C-3 Tilt/Tele column

[D S.]

Are the 1969-1972 Corvette tilt/tele steering columns unique to Corvette or do other same year GM columns interchange with little or no modifications as long as there is no column shifter?

Thanks,
Scott

[Geoff C.]

Re: C-3 Tilt/Tele column

Some of the component parts are common to several GM car lines (bearings, sector, rack, tilt shoes, etc) however none of the complete passenger steering columns will bolt it a Corvette. 69-76 Corvette columns are pretty much the same with the exception of the cosmetic differences in the knobs for the directional and tilt mechanism.

Geoffrey Coenen

[Edward McComas]

Re: C-3 Tilt/Tele column

A 76 column will work, but is going to need some help to get rid of that ugly Vega steering wheel. Converting a 76 column to 69-75 style is not that difficult, and the parts needed can be bought reasonably.

[Chuck R.]

Re: What about 68 columns Geoff?

I'll be after lower bearings etc. Mine's a non tilt. Will some 67 components work?

Just bracing myself for the worse

Chuck

[Dick W.]

Re: What about 68 columns Geoff?

'68's can be converted to '67 columns. Not 100% correct but will work. Parts will interchange, bearings, turn signal switch, etc.

[Chuck R.]

Re: Whew!

I feel like that was one of those "cross the fingers and pray for good news" questions?

Ya'll made this blue belly smile Dickster. Thanks for the good news.

Chuck

[Terry F.]

Re: What about 68 columns Geoff?

The lower bearings for 68 column is weird. There are two kinds. I believe the difference is that one has a rim on it and the other doesn't. Mechanically the lower bearing is unusual in how it functions. It has an inner race that can be pulled apart in two halves (sleeved into one another). It is necessary for it to be like this for it to function properly. It floats on the shaft but is held firm with a spring. I don't believe the reproductions are like them at all. Be very careful with the lower bearing on the 68. Many times you can get away with cleaning them and lubricating them and they will function just fine. You can even replace the little ball bearings in them if you have to as long as the races are good enough. They are subject to the elements and get toasted easily. Occassionally, I have seen NOS ones around. They easily bring $75.00. It has been a couple years since I have seen any. The rest of the parts for a 68 are pretty much available. Telescopics are another issue and great care should be taken when pulling them apart to prevent breaking things (plastic bearings that support the telescopic section). I will say that the 68 overhaul manual for the column stinks and is terribly written. The person who wrote it was adlibing or something?? Sort of a challenge to get through. The main shaft must come out the bottom and you need to take off the skirt to see what you are doing or you will break this black plastic thing that is in the middle of the lower half of the column. Sort of like a good puzzle. Keep notes on how it is assembled because the overhaul manual will leave you guessing. The column should have a felt seal in the lower section but it is commonly destroyed or mistaken for crud. Just my opinion and experience, Terry

[Chuck R.]

Re: Thanks Terry

Slow and steady, that's my motto on ole "grease Lightnin"

[Terry F.]

Re: Thanks Terry

I have restored 3 68 columns. I still have two. I sold one. I am getting ready to do another telescopic column that I purchased. I will try to take pictures of the whole process. I concluded that not all the parts are shown in the overhaul manual. I don't believe the felt seal is shown. The plastic glide rings on a tele are not shown either. The plate washer under the bolt at the top of the column may not be shown either. I am not certain all columns had that washer. My opinion is that the column housing is considered an assembly and when you purchase it as a part, all those things are considered part of the assembly so they are not shown on the overhaul picture. Ideally, I think the felt seal in the lower part of the column was glued in place but I am not certain of that. Dr Rebuild sells it though. I know of nobody that sells the circular white plastic glides for the top end of a tele. I would like to know if they were used in 69 and above tilt/tele columns? They have little tits on them that pop into a couple holes in the housing. You can stick something shart in the hole and pop them out to clean them. I use either silicone or lithium grease to rebuild them. If the tits are broken off, they glue on nicely with supper glue. I use marine grade axle grease on the lower bearing because of its exposure to nature. The thing to remember is that that shaft must come out the bottom. On the standard column shaft, it has a plastic shere pin that allows it to telescope on impact (isn't that nice). That must be intact for the column to assemble correctly or the main shaft will rattle and might even be able to slide apart as I recall. Take care, Terry

[Chuck R.]

Re: I'll look forward to your findings Terry

As mine is a "non" telescoping column, I am in the hope that the disassembly process will be straight forward with patience and perserverance.

Thanks again and keep me in mind when you tabulate your process.

I'd be more than happy to "test bed" your process when your finished with it

Chuck