1967 (early) standard steering column rebuild - is this example pre or post recall?

[Scott S.]

If I understand correctly, the 1st design steering column assembly for the 1967 Corvette was GM # TO 569 8346 (or just #5698346), and the 2nd design steering column had a different part number, either 7802101 or 7803156. My standard steering column has a very old orange sticker with black print labeled "TO 569 8346", and the collar has what appears to be a Julian date code "005 7", which should be January 5th, 1967. The car's assembly date was January 11th, 1967 (F11 on trim tag, VIN ends in 07873).

After searching the archives and finding Jim Shea's papers on the subject, I understand that GM recalled the early '67 Corvette standard steering column. When comparing my steering column to the drawing in Jim Shea's paper (and to pictures posted by John H., see next post), it looks like mine is still the first design.

Is my steering column an example of one that was never taken in for servicing during the recall period, and therefore remains in the original configuration, or is this correct for a post-recall upgrade circa 1967?

[Scott S.]

Re: 1967 (early) standard steering column rebuild - is this example pre or post recal

The first picture here is of the Date Code on my steering column (005 7). The second picture is the diagram from Jim Shea's rebuild paper, comparing the 1st design to the 2nd design. The third picture is John's photo from an earlier Thread, of a post-January steering column with clamp (a second photo in John's post shows an orange sticker like mine, but with "TO 7803156" for the part number for the third photo attached here).

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1967 (early) standard steering column rebuild - is this example pre or post recal

Scott,

No doubt it's the first design, my car was built September 1966 and it's exactly like that.

I hope someone can tell me how to remove the lower bearing. I have approx 1/16" up/down play and it seems like it is in that plastic thing that sticks up inside the lower bearing. Glad you posted a pic..

[Scott S.]

Re: 1967 (early) standard steering column rebuild - is this example pre or post recal

Scott,

No doubt it's the first design, my car was built September 1966 and it's exactly like that.

Tim,

Does this mean that for whatever reason, our cars never made it in for upgrade/replacement during the recall period, and if so, does that make it an issue that should be addressed now for safety reasons?

[Jim S.]

Re: 1967 (early) standard steering column rebuild - is this example pre or post recal

As long as everything stayed aligned, the original bearing design would work acceptably. However, the problems were in the assembly of the steering column into the body and the proper alignment to the steering gear. The original design was deemed inadequate for two reasons:

1). It depended upon a round wire ring seated into a groove in the 1 inch diameter lower steering shaft. The location of the groove was in a set location so a plastic threaded adjuster was needed to take up for the steering shaft length tolerance. The worst part was that the groove in the shaft could become a stress riser if the steering column was not aligned properly. With a constant bending moment in the steering shaft, the shaft could break right in the groove.

2). The original lower bearing could fail if there was a large bending moment. The hardened race(s) could cut into the steering shaft causing it to break.

So a campaign was initiated (not only for Corvettes but a great, great number of GM cars). A replacement 2nd design was developed which included a new steering shaft (completely smooth) with no grooves. Also a new lower bearing package with a double row of bearings was also installed. The lower bearing was preloaded and the steering shaft length tolerance compensated by a clamp, nut, and bolt that was slid up the shaft and tightened in place.

I know of no place that has the smooth replacement Corvette steering shafts. (None are listed at any Corvette supplier that I have researched.)
I also am not aware of any place that has the plastic adjuster or the original lower bearing. Corvette Steering Service lists replacement bearings for the 2nd design.

Having said the above you might consider this option. As long as your steering column is aligned properly (following the AIM or Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual directions) I would expect that the steering column can serve another 47 years. I would think that you can obtain the replacement 2nd design bearing. There has to be lots of 1 inch diameter clamps, nuts and bolts that have been in used on steering shafts through the years.

Therefore, I would think that you can install the 2nd design package on your steering column. The only thing missing would be the smooth steering shaft (and your car has proven that you can get by as long as things are aligned.) I would carefully inspect your original steering shaft groove to insure that there are no cracks.

Jim

[Scott S.]

Re: 1967 (early) standard steering column rebuild - is this example pre or post recal

Jim,

Thank you very much for the explanation.

