Over the weekend had the privledge of replacing the turn signal switch in the steering column. [tilt-telescopic]the actual work was a breeze.now this is were the trouble begins.there is a short 3 coil spring [that will support a mack truck}that goes under the sig cancel cam & lock plate. ok how are you to compress the spring to replace the c clip as the telescopic column {shaft with treads} comes out of housing when lock plate tool is used? hayes repair manual just states to reverse procedure. any thoughts on this would be greatly app.

You have to lock the tele part down first.
Find a bolt that will thread into the lock shaft threads, and make sure it is long enough to lock the tele down. Then take the bolt out, and cut the head off as close to the top of the threaded part of the shaft as you can, and still be able to tighten the bolt for the tele/lock. Then the tool will fit over the headless bolt, and thread onto the shaft, and you can compress the spring to install the clip.
It's a pita, but that's the easiest way I've found to compress the lock-plate spring on tele columns.
Good luck!

 Auto Zone has a lock plate spring tool for $9.98. It's a cheap tool for how many times you will use it.Once every 3 years, if that!

  Dave

Dave, the problem is not that Va _c3 doesn't have the tool, he does. The problem is locking the telescopic part of the column, so the tool will compress the spring. Without locking the column, the tool just pulls up on the steering shaft, and never pushes the lock-plate down. This is only a problem on tele columns, no matter what the car is. Cadillacs, 'Vettes, any other car(GM) with tele will have the same trouble.

 Sorry, jumped ahead of myself, not thinking of the telescopic tilt.Thats way 2 or more heads are better than 1.

  Dave 

I do the same thing with the bolt, but add a touch.  I use a hack saw to make a slot on the top of the bolt so a screwdriver can be used to snug and remove the bolt.  It's easier to keep the telescopic unit tight when working. kstyer38873.8274537037

Ken, you're always there with that extra little detail that I always fergit!!!! Thanx!

Check this site - has all the info about steering that is not covered in any of the manuals. I had the exact same problem with my 82 steering and this info got me fixed up in 20 minutes!
Good Stuff!!!

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?page_id=4

I just go to the hardware store and get a allen set screw about a 1/2 in. long and run it down in there  with an allen wrench. That way you can tighten  it up enough so it don't slip and you can get it out when you are done. I belive it takes a 1/4  screw.  I have done it several times and it works great.