66 Steering Column

[David M.]

I am restoring a 66 steering column and noticed that the bell part has an indention with a hole on the right hand side down near where the steering mast tube goes into it and beside where the directional wire protector cutout is. Does this model have this or do I have the wrong bell? Everything else looks correct I am just not sure about this part. I have tried to find pictures to help but none shows the right angle to see.

[Greg T.]

Re: 66 Steering Column

It is correct. I forgot what it was for. It allows access to something when the mast is assembled. A few more brain cells lost.

[Jim W.]

Re: 66 Steering Column

David, I took my 64 apart last weekend and have the same design (a recessed profile with an empty hole). I use to think something was missing but there was nothing inside for anything to attach to and the AIM shows nothing going there. So I am also interested in the mystery answer.

[Bill C.]

Re: 66 Steering Column

Hi,
What you are seeing is a design "left over" from the 1963 column. In 63 that hole had a screw that went through and tightened a wedge against the column tube which locked the hub assembly in place. That design was discarded with the 64 redisign of the turn signal switch and mounting design. I guess GM did not see any point in retooling another mold. So the bell fit all 63-6 std columns
Bill

[Jim W.]

Re: 66 Steering Column

Thanks Bill; I thought I remembered reading something about adjusting a wedge with a set screw in the 63 Shop Manual, but wasn't sure about the change over.

[David M.]

Re: 66 Steering Column

Thank all of you for your help on this. It really helps. I will be posting a new thread for another question on the color of the column.