I know of no place that has the smooth replacement Corvette steering shafts. (None are listed at any Corvette supplier that I have researched.)
I also am not aware of any place that has the plastic adjuster or the original lower bearing. Corvette Steering Service lists replacement bearings for the 2nd design.

Here there may be a relatively recent development. It appears that Paragon, CC and possibly others now offer "early" and "late" 1967 steering column parts, including the "stepped" 1st design lower bearing. Paragon had a good diagram detailing the differences (see attached picture, links include part lists).

Early / 1st design diagram:
https://www.paragoncorvette.com/c-23604-early-1967-lower-column.aspx

Late / 2nd design diagram:
https://www.paragoncorvette.com/c-23605-late-1967-lower-column.aspx

Having said the above you might consider this option. As long as your steering column is aligned properly (following the AIM or Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual directions) I would expect that the steering column can serve another 47 years. I would think that you can obtain the replacement 2nd design bearing. There has to be lots of 1 inch diameter clamps, nuts and bolts that have been in used on steering shafts through the years.

Since it seems the 1st design lower bearing and associated parts are now available, are there any safety or durability advantages (or other good reasons) to deviate from the stock early/1st design, and switch to the 2nd design lower bearing and other associated 2nd design parts for the steering column rebuild? As long as there are no cracks in the shaft, and it is properly aligned?

Scott

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1967 (early) standard steering column rebuild - is this example pre or post recal

I see no issues with the lower section in my car so I guess it's been aligned OK.

Looking at the plastic adjuster, there seems to be marks 180* apart where a soldering gun (or something) was used to melt through to lock these plastic parts so the adjuster can't back out. Almost looks like the small diameter of a small pencil soldering gun approx 180* apart.

Scott, does the adjuster in your 67 lower column look like it's been locked like I describe. I don't want to take anything apart unless I can get replacement parts..

[Jim S.]

Re: 1967 (early) standard steering column rebuild - is this example pre or post recal

I think that you are still better off installing the 2nd design lower bearing, clamp and the other hardware into your early steering column. I believe that the 2nd design lower bearing is more robust and durable.

Jim

[Scott S.]

Re: 1967 (early) standard steering column rebuild - is this example pre or post recal

I see no issues with the lower section in my car so I guess it's been aligned OK.

Looking at the plastic adjuster, there seems to be marks 180* apart where a soldering gun (or something) was used to melt through to lock these plastic parts so the adjuster can't back out. Almost looks like the small diameter of a small pencil soldering gun approx 180* apart.

Scott, does the adjuster in your 67 lower column look like it's been locked like I describe. I don't want to take anything apart unless I can get replacement parts..

At first I didn't think so, but now I'm not sure. I see two 'slots', on roughly opposite sides of the steering shaft. They are not uniform, but irregular or slightly 'wavy', for lack of a better term, as plastic might appear if slightly melted or deformed by a focused heat source (e.g., soldering gun). Mine are open in the center, so it has more of the appearance of an elongated ring, or a ring squashed almost flat, so that the center is only wide enough to accept a large flat-head screwdriver. It is 1/2 long from edge to edge, on both sides, and is hard plastic like the 'knobbed' adjuster itself (clearly I don't know the correct words for some of the things I'm trying to describe, pictures usually help, see attached, one of each side).

It may be helpful to see an early '67 steering column that appears to have been rebuilt with 1st design parts, see picture below (1st picture with red background) from a recent eBay auction for a steering column described as an early (up to February '67) freshly rebuilt steering column. My adjuster ring is black, I think Paragon offers the white adjuster ring used in the eBay picture, the JG says it can be white or black:

"On non-telescopic columns, two principle designs occur. On cars with approximately VIN 9400 and earlier, a first design consists of a thin plastic spacer, either white or black, followed by a cadmium or zinc plated snap
ring. On cars with approximately VIN 9400 and later, a second design consists of a thick black plastic spacer followed by a clamp. The steering shaft assembly is natural color steel." - p. 124, TIM&JG, 4th edition


For one additional data point, the last picture (different person, red background seems popular) should be of an early/1st design telescopic steering column (it's dated February 3rd, '67) that appears to have been rebuilt using 2nd design parts.

