Topic: Tilt Steering Column
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling

[QUOTE=blu72]I had my column refurbished, this sounds like a PITA to get this apart and back together. About $250 to refurb. Check the service manual.....too many little pieces/parts for me to tackle.[/QUOTE]
May I ask where you were able to have the T/T column redone for only $250? What does that include?
Thanks!
Bill




C3VR Lifetime Member #93





The special tool can be purchased at Auto Zone. Its really not that hard. I did it on my wifes 78 Monte Carlo years ago without the tool....Now THAT is a PITA! Basically what the tool does is compress the spring loaded plate covering the screws that hold the tilt collar to the flange. This plate has a snap ring holding it on. The tool compresses the plate down so the snap ring can be removed. This plate will be seen once you have removed the steering wheel. Once the plate is removed, you will see the three screws in question. Take the screws out and give them a good coat of Lock-tite.....I guarantee they will not come loose again. You will need to compress the plate once more to re-install the snap ring. Did alot of these when I worked at Chevy. The tool runs about $14.00. Beats $275.00 and takes about an hour to do.
Reid '72 T-top


I have the tools, and have done many of them. I can do it in about an hour with tilt only, and about another 10 or 15 minutes with the TT columns.
You have to remove the steering wheel, horn contacts, lockplate, upper shaft supports, then the turn signal switch. Under the turn signal switch are four screws that hold the upper housing to the piviot assy. These screws are the problem. They hold well most of the time, but when someone tugs on the wheel getting in and out, they loose up.
AutoZone does have the tool. It's just a lock plate tool. You will also need a special tool to install where the lock bolt for the telescope wheel threads into the upper steering shaft. Otherwise the shaft will lift out when you try to use the lockplate tool. You can make the tool by just getting a bolt the same size as the lock bolt. Cut the head off of the new bolt, and cut a slot in it so you can use a screw driver. Install it where the lock bolt was, push the shaft all the way down, and tighten you "special tool". Then the lock plate tool will work.
It does take a bit of a jigsaw puzzle to get there. But, yes, if you can get to the house when I'm free, we can take care of it. The weather is starting to warm up a bit. Should be in the 50s next week. (There was snow last week)
It's really not a PITA if you take your time and keep a diagram handy. It is a jig saw puzzle. If you take pictures as you go, it should not be a problem.