I am on "TILT" over tilt steering-HELP NEEDED! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

into69z · 04-01-2012, 06:50 PM

Wow-I have taken my tilt column apart to repair and paint. I have had it apart now about 5 times as each time something happens. Just painted everything and in the process of finishing up I managed once again to scratch the paint so now I need to take the top collar off again and paint it again. The problem I need help with is installing the gear selector handle. I have a new factory spring but I can't seem to be able to compress the spring and slide the gear shift in at the same time. I know it can be done, everyone can do it but for some reason, I haven't

figured it out. How do you install the gear selector handle?

JimKshortstep4x4 · 04-01-2012, 07:41 PM

Make sure the spring is the correct length and is seated in its pocket. When the spring is seated you should have room enough to start the lever into the column. Once the lever is started it can be leveraged against the spring and pushed into place. Be sure the spring and related parts are lubed prior to inserting the lever.

Jim

into69z · 04-01-2012, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimKshortstep4x4

Make sure the spring is the correct length and is seated in its pocket. When the spring is seated you should have room enough to start the lever into the column. Once the lever is started it can be leveraged against the spring and pushed into place. Be sure the spring and related parts are lubed prior to inserting the lever.

Jim

about how long is the spring? I bought one from GM-the part number I got was on this forum last year. On my setup, when you put the spring in the hole and seat it, the spring goes almost to the other side-guessing the length to be about an inch-maybe inch 1/4 or inch and 1/2. There were two pieces of the old one that if put together measure maybe 5/8 .......

sjarrett71 · 04-01-2012, 08:58 PM

I bought a new GM spring also and it was too long. I had to cut a couple coils off it to get it to fit correctly.

**KevsClassics** · 04-01-2012, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by into69z

about how long is the spring? I bought one from GM-the part number I got was on this forum last year. On my setup, when you put the spring in the hole and seat it, the spring goes almost to the other side-guessing the length to be about an inch-maybe inch 1/4 or inch and 1/2. There were two pieces of the old one that if put together measure maybe 5/8 .......

PM me your shipping info I'll send you a good used one.

**KevsClassics** · 04-01-2012, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimKshortstep4x4

Make sure the spring is the correct length and is seated in its pocket. When the spring is seated you should have room enough to start the lever into the column. Once the lever is started it can be leveraged against the spring and pushed into place. Be sure the spring and related parts are lubed prior to inserting the lever.

Jim

True. Also it is easier to install while in nuetral position.

04-01-2012, 06:50 PM	#1
into69z "brand new second-hand" Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: White House, Tennessee Posts: 526	I am on "TILT" over tilt steering-HELP NEEDED! Wow-I have taken my tilt column apart to repair and paint. I have had it apart now about 5 times as each time something happens. Just painted everything and in the process of finishing up I managed once again to scratch the paint so now I need to take the top collar off again and paint it again. The problem I need help with is installing the gear selector handle. I have a new factory spring but I can't seem to be able to compress the spring and slide the gear shift in at the same time. I know it can be done, everyone can do it but for some reason, I haven't figured it out. How do you install the gear selector handle? __________________ Steve 69 3/4t custom camper tilt,am/fm,speed warning,air gauge,buddy buckets,aux battery, big block,p/s,p/b,a/c 67 Camaro 96 Impala ss-sold 04 hybrid Honda-saving gas for the blue truck!:b69:

04-01-2012, 07:41 PM	#2
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: I am on "TILT" over tilt steering-HELP NEEDED! Make sure the spring is the correct length and is seated in its pocket. When the spring is seated you should have room enough to start the lever into the column. Once the lever is started it can be leveraged against the spring and pushed into place. Be sure the spring and related parts are lubed prior to inserting the lever. 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

04-01-2012, 08:58 PM	#4
sjarrett71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Rolla, MO Posts: 2,463	Re: I am on "TILT" over tilt steering-HELP NEEDED! I bought a new GM spring also and it was too long. I had to cut a couple coils off it to get it to fit correctly. __________________ -Scott-



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.