[Scott S.]

Re: 1967 (early) standard steering column rebuild - is this example pre or post recal

I think that you are still better off installing the 2nd design lower bearing, clamp and the other hardware into your early steering column. I believe that the 2nd design lower bearing is more robust and durable.

Jim

Thanks again, Jim.

When the restoration is complete I hope to have this car judged, to find out how we did, but then I hope to drive it for many years to come, so durability is certainly a consideration.


For anyone keeping score at home, the NCRS Judging Sheets show 'Steering column & shaft' count for six points total (3 originality, 3 condition).

[Scott S.]

Re: 1967 (early) standard steering column rebuild - is this example pre or post recal

As a matter of curiosity, has anyone seen an example of an early '67 with a steering column that was retro-fitted by a Chevrolet dealership with whatever they used to "fix" the original design (either replaced the original column or added 2nd design parts?) as part of the 1967 recall campaign?

If so, any pictures of how the Chevy dealers did it?

I haven't found anything in the usual resource books so far (Adams, Dobbins, Judging Guide).

[Jim S.]

Re: 1967 (early) standard steering column rebuild - is this example pre or post recal

I have a Chevrolet Dealer Product Campaign Bulletin #67-C-4 dated January 5, 1967 for the 1967 Chevelle Steering Column Shaft.
NHTSA #676V032001

There should have been a corresponding Bulletin for the Corvette. I have not been able to find it. I cannot find an equivalent NHTSA Campaign number either.

The Chevelle bulletin is quite complete. It references letters that the dealer just send out to the new Chevelle owners. And it outlines the replacement of the steering column shafts (both standard columns and also the telescoping columns) along with the lower bearing package.

I have sent eMails to Alan Kaplan who writes the "Factory Facts" for the Vette Vues magazine. I asked him about the 1967 campaign. He seems to have access to a lot of the Corvette and other Chevrolet bulletins. However, I have never received any answers from him.

Jim

[Jim S.]

Re: 1967 (early) standard steering column rebuild - is this example pre or post recal

Here are the early and late 1967 steering column lower ends, taken from the assembly drawings. The round wire ring on the early column is right inside the cone shaped thrust washer.

Jim

[Scott S.]

Re: 1967 (early) standard steering column rebuild - is this example pre or post recal

It appears that the following parts would be needed in order to "retro-fit" an early '67 standard steering column with the late '67 (2nd design) lower bearing parts (using the late '67 schematic diagram from Paragon attached to Post #6 above as a reference)

1. Lower steering column bearing, 2nd design (for reference, Paragon 4091)
2. Steering Column Lower Bearing Retainer Kit (Paragon 12355K)
3. Steering Column Lower Shaft Spring (Paragon 12353)
4. Steering Column Lower Shaft Spring Spacer (Paragon 12363)
5. Steering Column Lower Collar (Paragon 12362)
6. Steering Column Lower Shaft Clamp (Paragon 12358K)

In order to use late '67/2nd design parts (parts 2 through 6 above) on a 1st design steering column, part number 1 (lower steering column bearing) has to fit the 1st design steering column, but I don't think the 2nd design lower steering column bearing will fit into what I think is called the "mast jacket" of the early/1st design steering column.

The 1st design lower steering column bearing is referred to as having a "stepped" design, whereas the 2nd design lower steering column bearing is not, indicating some difference in the end piece into which the lower bearing is press-fit into (the "mast jacket"?). The "stepped" aspect seems to indicate a smaller diameter space for the bearing to fit on the 1st design column compared to the 2nd design column.

If this is correct, how can the 2nd design lower bearing (with apparently a larger outer diameter) fit into the 1st design column?

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1967 (early) standard steering column rebuild - is this example pre or post recal

Thanks for the comments Jim and Scott,

Is the retaining washer (first design) that fits over the wire ring a plastic part or metal? If I have this correct, I need to loosen the plastic adjuster then pust retaining washer up and remove wire ring. Parts are wire ring, washer, adjuster and bearing. Is there a spring in this assembly?

I will get some batteries for my camera and take a pic of how the adjuster on my column is melted to keep from coming loose. Looks like I will destroy the adjuster to loosen.