10-11-2019, 09:48 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: California Central Coast
Posts: 82
|
Digging in...
I was changing my steering wheel this afternoon and I noticed something (well 2 somethings) concerning.
1) the threads are looking rough/ worn. Looks like someone cross threaded at some point then “fixed” them. The splines are also worn, still functioning though. 2) the gap between the turn signal housing and the post cover is large enough for me to fit my fingers in (I’m a woman so smaller fingers than a man’s). Suggestions? Thanks |
10-11-2019, 10:04 PM | #2 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Tacoma, WA
Posts: 6,873
|
Re: Digging in...
Pictures?
The gap...is the outer metal cover loose? The cpver is retained by bolts that pinch it to the center column, if they get loose the gap could get big, the bolts are the same ones that retain the turn signal switch. |
10-11-2019, 10:08 PM | #3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: California Central Coast
Posts: 82
|
Re: Digging in...
Best I can in the garage. I’ll try to get pictures of the shaft tomorrow.
|
10-11-2019, 10:11 PM | #4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Nor Cal
Posts: 822
|
Re: Digging in...
Aftermarket wheel from the previous owner?
__________________
1968 C20 Fleetside 396 4sp PS PB AC CST . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWK8GgWD4uA |
10-11-2019, 10:29 PM | #5 |
laying low
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Searcy, Ark. USA
Posts: 13,403
|
Re: Digging in...
Does the column have the big washer and spring on the lower end underhood? It preloads the bearings and closes up that gap a bit. Well I don’t have that pic on this phone. I’m sure Randy does.
__________________
Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross |
10-11-2019, 10:50 PM | #6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Waterford California
Posts: 2,571
|
Re: Digging in...
Those after market wheel kits are a generic fit and never do fit or look right IMHO, don't know what you are changing your wheel to but unless you go back GM with all the correct components it will probably still be less than stellar.
Looks like you could use a dress up kit if your keeping that column. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1967-1968-C...4383.l4275.c10 At the bottom of the column under the hood there should be a spring and big thick washer that firms up the slack, sometimes people remove them for more shaft needed out the top for after market wheels. |
10-11-2019, 10:58 PM | #7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: California Central Coast
Posts: 82
|
Re: Digging in...
The mechanic adjusted the steering column and when he did this gap appeared. Before that the steering wheel fit prefect. I’ll check in the morning to see about the washer and spring under the hood.
I’m thinking a new column might have to be added to the list due to the wearing of the splines and threads. Will post pictures of those too. |
10-12-2019, 12:31 AM | #8 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Tacoma, WA
Posts: 6,873
|
Re: Digging in...
Agree the gap is probably due to the spring and washer...not enough preload, or the aftermarket wheel, they sometimes dont fit right.
You can change just the center shaft....and add the factory indicator lens housing and pointer. |
10-12-2019, 01:09 AM | #9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: California Central Coast
Posts: 82
|
Re: Digging in...
Unfortunately the factory indicator lens doesn’t work with my 700r4 transmission. I’ve been looking for a lens with overdrive but no luck. What’s currently on there is driving me nuts because it looks like crap. Any suggestions on that front would be greatly appreciated. (I have searched this site and this seems to be a common issue) Thanks
|
10-12-2019, 07:26 AM | #10 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Tacoma, WA
Posts: 6,873
|
Re: Digging in...
There isnt a lens for overdrive for that column. There is one for a tilt column...
Put the stock lens on it and just always use drive position as overdrive...overdrive is the new drive.....and has been for many many years now. |
10-12-2019, 07:42 AM | #11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Chesapeake, Va
Posts: 1,275
|
Re: Digging in...
if you decide to go with a new column , contact KEVSCLASSICS on here , he refurbished GM Tilts and not tilts columns, I got a factory tilt column from here and I have no complaints. DO NOT BUY the CHEAP Aftermarket Columns or you will end up in a ditch. there was an article floating on here years ago about the cheap columns and integral parts issues.
I found it -- https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...-alert.799535/
__________________
Mike 72 C-10 Cheyenne off frame resto and Upgraded to 4 wheel disk, Tilt, Dakota Digital Dash / Rear slider. 421 SBC / TH350 3000RPM Stall Progression Ignition /Holley 750 DP/3:73 gear Eaton Limited Slip unit / 2 1/2 exhaust glasspacks |
10-12-2019, 11:21 AM | #12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: California Central Coast
Posts: 82
|
Re: Digging in...
