69 L46 steering column interlock problem

[Richard R.]

With the interlock cable disconnected from the steering column lever, I can maniupulate the lever to simulate going into reverse. With the lever in the reverse position and the key removed, the lever still moves and the outer tube below the key still rotates. It is my understanding that it should remain locked in reverse until the key is inserted and turned from the locked position. What connection in the steering column do I look for to get the reverse lock to function correctly? I have replaced lower bearings on the column when I had it out to restore.

Currently the column is in the car with the steering wheel, and hub removed. Key lock assembly is loose.

Thanks folks!

[Mike E.]

Re: 69 L46 steering column interlock problem

Richard, is the rod to the ignition switch on the top of the column properly positioned? It should move up the column for each counterclockwise notch from start ,run, accessory, off, and lock.

[Mark E.]

Re: 69 L46 steering column interlock problem

Richard,

The cable connects the shift linkage to the collar on the steering column that rotates to lock the column. So if you disconnect the cable, the collar and shifter can move independently.

With the cable connected, what problem is there?

[John S.]

[Richard R.]

Re: 69 L46 steering column interlock problem

I believe that the rod is connected to the ignition switch. I will triple check though.

[Richard R.]

Re: 69 L46 steering column interlock problem

This is a std, non tilting column. At first the problem was the force required to rotate the column by placing the tran in reverse was too much and started to kink the cable. So I disconnected the cable to diagnose the problem. while taking the column apart it became much easier to rotate the column so apparently I had the ignition switch collar screwed to tight to the mounting plate. but I discovered that the column rotates freely, regardless whether the key is removed or turned to start. I believe the column should lock (like the steering wheel) to prevent taking the trans out of reverse, when the cable is connected to the lever on the column in the engine bay.

I'm trying to determine what I did wrong the permits the column to rotate freely with the key removed from the ignition.

Thanks Much,

Rich

[John S.]

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[Richard R.]

Re: 69 L46 steering column interlock problem

not sure why I didn't know about these documents sooner. They are quite helpful. Yet I still can't figure out what locks the bowl/reverse lever when the key is removed. Everything else in the column is working fine. Also, I confirmed the ignition switch is connected via the bar/rod.

Rich

[John S.]

72266A82-A609-483B-8457-34A4250F0E6A.jpg

[Richard R.]

Re: 69 L46 steering column interlock problem

John,

Thanks much! The rack on my std column is different (it's a straight piece without the bell shaped bottom as in the picture), but has to function the same way. I'll be off to the garage tomorow with this picture in hand.

Rich

[Richard R.]

Re: 69 L46 steering column interlock problem

John and Others,

I think I may have found the "missing link". See picture below. the gear shift lower bowl is pictured. In it you can see the ignition swith rod and rack that extends into the key housing and engages in the sector gear. I believe the "rack" should engage a plate when in reverse position that is missing in the gear shift lower bowl (that is the name in some of the documents I have reviewed that is the housing below the key housing and rotates with the reverse cable attached). See the bolt holes highlighted.

In some of the schematics I have looked at it appears there should be something there. I am speculating that the PO removed the part when they disabled the reverse cable (cutting it or broke). If so, then the next problem is determing what that part # is and locating one. Any suggestions or opinions on my theory?

also, look at the picture of the drawing from the 69 chassis service manual. 26 is called the shift tube lock plate, #25 are the screws and #27 is a spring that I don't have a clue about.

Rich


69 std gear shift lever bowl.jpg

[John S.]

[Leo G.]

Re: 69 L46 steering column interlock problem

Kind of a crazy idea,but might a vintage passenger car have the same interlock system or even a vintage pu? Worth a look at a boneyard if one is in the vicinity. Ya never know.

Leo

[Richard R.]

Re: 69 L46 steering column interlock problem

Anything with a floor shift might be a candidate for parts. Not sure what years would work. starting the hunt now.

[John S.]

Re: 69 L46 steering column interlock problem

Great ideas, I would expect some common parts with other GM locking columns. You might also take a look at non-Corvette listings in Jim Sheas papers, there may some hints to other applications. Good Luck and let us know what you find.