C2/1967 Steering Column Pulls Out?

[John H.]

Re: Location of Pins

None of the catalogs show the steering shaft itself, only the outer shell. The photo below (top item in the photo) shows the 2-piece '67 steering shaft, and if you look closely you'll see the two injected plastic pins that go through holes in both the upper and lower shaft where they telescope together as a male/female "double-D" joint; those pins shear on impact and allow the shaft to collapse. They will also allow the two pieces to move apart (shaft gets longer) if they're sheared.

I think the sheared pins can be replaced with two pieces of nylon rod stock after disassembling the column to restore the correct overall shaft length and the collapsing capability; I sent an e-mail to Jim Shea asking for his recommendation for plastic/nylon replacement material, haven't heard from him yet.

[Paul L.]

Re: Location of Pins

I thought of Jim but he seems to shy away from C2 columns. But I would be very interested in what he has to say nevertheless. I very much appreciate all the advice I am getting here!

[John H.]

Re: Location of Pins

Just to close this one out and share Jim Shea's take on the issue, here's the note I got from Jim (and passed on to Paul):

John,
In order for the upper steering shaft to move up that 1/2 inch two things have to happen. You hit on the first one - the injected plastic has to shear in order for the upper shaft to move an the lower end not to move. But that should not be the principle reason why the shaft can be pulled rearward toward the driver. You should actually be able to drive quite securely with the plastic sheared between the two shafts.

There should be a circular ring, GM #5694191 (still available through GM dealers) that might be missing. There are two grooves on the upper steering shaft either side of the upper steering column bearing. The ring that I suspect might be missing should be just forward (toward the dash) of the upper bearing. That ring is the principle reason why the shaft remains in place because it cannot be pulled back and through the upper bearing toward you. Either the ring is missing or the screws that hold the turn signal switch and upper bearing to the column jacket are missing or completely loose allowing the everything to move back with the steering shaft.

Unfortunately, I don't have any literature posted on the 67-68 standard column disassembly.

You will need to pull the steering wheel, turn signal switch, and finally the upper bearing housing and bearing. You will have to remove a round wire ring and a wave washer from the upper steering shaft (2.7 inches from the very end of the steering shaft) in order to remove the bearing housing. Right below where the bearing was sitting on the shaft should be a second groove (3.4 inches down the shaft) with the 5694191 circular ring in it.

The steering shaft cannot pull through that bearing if the circular ring is in place. Otherwise, the bearing housing and the turn signal switch must be loose from the column jacket.

Jim

[Paul L.]

Not Finished Yet

I very much appreciate communications from John H. and Jim Shea. Very interesting perspectives. I picked up the #5694191 retainer today (for behind/dash side T/S switch) from a GM dealer. But the Wife said it was gardening time today. So Corvette time will be tomorrow. I will get into that column then and report back. If that tiny little ring is the solution I will be very much relieved.

Thanks so much to John and Jim. I very much believe in finishing threads. You shall hear from me.