Steering Wheel column cover removal question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Wootdog · 12-24-2008, 10:02 AM

I have a dent in my column cover. The round thing where the turn signal and tilt lever go into. I need to remove the collar to fix the same. Any one know how to get it off? I have a private message into Kev's classics but he must be gone for the holidays. I have the steering wheel and everything else removed below it but the cover around the column.
Thanks,
Kerry

Andy4639 · 12-24-2008, 10:22 AM

It is just slid on over the inside like a skin. It should just slip off.

Wootdog · 12-24-2008, 10:30 AM

I am trying to remove it from the top so I don't have to remove the whole column.
Kerry

Andy4639 · 12-24-2008, 10:32 AM

I don't think that you can do that. I'm not certain, maybe some one else knows for sure. Mine was out of the truck.

JimKshortstep4x4 · 12-24-2008, 10:43 AM

Is your column a tilt or standard?

Jim

Sport/Truck · 12-24-2008, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wootdog

I have a dent in my column cover. The round thing where the turn signal and tilt lever go into. I need to remove the collar to fix the same. Any one know how to get it off? I have a private message into Kev's classics but he must be gone for the holidays. I have the steering wheel and everything else removed below it but the cover around the column.
Thanks,
Kerry

These are some pictures of my non tilt unit. You will need to remove the turn signals three screws to remove it. I have lots of pictures if you need anything.
s/t

*Retro68* · 12-24-2008, 10:49 AM

Look very close around the seam. You will see a small indent. Use a very small round flat end punch and tap lightly forward. You should see the seam open a little. If it does work your way around the seam in small amounts . You should see the collar moving and sliding off. Be gentle so you don't dent the edge. If the column has had some repaint the paint may act as a seal at the seam. If so go around the seam first with a razor blade to break the paint seal. Any further questions let me know.

Sport/Truck · 12-24-2008, 10:58 AM

It must be different on a non tilt. So my pictures won't be much help.
s/t

Wootdog · 12-24-2008, 02:22 PM

I have a tilt column.
Kerry

**john** · 12-24-2008, 03:22 PM

With a tilt it will just tap off. I use something soft in the turnsignal lever hole to move it.

Wootdog · 12-24-2008, 03:34 PM

This is removing from the top correct? the tilt column is installed on the truck.
Kerry

JimKshortstep4x4 · 12-24-2008, 09:02 PM

The cover is held on by a slight interference fit. If you spray the parting line with a penetrant it will help the removal of the cover. The cover comes off toward you. The manual recommends using an inside puller but I use a small flat screw driver and gently tap the cover off with the screwdriver tip agains the bottom edge. The cover has to be "worked" off by going around it if you choose to use a screw driver to remove it.

Of course the levers have to be out of the way and remove the flasher button after depressing the switch.

Jim

Wootdog · 12-25-2008, 01:25 PM

Well guys. I give up. Nothing you have suggested appears to work. All I have seemed to do is scratch the paint off in multiple areas between the top collar and the bottom one. I guess I will have to live with the dent. And to add insult to injury, it appears I have cracked the lower collar.
Thanks anyway
Kerry

JimKshortstep4x4 · 12-26-2008, 05:07 AM

Wow!

That is a bummer!

Here is a pic of how the manual suggests removing the turn signal cover.

Jim

Wootdog · 12-26-2008, 09:39 AM

Is the bolt on the steering shaft supposed to be removed? I can't see it in the picture. If that's the case, that is why I can't get the collar off. I actually tried to get a socket on it as well as a wrench and can't get it to move.
Thanks,
Kerry

JimKshortstep4x4 · 12-26-2008, 09:03 PM

The nut on the shaft does not have to be removed. The cover is just a tight fit on the housing.

Jim

Wootdog · 12-30-2008, 11:22 AM

Update. I ended up buying a K and D Part number 2291 Steering Wheel Puller and Crankshaft Pulley Puller. I also had to buy a K and D Part Number 3510 GM steering Wheel Puller Legs. The legs fit into the Steering wheel puller Main bracket. It was not cheap. It took longer to go get the parts for the collar removal than it took to remove it. Thanks you guys for all your help.
Kerry

Sport/Truck · 12-31-2008, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wootdog

Update. I ended up buying a K and D Part number 2291 Steering Wheel Puller and Crankshaft Pulley Puller. I also had to buy a K and D Part Number 3510 GM steering Wheel Puller Legs. The legs fit into the Steering wheel puller Main bracket. It was not cheap. It took longer to go get the parts for the collar removal than it took to remove it. Thanks you guys for all your help.
Kerry

Was there anything preventing yours from coming off? I'm curious why it wouldn't slip off.
s/t

LOW DOUGH · 12-31-2008, 12:49 PM

Good info

petey-pablo · 01-01-2009, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sport/Truck

Was there anything preventing yours from coming off? I'm curious why it wouldn't slip off.
s/t

The Tilt Steering Wheel column cover is pretty hard to get off if you don't have the propper tool. I had to take mine to Vintage Chevy here in Fremont to have it removed after trying for days myself and breaking the Horn contact switch.. and when you put it back together you have to line up the little indent thingAmagiga...

ashx2 · 01-01-2009, 10:51 AM

I'm curious, since I have to do the same thing to mine. I have to put in a new blinker setup since the one on mine is busted.

