Another '74 Tilt/Telescoping steering column shift tube question

[Jack H.]

During the rebuild I have found that one of the previous owners have cut off the upper outer mask jacket for some reason. I have gotten another piece of tubing the same size as the outer jacket and total length of the outer jacket but now need the length of the just the upper tube of the mask in order to re-fab it. Does anyone know just this length or put me in right direction?
Thanks

Subject should be Another '74 Tilt/Telescoping steering column question

[Mark E.]

Re: Another '74 Tilt/Telescoping steering column shift tube question

Would it be easier and better to get a replacement part rather than fabricating it? The attributes of this component, including material type, may be critical from a safety and performance perspective. There are a few vendors in Driveline and Hemming's who rebuild GM columns. They may be able to source the part for you.

[Jack H.]

Re: Another '74 Tilt/Telescoping steering column shift tube question

Hi Mark,


Thanks for your input, A little more input on the fix/tebuild. The outer tube has been cut off in a step fashion on the top end (drivers end), the first cut were made at the top of the slots for the positioning of the lock plate that also removed a portion of the finger that retains the lock plate: the second cut was made starting at the shoulder bearing housing starting at the bearing housing lock indent in the outer tube and continued over to the shaft bowl opening which also removed the lower finger that retains the lock plate. By doing these cuts the shoulder bearing housing locks to the inner shift tube which disables it, so it can only be in the reverse key unlock position or in key on drive position. The amount of removed is around a half inch. The outer tube length will determine the amount of compression applied to the wave washer which will clearance the snap ring when the shoulder bearing housing is bolted to the lock plate, this clearance allows the shaft tube and bowl to rotate between lock/unlock positions. After a straight column rebuild and now working on the T&T, I have not seen anything that would indicate that the tube is more than mild steel which is no problem for a tig weld. I am using schedule 10 tube that I matched on the lathe which I believe will meet OEM specs. The small length of upper tube that needs to be fabricated is only to replace the missing lower finger, top of lock plate slots and set the clearance, The amount of clearance needed for the snap ring the best I can figure is no more than the thickness of the thrust washer. Knowing the length of the upper portion of the outer tube will save a lot of time in trial and error. I could very well be wrong on all of this if anyone knows better, please let me know. So still hope some one can supply the length.

Thanks