Tilt Column Turn Signal Lever Question

[pjmoreland]

I have noticed that most parts vendors list two different turn signal levers for non-tilt and tilt applications. I purchased a factory tilt column recently, and it came with what appeared to be the original turn signal lever. It is exactly the same as the turn signal lever I have on my non-tilt column. The parts catalog doesn't list different levers or knobs for tilt and non-tilt columns. It just lists the following two part numbers:

3909580 Lever
3782965 Knob

What is the difference between the tilt and non-tilt turn signal levers sold by most vendors?

['68OrangeSunshine]

The difference is about 12 Dollars, Pat.

[pjmoreland]

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

The difference is about 12 Dollars.

You win! Haha

['68OrangeSunshine]

Interesting that the first vendor lists the same Gear Shift Knob (Floor Shift) for 1934 - 72.
The knob might be the same but the SM 420 and SM 465 [1968 - Later] have different 4-On-the-Floor patterns. 420's Reverse pulls toward the driver, 465's pull away from the driver.

[pjmoreland]

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

Interesting that the first vendor lists the same Gear Shift Knob (Floor Shift) for 1934 - 72.
The knob might be the same but the SM 420 and SM 465 [1968 - Later] have different 4-On-the-Floor patterns. 420's Reverse pulls toward the driver, 465's pull away from the driver.

Maybe they get around that issue by not printing a pattern on it.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

Maybe they get around that issue by not printing a pattern on it.

Theft Deterrent.

[pjmoreland]

I looked through dozens of photos of tilt columns in the classifieds section, and I get the impression that tilt columns may have come with a turn signal lever that has less of a bend in it than the non-tilt version.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Shape may have changed annually in the Car Division...

[pjmoreland]

In case anyone else is interested, I ordered the "tilt" turn signal lever from GMCPauls. They ended up sending me Counterpart 67-13305, which is just a regular non-tilt lever. I contacted them about it and they said the tilt style isn't available anymore. I then ordered the "tilt" lever from Classic Parts, and I indeed got a lever that is straighter than the regular one. It is made by Trim Parts and it is part number 9300. The Classic Parts part number is 29-563. The plastic knob is a little more blocky on the small end than an original.

I am looking forward to installing this lever because the non-tilt lever I have on my truck is too close to the steering wheel.

I am looking

[pjmoreland]

Here are some photos of the tilt turn signal lever installed. I've also included some of the original lever for comparison.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Hey Pat, could someone have just heated the bent lever with a torch and whacked it straight on an anvil with a BFH, or would that flake off the chrome?

[pjmoreland]

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

Hey Pat, could someone have just heated the bent lever with a torch and whacked it straight on an anvil with a BFH, or would that flake off the chrome?

I figured it would flake off the chrome. That's exactly what GMCPauls said to do.

['68OrangeSunshine]

I'm procrastinating on overhauling my original Steering Column. I've had the original, once-Fawn wheel off for a rebuild with 2-part putty. There's a Seafoam Green 3-spoke wheel on now. Just can't find a perfect match Fawn spraypaint.

Other system-related issues are:
A] Horn relay constantly clicks. Horns are disconnected. When I tried a new T/S harness, the gripe didn't go away. One of the BBs in the upper bearing race got lost. I'm thinking an imprecise distance somewhere in the Column won't let the horn switch operate normally. Also bought the lower bearing, but that requires pulling the whole shaft. With no horn, I have to accept the errors of others silently.

B] My OEM turn signal lever fell out. The screw worked itself loose. The T/S Lever is just loose on the dashtop. I keep it in sight so I don't lose it. To signal turns [esp. at night] I have a pair of high visibility construction gloves -- Orange canvas, white leather and white reflective stripes. Manual turn signals just like the old days. Somewhat difficult with Manual Steering and Manual Shifting.

I have a simple no-shifter steering column out of a junkyard. Has a very shot '69- later wheel [or the remains there of]. I can cannibalize it for any pieces of inobtainium that are missing from my original column.

[pjmoreland]

It's always an adventure digging into a steering column.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

It's always an adventure digging into a steering column.

YUP

[CAMAROBOY68SS]

I am guessing from looking at a few pictures of tilt vs non tilt columns, the level mount is lower in the bell on a non tilt column and then on a tilt column it was moved up to allow for the tilt mech so that way the end of the lever landed roughly in the same position regardless.

[pjmoreland]

I agree. The difference in bend is more than enough to make up for that small difference. On a side note, I am noticing that it is easy to hit my left knee on the tilt turn signal when releasing the clutch while making a left turn.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

I agree. The difference in bend is more than enough to make up for that small difference. On a side note, I am noticing that it is easy to hit my left knee on the tilt turn signal when releasing the clutch while making a left turn.

I saw a pair of those Orange/White/ 3M reflector gloves in an O'Reilly's. Then you wouldn't bump your knee.

[pjmoreland]

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

I saw a pair of those Orange/White/ 3M reflector gloves in an O'Reilly's. Then you wouldn't bump your knee.

Perfect!