I read in the manual that you are to depress the hazard knob inward and unscrew. When I tried this however, it cracked the knob. So how did you remove yours? Did you have to depress the hazard knob or did you just manuver it around?

Please tell me you tooks pics of the dis-assembly and your puller you had to buy.

Greg

Wootdog · 01-01-2009, 10:51 AM

The reason it would not just slip off was because of the big dent in it.
Kerry

**KevsClassics** · 02-12-2009, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wootdog

I have a dent in my column cover. The round thing where the turn signal and tilt lever go into. I need to remove the collar to fix the same. Any one know how to get it off? I have a private message into Kev's classics but he must be gone for the holidays. I have the steering wheel and everything else removed below it but the cover around the column.
Thanks,
Kerry

Kerry, So sorry UPS was so careless with your tilt. I sent you another cover should be getting it any day. Just send me your dented one back when you receive it.
Thanks, Kevin

12-24-2008, 10:02 AM	#1
Wootdog Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va, USA Posts: 1,676	Steering Wheel column cover removal question I have a dent in my column cover. The round thing where the turn signal and tilt lever go into. I need to remove the collar to fix the same. Any one know how to get it off? I have a private message into Kev's classics but he must be gone for the holidays. I have the steering wheel and everything else removed below it but the cover around the column. Thanks, Kerry __________________ 1969 Chevelle 1990 IROC Z Convertible 2002 Silverado LT

12-24-2008, 10:22 AM	#2
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Steering Wheel column cover removal question It is just slid on over the inside like a skin. It should just slip off. __________________ 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.

12-24-2008, 10:30 AM	#3
Wootdog Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va, USA Posts: 1,676	Re: Steering Wheel column cover removal question I am trying to remove it from the top so I don't have to remove the whole column. Kerry __________________ 1969 Chevelle 1990 IROC Z Convertible 2002 Silverado LT

12-24-2008, 10:32 AM	#4
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Steering Wheel column cover removal question I don't think that you can do that. I'm not certain, maybe some one else knows for sure. Mine was out of the truck. __________________ 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.

12-24-2008, 10:43 AM	#5
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: Steering Wheel column cover removal question Is your column a tilt or standard? Jim __________________ 1971 Shortbox step side 4x4, 350 sbc, 3:07 rear end 1965 Impala SS 400 sbc, Muncie rock crusher 1966 Impala SS 396 bbc, TH 400 1969 El Camino, 350 sbc, TH 350 1971 Snowplow built on a Blazer frame 1972 GMC Short bed, stepside, TH 400, 427 BBC

12-24-2008, 10:49 AM	#7
Retro68 Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Mesa Arizona Posts: 294	Re: Steering Wheel column cover removal question Look very close around the seam. You will see a small indent. Use a very small round flat end punch and tap lightly forward. You should see the seam open a little. If it does work your way around the seam in small amounts . You should see the collar moving and sliding off. Be gentle so you don't dent the edge. If the column has had some repaint the paint may act as a seal at the seam. If so go around the seam first with a razor blade to break the paint seal. Any further questions let me know.

12-24-2008, 10:58 AM	#8
Sport/Truck Sierra Grande Club Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New Mexico USA Posts: 2,433	Re: Steering Wheel column cover removal question It must be different on a non tilt. So my pictures won't be much help. s/t __________________ 1971 GMC Sierra Grande, 1/2 ton short wide, original 4 bolt 010 020 block & heads. (matching #'s). 383 stroker, SMI q jet 750 cfm, Lunati Voodoo 60102 cam, Scorpion roller rockers, Spin Tech pro street mufflers with X pipe.

