HELP! My non-tilt automatic column is messed up! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**COBALT** · 03-28-2002, 12:36 AM

I pull the steering wheel to fix the damn turn signals (sorry, I'm pi$$ed right now), and I realize things are NOT right.

So, I managed to get it back together with a laundry list of things that are FUBAR'd, only now the shift housing is WAY over to the left, which means my turn signal switch is way lower than it needs to be and my shifter is way higher...

1. The column seems to be in crooked, because the housing the shift lever is in isn't even seated (using the three rounded tabs on the inside of the housing) like someone screwed it down crooked on purpose to get the indicator and the letters to match up (no wonder it shifts like hell)!

2. The turn signal actuator (that wierd hexigon-shaped plastic piece with the wiring harness on one end, and the two return springs) is messed up and needs to be replaced.

3. The bearing at the top of the column is basically carbon paste.

4. The plastic bushings on each side are broke.

5. The rubber sleave that goes inside the shift lever housing is broke.

6. My steering wheel is about to break in half.

Ok, so what's the story getting this thing fixed? What the hell do I do about all of these broken pieces? Is there some kind of service kit I can get? Can I get it soon? If not can I just limp (not stroll) down to NAPA and get this stuff?

What about the column? How do you align the damn thing (in other words, how do you get it loose, turn it and sinch it down correctly), and what do I do about the shift linkage?

Anyone put this thing together cold and know the adjustments?

------------------
'69 3/4 ton C20 2wd w/ 350ci/400THM and a wood bed!
'69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd w/ ORIGINAL 350ci/4sp Manual and a wood bed (parts beast).
Seattle, WA.

*See pics of my trucks and project at www.webshots.com!

*Fast68Chevy* · 03-28-2002, 12:57 AM

sounds like you need a column out of a parts truck, the turn signal switch assembly is dealer item or parts supplier item, rest of parts are hmm probably no luck on most of it.
only reason i could think that the shift tube bell is crooked is maybe cuz one of the screws is loose or someone else has been inside there before and messed it all up.

hmm...

------------------
Randy- Lincoln, IL
randy@ccaonline.com
-71/C-10(thx teeitup and crews!)350 4+4/CH465(thx 71Chev, GMCPaul, and CPNE)longfleet bed(thnx meathead95)!still building it-
-'84 Z28 H.O. 305 L69 700R4 GT4 3.73
- 1984 Firebird SE 2.8L T-5 GT4 3.73
-1981 Cutlass Supreme, dunno what im gonna do with it yet...
-79 G20 pass van, 350/th350/10bolt
*Paint is overrated
© RSS Enterprises 2000

**COBALT** · 03-28-2002, 01:41 AM

Sh!t. That's what I was afraid of...

------------------
'69 3/4 ton C20 2wd w/ 350ci/400THM and a wood bed!
'69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd w/ ORIGINAL 350ci/4sp Manual and a wood bed (parts beast).
Seattle, WA.

*See pics of my trucks and project at www.webshots.com!

aesj2 · 03-28-2002, 01:55 AM

You can get most of the parts to rebuld the column from LMC. Also, get yourself the factory repair manual. Good Luck

Southpa · 03-28-2002, 02:28 AM

I always like to go one better when I replace something. When I found out I needed a new front end, I decided to get something with disc brakes. When I replaced my windshield I got tinted one. And when I replaced my worn out stock steering column I got a tilt column out of a mid-70's GM van.

------------------
Southpa
1970 GMC 1500 Custom
Victoria, BC, Canada

Andy4639 · 03-28-2002, 02:31 AM

You can order most of the things from a vendor. The small turn signal clips you can still get from gm. I know that the bearings you can order stil through one of the members that sell truck parts here on the board. As far as lining up the column, just take the 2 screws that hold the column in place and rotate it up to the correct position, and then retighten screws. the 2 screws are at 2 different angles to the column so when they are tightened up it pulls it in that direction. The 2 screws are right under the dash and there is 2 holes with the u bracket that holds it in place. Hope this helps.

------------------
Andy
71's Are for ever!!! or 67,68,69,70,72 http://geocities.com/chevy71tpi/main.html

trukman1 · 03-28-2002, 02:37 AM

new69, If you need a new column cheap just let me know (non-tilt that is). I've got one wastin' space and would let it go right. Just let me know what you need. gwallace@siscom.net or call 1.937.426.2890 ask for Gary. Hope this helps.

**COBALT** · 03-28-2002, 12:05 PM

Thanks a lot guys. Now that I have it back together it's a pain in the a$$ to drive, but I'll slow down now and get some good replacement parts. I've already looked at the standard parts lists from the aftermarket guys. They don't offer mutch. I'm going to hit up WES and GMCPaul next.

Anyone have a web site for GM parts?

------------------
'69 3/4 ton C20 2wd w/ 350ci/400THM and a wood bed!
'69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd w/ ORIGINAL 350ci/4sp Manual and a wood bed (parts beast).
Seattle, WA.

*See pics of my trucks and project at www.webshots.com!

