Topic: steering column replacement
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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I also have a steering column that I can move from side to side and my high beam switch which I believe is integrtaed into my turn signal is not working.
My question is would it be easier to just replace the entire steering column than to go thru the trouble of trying to rebuild the one I have and purchase a new turn/high beam switch and whatever components keep the column from shifting fom side to side??
My question is would it be easier to just replace the entire steering column than to go thru the trouble of trying to rebuild the one I have and purchase a new turn/high beam switch and whatever components keep the column from shifting fom side to side??

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Former Member
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Shirley, NY - USA
Joined: 2/15/2003
Posts: 108
Vette(s): 1980 currently being restored/ cutomized
Well at this point, I would say it is far easier to get a rebuilt column than to do it yourself. Although if you take your time and have good diagrams and lay things out right, you can do it. The looseness is cause by 4 bolts at the tilt mechanism, I just tightened mine. Now I just have to figure how to get the column back together properly
Well I'll post the results after I get my assembly manual.

Vmikalinis, 1980 L48 T-tops 4-spd Hurst shifter, edelbrock intake and carb, mid america true dual exhaust into flowmaster 40's. VDB Poly adjustable strut rods. |URL|http://www.C3VR.com/member_uploads/2501_2600/2544/side.jpg |/URL|
Former Member
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Shirley, NY - USA
Joined: 2/15/2003
Posts: 108
Vette(s): 1980 currently being restored/ cutomized
I am currently trying to figure out the high beam switch and why it will not click and return to the top. From what I have found, the high beam switch(Called the dimmer)needs to be adjusted under the dash. A long rod runs down the column and actuates it. I will be looking at it tonight and trying to reassemble the column. I can post a little more info tomorrow.
Vmikalinis, 1980 L48 T-tops 4-spd Hurst shifter, edelbrock intake and carb, mid america true dual exhaust into flowmaster 40's. VDB Poly adjustable strut rods. |URL|http://www.C3VR.com/member_uploads/2501_2600/2544/side.jpg |/URL|
Former Member
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Shirley, NY - USA
Joined: 2/15/2003
Posts: 108
Vette(s): 1980 currently being restored/ cutomized
ok, I crawled under there and found the problem, the rod was unseated from the dimmer/bright switch. It is a little white spring loaded circle with a seat for the rod. I seated it and it works. You can change the switch without taking the column apart. Problem #2 I couldn't get the column to stop telescoping when I wanted to put the lockplate back in place. Then I noticed that ken styler had posted something in the past about a bolt in the center of the column. When you screw a bolt into the very center of the column it presses a little key out sideways and applies force to the wall inside the column. This locks it in place as tightly as the bolt is. If you cut a proper sized bolt (must match the star-ish shaped bolt's threads and length) so that there is no head, you can tighten this into the center with a vice grip or pliers (not too much force) and then slip the lockplate tool over the stub. The column is now locked, and the tool should work. If it pulls out, the bolt in the center is not tight enough. The tool just allows you to depress the lock plate and the spring underneath and slip the c-clip back in, or take the clip back out. I did not dissasemble the lower portion of the column. If I can help anyone let me know. I'm no expert, but It is fresh in my mind. 

Vmikalinis, 1980 L48 T-tops 4-spd Hurst shifter, edelbrock intake and carb, mid america true dual exhaust into flowmaster 40's. VDB Poly adjustable strut rods. |URL|http://www.C3VR.com/member_uploads/2501_2600/2544/side.jpg |/URL|
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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