Tilt & Tele parts

[Patrick H.]

Hello all,

In trying to put together the column for Dad's 72 (with the 79 style T&T) I have two questions. To date, I have put the column together a couple of times for practice, but need to know this:

1. I need to purchase GM part # 7805827, "Spring, Strg Shaft" which is the curly spring that attaches to the 4 inch shaft that locks your steering wheel from going around. Does GM still offer this part? And if not, who? Dr Rebuild lists it with the shaft for $25/kit, but I can't believe the spring alone is really worth that. And, of course, I'm not about to ask Dr Rebuild to split a kit...

2. Does anyone know how part number 7804908 "Spring, Ign Sw Rack Preload" fits into place? It was loose and rolling around in the column when I took it apart, and I just figured out what it was. I can't find a good picture of its true location/function, though. It is flat, a couple inches long, and appears to be spring steel with bent ends.

Thanks in advance,

Patrick Hulst

[Joe L.]

Re: Tilt & Tele parts

Patrick-----

The GM #7805827 spring is GM-discontinued.

[Jack H.]

Why not....

do as so many local steering rebuilder do? Many of the original Saginaw Steering parts are now history and catalog houses stocking them kite the price of remaining NOS components and some are sold as sub-assembly only....

For the kind of dough you'll fork over for this/that individual piece, you can visit your local scrap yard and pick up an entire T/T steering column from a Buick/Caddy that shares MOST of the internal components of Corvette column. Plus, the GM luxury cars were owned by older upscale folks who did NOT use the column to pull themselves in/out of the car and place wear on T/T internal bearings, Etc.

[Patrick H.]

Because...

Jack,

That was probably a good thought several months ago, but now having purchased all the little items EXCEPT the ones noted, I think a junk column would actually cost me more than the $25.

Any idea where that other part goes? I know you had your column apart.

I took on this column project because I had heard it wasn't that hard, and I'd get the satisfaction of doing it myself. Well, I can say I will have done it myself, but next time the column goes to Corvette Steering for a rebuild, and I stay headache free. The lack of good text and pictures for this thing is unbelievable, despite the four manuals I have here to reference. Oh well, live and learn. That's the problem with the 7804908 spring - there are NO pictures showing where it goes.

Patrick

[Bill D.]

Re: Because...

Patrick,call Tom at Corvette Steering 864-287-9990.He is a great guy and will answer your question so that you understand how to finish the job.Good luck.

[Jerry Clark]

Re: Because...

Wild Bill:

This wouldn't be Wild Bill from Sebring would it ???

jerry

[Bill D.]

Re: Because...

Jerry, been of working all day.Just got your question.No this is Wild Bill from Massachusetts.Are you the same Jerry that bought Lead Supreme from me before the St. Louis National?

[Patrick H.]

Tried that.

Bill,

Tried that when I first started working on the column and had a few questions. He basically just told me to send him the column, and he would fix it. Six months ago, I should have. Now that I've purchased all the parts, it seems a little silly, especially as I am so close to getting it done.

Unfortunately putting it back together isn't near as "obvious" as all those helpful people on the Board led me to believe six months ago! I'm just hoping that someone out there can give a little assistance on the second spring question.

Of course, I may just leave it out, and see if the column works anyway...

Patrick

[Jerry Clark]

Hey Wild Bill, Wait for Me

HI Wild Bill:

Nah, wish I could say I did but not me, We have a "Bill" around here, (Sebring) that drives a wire wheeled 57, he's pretty wild but we call him Sebring Bill, His wife may call him something else. Drove that 57 to the museum last year, tough guy.

jerry

[Bill D.]

Rack preload spring install

Patrick, I'll try to explain and hope you can follow.The spring #7804908 holds tension on the ignition switch rod actuator RACK.It is inserted into the cavity from the bottom of the bearing housing.Put it in with the bent ends locating and locking it in place.The spring is symmetrical, so there is no up or down but the bow goes against the rack.Then the actuator rack slides over it and into the cavity so that the spring holds tension on the rack and the teeth engage the gear that is turned by the ignition switch.Let me know if you need more info.Good luck,WB.