Steering column part

[Jeffrey S.]

Hello all.
I need help finding a part for my '69 T/T steering column. It is shown on page E11 of the AIM as #4, "Grommet". The 1983 P&A catalogue lists it as a "Retainer" (#14, page 6-8). I believe the GM part # is 7805497. It allows the screw to hold the rear end of the cover to the column. I have tried all the usual sources and can't find it listed anywhere. Thanks for your help.
Jeff

[Jim S.]

Re: Steering column part

The part is attached to the steering column shroud. A small screw passes through the steering column closeout cover and threads into a small hole in the part. For the first several years it was Saginaw part number #7805497 was called a Switch Retaining Grommet. (It is possible that the part was also used on other GM columns to hold the neutral start/backup light switch to the column jacket. Maybe that is where the Switch name came from.)

Saginaw actually went into production in 1969 with part 7805497 clipped to the steering column shroud. It was used on both standard (non-adjustable) and T&T columns. But after a few months it was ordered separately by Chevrolet and installed on the column at the St. Louis assembly plant. In 1973 the part number was changed to Chevrolet part number 406306 and it was called a retainer. It was installed by Chevrolet on the standard column at least through 1977 (and I would expect the T&T column as well.) The Chevrolet part 406306 shows up in my 1975 and 1976 AIMs for all strg columns.

It is possible that the Saginaw part 7805497 and the Chevrolet part 406306 could be the same. Possibly Chevrolet just wanted control of the part.

I have not been able to find the part listed anywhere. Possibly a company like Paragon might sell a retainer that is part of one of the columns that they have in inventory.
Jim

[Joe L.]

Re: Steering column part

The part is attached to the steering column shroud. A small screw passes through the steering column closeout cover and threads into a small hole in the part. For the first several years it was Saginaw part number #7805497 was called a Switch Retaining Grommet. (It is possible that the part was also used on other GM columns to hold the neutral start/backup light switch to the column jacket. Maybe that is where the Switch name came from.)

Saginaw actually went into production in 1969 with part 7805497 clipped to the steering column shroud. It was used on both standard (non-adjustable) and T&T columns. But after a few months it was ordered separately by Chevrolet and installed on the column at the St. Louis assembly plant. In 1973 the part number was changed to Chevrolet part number 406306 and it was called a retainer. It was installed by Chevrolet on the standard column at least through 1977 (and I would expect the T&T column as well.) The Chevrolet part 406306 shows up in my 1975 and 1976 AIMs for all strg columns.

It is possible that the Saginaw part 7805497 and the Chevrolet part 406306 could be the same. Possibly Chevrolet just wanted control of the part.

I have not been able to find the part listed anywhere. Possibly a company like Paragon might sell a retainer that is part of one of the columns that they have in inventory.
Jim

Jim and Jeff------


I can find no information that GM #7805497 was ever available in SERVICE from GM. So, if it was used, it was a PRODUCTION-only piece.

GM #406306 was once available in SERVICE. It was discontinued in August, 1975 and replaced by GM #3981828 which was then discontinued without supercession in January, 1997.

I show the group of primary use of both the 406306 and 3981828 to be a clip/fastener associated with the back-up lamp switch although it may have had secondary uses, too. However, I can find no Corvette application for either the 406306 or the 3981828, at least in the primary use parts group or any secondary use groups I can find .

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Steering column part

Jim & Joe,
Thanks for the responses. I think I have found the part I need. Today at a Mich chapter tech session I asked a fellow member who has a large collection of parts if he might have one. He just called and sid he did and I'm going over to get it tomorrow. What a great group of people!!!
Jeff