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Topic: Info in upgrading to a tilt steering column

in Forum: C3 Handling Components


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Info in upgrading to a tilt steering column (1/4)
 1/31/18 4:21pm
BillHanna
Standard Member
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Cana, VA - USA

Vette(s):
1975 Stingray 71 350 engine Flat top pistons Sniper fuel injection Hyperspark ignition Vintage Air air conditioning Borgeson power steering box


Joined: 7/3/2016
Posts: 319

I have been looking at tilt steering columns for my '75 manual shift.   I see prices from $170 up to over a thousand dollars, and different lengths shown.

Can someone help me understand what I should be looking for, and what issues I may need to be aware of?

Thanks!



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Re: Info in upgrading to a tilt steering column (2/4)
 1/31/18 7:52pm
Vman73
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Gig Harbor, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1973 L82 4 Speed Coupe - Very original, well documented driver/survivor. 2016 Bend Regional NCRS Top Flight.


Joined: 10/2/2014
Posts: 405

Bill, I believe the C3 T/T columns fall into 3 main groups not counting ‘68’s which were tele only, no tilt. The first group is 69-75 and that’s the group your looking for. They are getting harder to find and the prices are going up for a good one. Anything under $500 in good shape is probably a good deal. A 69-75 column should bolt right into your 75 and use the same steering wheel if you wish. 1976 t/t columns are a single year column that used the infamous “Vega” steering wheel. 77-82 T/T columns are very similar, a little shorter, have a smaller diameter wheel, but take some modifications to fit in an earlier car. They are more available and a bit cheaper, I don’t know if your 75 wheel will fit on a 77-82 column without some adaptation. A 77-82 column may also have hi/low beam, cruise and other functions you may not need or want. If you find a cheap column of any year that needs some work, most of the parts are available through the Corvette vendors. Hope this helps, good luck in your search for a good one. Also look for some input from a member named “persico “, I believe he just went through a similar conversion on his 70-72 car.

|UPDATED|1/31/2018 4:52:20 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


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Re: Info in upgrading to a tilt steering column (3/4)
 2/3/18 12:08pm
persico
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Long Valley, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1972 454 Coupe, 4 speed, Targa Blue with blue interior, luggage rack 2019 Grand Sport Coupe, M7, Ceramic Matrix Gray with gray interior


Joined: 3/21/2007
Posts: 292

Hi. I am indeed going through a conversion on my 72 but unfortunately the project has stalled a bit due to the extremely cold weather in New Jersey. I hope to move the project to my basement soon! I bought a column from someone parting out a 72 that needs to be rebuilt for $500!! I’ll let you know how it goes. One thing you should do is look up Jim Shea’s steering papers online. He was the GM engineer who designed the system I believe. He even covers the specifics of adapting a later year column to an earlier application. Worth a read!

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Mario

Re: Info in upgrading to a tilt steering column (4/4)
 2/3/18 3:08pm
BillHanna
Standard Member
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Cana, VA - USA

Vette(s):
1975 Stingray 71 350 engine Flat top pistons Sniper fuel injection Hyperspark ignition Vintage Air air conditioning Borgeson power steering box


Joined: 7/3/2016
Posts: 319

persico said: Hi. I am indeed going through a conversion on my 72 but unfortunately the project has stalled a bit due to the extremely cold weather in New Jersey. I hope to move the project to my basement soon! I bought a column from someone parting out a 72 that needs to be rebuilt for $500!! I’ll let you know how it goes. One thing you should do is look up Jim Shea’s steering papers online. He was the GM engineer who designed the system I believe. He even covers the specifics of adapting a later year column to an earlier application. Worth a read!


Thanks for your input.  I did find Jim's steering papers, and they are very helpful.  It looks like I can use 77-78 columns with little modifications in my '75.

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