81 Tilt Steering Column Question

[nbpro]

We're in the process of restoring an 81 GMC Sierra 1500 1/2 ton, 305 motor, automatic. Somewhere along the line, someone has broken the bowl that surrounds the turn signal/tilt wheel, etc. I am able to find a repair kit for 88 and up, but nothing for an 81. Is there anything that is interchangeable? Any assistance would be appreciated.

[87Bob]

Originally Posted by nbpro

We're in the process of restoring an 81 GMC Sierra 1500 1/2 ton, 305 motor, automatic. Somewhere along the line, someone has broken the bowl that surrounds the turn signal/tilt wheel, etc. I am able to find a repair kit for 88 and up, but nothing for an 81. Is there anything that is interchangeable? Any assistance would be appreciated.

I believe that you will find lots of columns the will have the part you need in the wrecking yards. I suggest you take the broken one with you and hit the wrecking yards. Do a bit of comparison shopping while the entire column may be different between say the van and pickups the part you're looking for may be the same. I just checked my 85 Non-tilt column (still in the truck) and the the tilt column I plan to put in it. They both have the same bowl you make reference to. GM would usually try to make one part fit as many applications as they could. Good Luck!

Also look at 3/4 ton and one ton trucks and various car models. GM used parts across many different product lines.

[85X3]

Tilt and Non-tilt housings do not interchange. I've bought a repair kit on eBay before for around $35.00. There is also a website that has the parts you need, but I don't know the url right offhand. Housings are pretty much the same for many years and models until they went to column mounted dimmer switch. Also check local body shops that do theft recovery repair. They will have a supplier, or even a GM part number. Good luck.

[nbpro]

ty for the Replys