62 Steering Box/Column Shims

[Terry D.]

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

[Dennis A.]

Re: 62 Steering Box/Column Shims

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.

[Terry D.]

Re: 62 Steering Box/Column Shims

Dennis

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

[John T.]

Re: 62 Steering Box/Column Shims

Terry

Corvette Central shows them as 242033. 4 for $4.15

Hope this helps

John

[Terry D.]

Re: 62 Steering Box/Column Shims

John

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

[Bruce B.]

Re: 62 Steering Box/Column Shims

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 D.]

Re: 62 Steering Box/Column Shims

Bruce

Thanks for the info. What did you use for shims?
Terry

[Bruce B.]

Re: 62 Steering Box/Column Shims

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.

[Terry D.]

Re: 62 Steering Box/Column Shims

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

[Bruce B.]

Re: 62 Steering Box/Column Shims

Terry,
In CC catalog 1F, on page 127 they list p.n. 242033 "Steering Box Shim 1/4".
Bruce B.

[Bruce B.]

Re: 62 Steering Box/Column Shims

Woops, thats 1/16" on the shims.
Bruce B

[Terry D.]

Re: 62 Steering Box/Column Shims

Bruce

Thanks, I've looked at that page several times and missed them. A sure sign of old age creepin in
Terry