12-24-2008, 02:22 PM	#9
Wootdog Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va, USA Posts: 1,676	Re: Steering Wheel column cover removal question I have a tilt column. Kerry __________________ 1969 Chevelle 1990 IROC Z Convertible 2002 Silverado LT

12-24-2008, 03:22 PM	#10
john member #16 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Yuba City Ca. Posts: 3,618	Re: Steering Wheel column cover removal question With a tilt it will just tap off. I use something soft in the turnsignal lever hole to move it. __________________ john http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showgroups.php board vendors http://www.flickr.com/photos/1745471...7602865984234/

12-24-2008, 03:34 PM	#11
Wootdog Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va, USA Posts: 1,676	Re: Steering Wheel column cover removal question This is removing from the top correct? the tilt column is installed on the truck. Kerry __________________ 1969 Chevelle 1990 IROC Z Convertible 2002 Silverado LT

12-24-2008, 09:02 PM	#12
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: Steering Wheel column cover removal question The cover is held on by a slight interference fit. If you spray the parting line with a penetrant it will help the removal of the cover. The cover comes off toward you. The manual recommends using an inside puller but I use a small flat screw driver and gently tap the cover off with the screwdriver tip agains the bottom edge. The cover has to be "worked" off by going around it if you choose to use a screw driver to remove it. Of course the levers have to be out of the way and remove the flasher button after depressing the switch. Jim __________________ 1971 Shortbox step side 4x4, 350 sbc, 3:07 rear end 1965 Impala SS 400 sbc, Muncie rock crusher 1966 Impala SS 396 bbc, TH 400 1969 El Camino, 350 sbc, TH 350 1971 Snowplow built on a Blazer frame 1972 GMC Short bed, stepside, TH 400, 427 BBC Last edited by JimKshortstep4x4; 12-24-2008 at 09:03 PM. Reason: Spelling

12-25-2008, 01:25 PM	#13
Wootdog Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va, USA Posts: 1,676	Re: Steering Wheel column cover removal question Well guys. I give up. Nothing you have suggested appears to work. All I have seemed to do is scratch the paint off in multiple areas between the top collar and the bottom one. I guess I will have to live with the dent. And to add insult to injury, it appears I have cracked the lower collar. Thanks anyway Kerry __________________ 1969 Chevelle 1990 IROC Z Convertible 2002 Silverado LT

12-26-2008, 05:07 AM	#14
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: Steering Wheel column cover removal question Wow! That is a bummer! Here is a pic of how the manual suggests removing the turn signal cover. Jim __________________ 1971 Shortbox step side 4x4, 350 sbc, 3:07 rear end 1965 Impala SS 400 sbc, Muncie rock crusher 1966 Impala SS 396 bbc, TH 400 1969 El Camino, 350 sbc, TH 350 1971 Snowplow built on a Blazer frame 1972 GMC Short bed, stepside, TH 400, 427 BBC Last edited by JimKshortstep4x4; 07-14-2009 at 12:53 PM.

12-26-2008, 09:39 AM	#15
Wootdog Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va, USA Posts: 1,676	Re: Steering Wheel column cover removal question Is the bolt on the steering shaft supposed to be removed? I can't see it in the picture. If that's the case, that is why I can't get the collar off. I actually tried to get a socket on it as well as a wrench and can't get it to move. Thanks, Kerry __________________ 1969 Chevelle 1990 IROC Z Convertible 2002 Silverado LT

12-26-2008, 09:03 PM	#16
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: Steering Wheel column cover removal question The nut on the shaft does not have to be removed. The cover is just a tight fit on the housing. Jim __________________ 1971 Shortbox step side 4x4, 350 sbc, 3:07 rear end 1965 Impala SS 400 sbc, Muncie rock crusher 1966 Impala SS 396 bbc, TH 400 1969 El Camino, 350 sbc, TH 350 1971 Snowplow built on a Blazer frame 1972 GMC Short bed, stepside, TH 400, 427 BBC



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12-30-2008, 11:22 AM	#17
Wootdog Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va, USA Posts: 1,676	Re: Steering Wheel column cover removal question Update. I ended up buying a K and D Part number 2291 Steering Wheel Puller and Crankshaft Pulley Puller. I also had to buy a K and D Part Number 3510 GM steering Wheel Puller Legs. The legs fit into the Steering wheel puller Main bracket. It was not cheap. It took longer to go get the parts for the collar removal than it took to remove it. Thanks you guys for all your help. Kerry __________________ 1969 Chevelle 1990 IROC Z Convertible 2002 Silverado LT

12-31-2008, 12:49 PM	#19
LOW DOUGH I'M TRUCK CRAZY! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Sachse, TEXAS Posts: 1,737	Re: Steering Wheel column cover removal question Good info

01-01-2009, 10:51 AM	#21
ashx2 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Graham, Texas Posts: 239	Re: Steering Wheel column cover removal question I'm curious, since I have to do the same thing to mine. I have to put in a new blinker setup since the one on mine is busted. I read in the manual that you are to depress the hazard knob inward and unscrew. When I tried this however, it cracked the knob. So how did you remove yours? Did you have to depress the hazard knob or did you just manuver it around? Please tell me you tooks pics of the dis-assembly and your puller you had to buy. Greg

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