Our column is non tilt and I’m thinking about asking my Dad if he can make me the parts. I also remembered there’s a local guy who rebuilds columns. Now to remember his name ..
|
10-12-2019, 10:47 PM | #13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: California Central Coast
Posts: 82
|
Re: Digging in...
No luck on the local guy. I’ll keep my eye on the for sale board. Driving around today and the speedo is on it’s last legs. Argh! Add it to the list...
Dakota Digital cluster or New Vintage USA gauges? I’m a research hound. I’m not looking to buy the cluster/ gauges tomorrow but am compiling the list and trying to determine order of priority. (I didn’t want to clog up the board with another thread. If I should make this separate please let me know. I also did a search but found 1 old thread about NVU.) |
10-12-2019, 10:56 PM | #14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: California Central Coast
Posts: 82
|
Re: Digging in...
Pic of the spring and washer under the hood.
|
10-12-2019, 11:12 PM | #15 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Spring Valley, Ca.
Posts: 1,119
|
Re: Digging in...
Contact Tbone. He restores our instruments and does a great job! Lives in Oregon so if shouldn't spend a lot of time in the mail. tbonegarris@yahoo.com
__________________
Smitty '71 Short Fleetside Spring Valley, Ca. |
11-05-2019, 08:05 PM | #16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: California Central Coast
Posts: 82
|
Re: Digging in...
So, got we got the truck back and after a month of running errands with her, I killed it. Always knew we would have to drop an engine in her but not this soon. I’ve been searching the site looking for info on 350s. There’s so much it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Most of the posts I’m seeing are at LEAST 5 years old.
We’ve narrowed our choices down to 2: 350/290HP https://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-19355658 350/330 HP https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19210007.html This truck is going to be a daily driver so we’re looking for a nice balance of MPG and power. Any thoughts and experience would be greatly appreciated. Rather than start a new thread I thought I’d just add to this one. |
11-05-2019, 08:19 PM | #17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 185
|
Re: Digging in...
Fellow researcher to another,
I read bad things about the 290 hp. I would suggest going for the 330hp. I am also waiting out the engine failure, this year make 48 years on mine! Good luck with your project.
__________________
'72 Chevy Custom Deluxe Highlander. Med Olive/White 350/200 ps,pb and Air Conditioning! |
11-05-2019, 10:46 PM | #18 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Godley, TX
Posts: 17,976
|
Re: Digging in...
Recommend GM L31R - you'll need an electric fuel pump, but other than that, pretty straightforward swap.
|
11-06-2019, 08:59 AM | #19 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: New Palestine In
Posts: 931
|
Re: Digging in...
GM makes the 350 HO with a roller cam now, probably a better choice, they call it 357/350. It still has the mechanical fuel pump boss.
__________________
Phil "Money is only a tool to create and achieve what you want most in life" PayPal: rodnrudy@comcast.net |
11-06-2019, 09:40 PM | #20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Azle,Texas
Posts: 2,248
|
Re: Digging in...
Randy500 (the first guy to help you in this thread) routinely has tilt and non tilt columns for sale. I am a customer of his and can attest to his work and service. I bet he has columns for sale now in the parts section.
__________________
Brian 1972 C10, "Loyd", LWB to SWB, 5.3, L83/6L80e, 4:11 Tru Trac, Air Ride, VA, DD, 20" Coys, 4 wheel disc, A quick LS swap turned into a 6 year frame off resto-mod. |
11-06-2019, 09:43 PM | #21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: California Central Coast
Posts: 82
|
Re: Digging in...
Thanks, I just bought a tilt column from him last week! Very nice and patient guy. 😁
|
11-06-2019, 09:50 PM | #22 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: California Central Coast
Posts: 82
|
Re: Digging in...
Quote:
So Merry early Christmas to us- new engine, DD cluster, and a Randy500 tilt steering column all on the way. Thank you everyone for all of your replies and help. I’ll post updates with pictures when we get her back. |
|
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|