C-1 Steering column rebuild kits

[Larry C.]

There are C-1 steering column rebuild kits available from a number of sources, such as Corvette Central, Paragon, Dr. Rebuild etc. Do those of you who have practical experience with rebuilding columns with any of these kits know whether or not there are any material differences in the quality and/or correctness of the reproduced parts, OR are such repro parts generally produced by the same manufacturing suppliers and later retailed by the businesses mentioned above?

Any thoughts on this subject would be appreciated before I jump out there and buy some kit that may not be the best quality or best price.

[Terry D.]

Re: C-1 Steering column rebuild kits

Larry

Call Werner Meier at Masterworks Auto (248-583-0590) and ask him which one he uses. He is one of the best and a real gentleman of this hobby.
Terry

[Kennith H.]

Re: C-1 Steering column rebuild kits

Larry,
If you would be kind enough to report what you learn I would appreciate it. I'm in the same boat. Thanks, Ken

[John H.]

Re: C-1 Steering column rebuild kits

I wrote a step-by-step photo-illustrated tech article in the July '07 issue of "Corvette Enthusiast" magazine on rebuilding the C1 steering gear; we did it at Werner's shop using the Corvette Central kit, and all the parts appeared to be of excellent quality. Everything fit and assembled very nicely. I'd expect that the cost of tooling-up to produce the worm gear and shaft and the sector roller means that there is probably only one supplier of these parts.

[Don Y.]

Re: C-1 Steering column rebuild kits

I used the Paragon kit for my '57. All parts looked to be high quality. Fit and function were excellent.
Don Yesacavage

[Michael L.]

Re: C-1 Steering column rebuild kits

I used the Corvette Central parts and John's article to rebuild my steering, both were excellent!

[Ed H.]

Re: C-1 Steering column rebuild kits

Larry, I too used the Corvette Central parts on my 57. I did the job myself and had no problems. I did the re-build in 2000 and it has never shown any signs of malfunction. Good luck, and show your car with pride.