web site. They have an exploded view of the 64 steering column. It might help you figure it out.

[Tony Alison]

Re: C-2 Steering Column

I would say the tin black plastic is from the plastic condut that hides the wiring harness on the bottom of the steering colunm. Long island carrys this part ($18). It is attached to the steering colunm, with a metal button/clip @ the lower end and is held in position @ the top by the upper bowl. It also sounds like the 3 screws that go thru the plate behind the surn signal switch are loose, thus allowing the bowl to move on your colunm assembly. This might be a good time to rebuild the entire colunm, its not hard to do and your lower bearing is probably worn out anyway.

[Bill Jackson]

Re: C-2 Steering Column

There is a screw on the left rear of the bell. It works against a wedge to tighten the bell. Use a stubby phillips to tighten the screw.

[Chris R.]

Re: C-2 Steering Column

Thanks for your responses. Turns out the thin pieces were part of the steering column mast jacket. They were metal and sheared cleanly off the mast jacket. Looks like I'll be placing another order for a new mast jacket.

Thanks again to everyone. Hopefully I can return the favor some day.

Chris Rose
Memphis, TN