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Looking for advice and/or article on how to determine number or thickness of shims between steering box and frame. Also the shims at the top of the steering column. I know that if you took apart an original you would just keep track, but I'm dealing with a basket case here. Does the 1953 Chevy Service Manual cover this? The ST-12 just says to make sure they are replaced to their original position. They never expected Bubba to take it apart and loose the pieces.
Thanks
Terry
There should be no need to add shims between the steering box and frame, unless the steering column is really out of line. after the box has been installed, Do not tighten the bolts, until the steering column bracket under the dash is mounted. The angel of the column will set it self some what...add shims as required to maintain this angle and straightness as you tighten the mounting bolts. I used {6} six shims on my 62 that is presently being restored. shims may be ordered and usally come in sets of (3) three.
Note...be sure to slide the outer steering column plate on as you insert the column into the firewall. Also a good idea is to use new hard and soft seals.
Thanks for the info. I got all new seals etc. The six shims you used, were they on the top column mount? And are you saying I shouldn't need any at the frame? If I do who has them? Can't find them in any of my vendor catalogs.
Terry
That looks like whats in the AM, but I"m still looking for the correct way to tell how many, if any, you need. Surely if there is suppose to be shims somebody knows how and why they were used.
Terry
Terry,
After reading your initial posting I went out and replaced the steering box in my 62. Instead of following the instructions in the ST-12 I bolted the box (leaving the bolts finger tight)to the frame before doing the under dash bracket. After doing that I looked in the car and I could see where the top of the column was off to the left side of the desired position. I then installed the under dash brackets and went and checked out the steering box position. The bolts gave me an indication of where shims were needed, so I added just one 1/16 shim and everything seems ok. There were no shims installed by the last guy who removed the steering box, but by the looks of his work he probably did not know what shims were.
Bruce B.
Terry,
I used typical u shaped body shims, they come in 1/16" and 1/8" thickness.
When and if I redo the car I will get the correct shims, although I don't know what they look like. I just looked in the Corvette Central catalog and they look the same.
Bruce B.
Thanks Bruce. I looked in their catalog also, but it does not list them for a steering box shim, although they do look like what's in the AM. Thanks again
Terry
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