03-28-2002, 12:36 AM	#1
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	HELP! My non-tilt automatic column is messed up! I pull the steering wheel to fix the damn turn signals (sorry, I'm pi$$ed right now), and I realize things are NOT right. So, I managed to get it back together with a laundry list of things that are FUBAR'd, only now the shift housing is WAY over to the left, which means my turn signal switch is way lower than it needs to be and my shifter is way higher... 1. The column seems to be in crooked, because the housing the shift lever is in isn't even seated (using the three rounded tabs on the inside of the housing) like someone screwed it down crooked on purpose to get the indicator and the letters to match up (no wonder it shifts like hell)! 2. The turn signal actuator (that wierd hexigon-shaped plastic piece with the wiring harness on one end, and the two return springs) is messed up and needs to be replaced. 3. The bearing at the top of the column is basically carbon paste. 4. The plastic bushings on each side are broke. 5. The rubber sleave that goes inside the shift lever housing is broke. 6. My steering wheel is about to break in half. Ok, so what's the story getting this thing fixed? What the hell do I do about all of these broken pieces? Is there some kind of service kit I can get? Can I get it soon? If not can I just limp (not stroll) down to NAPA and get this stuff? What about the column? How do you align the damn thing (in other words, how do you get it loose, turn it and sinch it down correctly), and what do I do about the shift linkage? Anyone put this thing together cold and know the adjustments? ------------------ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd w/ 350ci/400THM and a wood bed! '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd w/ ORIGINAL 350ci/4sp Manual and a wood bed (parts beast). Seattle, WA. *See pics of my trucks and project at www.webshots.com! __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

03-28-2002, 01:41 AM	#3
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	Sh!t. That's what I was afraid of... ------------------ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd w/ 350ci/400THM and a wood bed! '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd w/ ORIGINAL 350ci/4sp Manual and a wood bed (parts beast). Seattle, WA. *See pics of my trucks and project at www.webshots.com! __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

03-28-2002, 02:28 AM	#5
Southpa Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Victoria, BC, Canada Posts: 2,409	I always like to go one better when I replace something. When I found out I needed a new front end, I decided to get something with disc brakes. When I replaced my windshield I got tinted one. And when I replaced my worn out stock steering column I got a tilt column out of a mid-70's GM van. ------------------ Southpa 1970 GMC 1500 Custom Victoria, BC, Canada __________________ 1970 GMC 1500 Custom Original 350/TH350 Victoria, BC, Canada You can wish in one hand and crap in the other. See which one gets filled first.

03-28-2002, 02:31 AM	#6
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	You can order most of the things from a vendor. The small turn signal clips you can still get from gm. I know that the bearings you can order stil through one of the members that sell truck parts here on the board. As far as lining up the column, just take the 2 screws that hold the column in place and rotate it up to the correct position, and then retighten screws. the 2 screws are at 2 different angles to the column so when they are tightened up it pulls it in that direction. The 2 screws are right under the dash and there is 2 holes with the u bracket that holds it in place. Hope this helps. ------------------ Andy 71's Are for ever!!! or 67,68,69,70,72 http://geocities.com/chevy71tpi/main.html __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

03-28-2002, 02:37 AM	#7
trukman1 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Beavercreek, Ohio 45431 Posts: 737	new69, If you need a new column cheap just let me know (non-tilt that is). I've got one wastin' space and would let it go right. Just let me know what you need. gwallace@siscom.net or call 1.937.426.2890 ask for Gary. Hope this helps. __________________ 1967 K30 461/TH400/Np205/D60/14FF/BDS MTZ 375/75/16 on 16x10 Pro Comps

03-28-2002, 12:57 AM	#2
Fast68Chevy Account Suspended Join Date: May 2000 Location: IL Posts: 0	sounds like you need a column out of a parts truck, the turn signal switch assembly is dealer item or parts supplier item, rest of parts are hmm probably no luck on most of it. only reason i could think that the shift tube bell is crooked is maybe cuz one of the screws is loose or someone else has been inside there before and messed it all up. hmm... ------------------ Randy- Lincoln, IL randy@ccaonline.com -71/C-10(thx teeitup and crews!)350 4+4/CH465(thx 71Chev, GMCPaul, and CPNE)longfleet bed(thnx meathead95)!still building it- -'84 Z28 H.O. 305 L69 700R4 GT4 3.73 - 1984 Firebird SE 2.8L T-5 GT4 3.73 -1981 Cutlass Supreme, dunno what im gonna do with it yet... -79 G20 pass van, 350/th350/10bolt *Paint is overrated © RSS Enterprises 2000

03-28-2002, 01:55 AM	#4
aesj2 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Ferndale, Michigan, USA Posts: 94	You can get most of the parts to rebuld the column from LMC. Also, get yourself the factory repair manual. Good Luck

03-28-2002, 12:05 PM	#8
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	Thanks a lot guys. Now that I have it back together it's a pain in the a$$ to drive, but I'll slow down now and get some good replacement parts. I've already looked at the standard parts lists from the aftermarket guys. They don't offer mutch. I'm going to hit up WES and GMCPaul next. Anyone have a web site for GM parts? ------------------ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd w/ 350ci/400THM and a wood bed! '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd w/ ORIGINAL 350ci/4sp Manual and a wood bed (parts beast). Seattle, WA. *See pics of my trucks and project at www.webshots.com! __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.



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