Late '67 non-tele steering column rebuild

[Scott Marzahl]

Looks like a few folks are working on steering columns out there. Since I recently broke two vertabrae in my neck when I fell off a step ladder while building my shop, and I can't get back to that for three months and I can't do any bodywork for just as long, I thought I would concentrate on rebuilding all the worn out components as it is all bench work. I just took my late '67 non-tele steering column apart as it was already out of the car. By any chance is this covered in the Chevrolet Corvette Overhaul or Chassis Manual? Anyway, the upper bearing looks and feels like it has seen better days, the lower bearing doesn't feel too bad. The upper bearing appears to be part of the cast assembly as the assembly has a very small lip over the opening which the bearing would be pressed into. Some catalogs list a replacement bearing while Paragon offers the assembly. Does anyone know if indeed you can press this bearing out and replace it? Also at the bottom end of the column in the tube that the lower bearing presses into, there were two worn out foam seals, apparently to help prevent dirt from collecting in that bottom tube. I haven't seen anything similar in the catalogs for replacement. Anyone have any suggestions for these seals?

Thanks In Advance.

[Carl R.]

Re: Late '67 non-tele steering column rebuild

Hi Scott!

This feels like deja-vu (I did this two weeks ago!)...

First, the picture in the Chevrolet service manual is not correct for the Corvette column. The only picture I have found is in the GM parts manual for listed under 1967-8 column.

Second, on one of my 1967 columns the upper bearing was worn out so I too was elated when I saw the "upper bearing assembly" becamse available. Unfortunately, on arriving it truly is as it describes, just he bearing assembly. To install one must cut off the aluminum "lip" on the upper bearing assembly, press the old bearing out, press the new bearing in (or ream slightly to press fit, and drill & tap a side set screw). Needless to say, my new upper bearing has inhabited my parts bin for the last ten years or so.

The lower column foam seals are new to me. Neither column that I disassembled had seals (or any evidence of their distintegration).

Hope this helps.

Carl

crose@adclinic.com

[Carl R.]

...and I forgot

Sorry started this email this morning on call finished it this evening..

In short, purchasse the entire upper bearing assembly as a good used piece. Far ahead in terms of frustration & time.

The lower steering bearing, if yours is still OK, is worth gold. There is a replacement lower bearing marketted for the late-67 columns and but although it is functional it doesn't appear as the originals. The 1967 column really is quite unique (in terms of parts & price) and only interchanges a few parts with the 1968 units. The bearings & the plastic turn signal are the only real wear points so after refinishing you probably can re-use most of the original parts.

Carl