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Topic: 68 steering column whoa's

in Forum: C3 Handling Components


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68 steering column whoa's (1/4)
 5/23/11 6:45pm
Crimson Ghost
Former Member

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Vette(s):
1968 convertible


Joined: 3/3/2010
Posts: 94

Hello all.
 

If you don’t recall the history I will nut shell it.  My 68 ‘vert came with a 69 column that sat real low, I bought a 68 column but apparently they changed out the bracketing in the dash to accommodate the 69….couldn’t locate the right parts under the dash so I had to fabricate a new bracket on the 68.  Still sat low so I pulled it yesterday and installed it today – finally sitting correct !  but I still want a 13 inch wheel (recommendations that will bolt on?  Please let me know)

 

Anyway, I reconnected the harness and the flashers come on….DOH !  wont turn off either !  so there must have been a short somewhere and I helped it along.  Does anyone have a wiring harness diagram for a 68 column?  I need to identify which wire is the flashers – for now I am going to cut it.  So I can move forward and deal with the flasher issue at another time.   I’ll probably look to buy a new wiring harness, but I have no idea how to open up the column.  I removed the wheel and there is a large bolt in the middle and on the column behind the large housing where the column reduces to 2” there are 3 small bolts – wasn’t sure what to tinker with so I thought I would post here for more information first.   Any advice ?

Thanks ! John
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68 steering column whoa's (2/4)
 5/23/11 8:49pm
yostusota
Former Member

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York, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1969 daytona conv. all original 350 350 380 4 sp w/air..and hard top


Joined: 5/18/2010
Posts: 1518

John stop now...if you don't know how to take apart the column..don't..get a real shop manual and even an AIM..these show exploded views of what you should have..68's are their own beast..as far as wiring goes and many other things..don't cut wires..its a good bit of work to repair column wires..meaning fishing harness up the column..remove the relay..should be the one in the fuse box..if it makes the lights stay on remove the fuse..anyhow slow down and make sure you have a 68 column..the wheel can be tough also..not sure how many adapters are out there for the 68 column..

Rich

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My first parade at Carlisle 2010
68 steering column whoa's (3/4)
 5/24/11 7:38am
Crimson Ghost
Former Member

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Vette(s):
1968 convertible


Joined: 3/3/2010
Posts: 94

More than likely sound advice.   I walked away from it last night and will revisit this evening – I want to try a couple trouble shooting techniques before I throw in the towel.

 

I plan to clean up the terminal ends on the harness, they did seem to be rather corroded, after that I will attempt to ground the entire column to a good ground under the dash – if it’s not a faulty ground I will look to pull the relay and/or fuse, though my concern there would be that the directional’s may then be rendered inoperable.  That’s why I figured the easiest avenue of approach would be to cut the wire since they are so readily accessible.  This winter I plan to send the column off to be rebuilt anyway – new bearings, wiring everything. 

 

I just put $1,000 into a march performance serpentine set up (a separate thread) and really want to drive the car this weekend.  Thank you for the feed back !  as always, greatly appreciated !

 

68 steering column whoa's (4/4)
 5/24/11 9:14am
chances rLifetime Member
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spicewood, TX - USA

Vette(s):
Sold them Both


Joined: 9/13/2009
Posts: 72

The flasher issue sounds to me like there is a spring busted in the turn signal mechanism.  Fishing a new harness is a real pain on any column, but I am told that it is a real PITA on the 68's.  I would first just pull the Flasher relay out of the fuse box, before I would cut a wire.  Find a good breakdown diagram.  Several sites, have them.  And there are some in the restoration guides, and assembly manuals, (leaving something to be desired at times). 

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