My steering column ('71, non-tilt) has a rough bearing, and it looks kinda worn outside. I also have a nice one with less wear, so...

Which is less trouble -
(a) fixing the bearings and restoring the original column, or
(b) putting in the newer column and changing out the lock cylinder?

My mechanic friend tells me he recalls changing the cylinder is trouble. (Alternately COULD have a locksmith cut a new key for the newer column - but is this more trouble?)

Thanks!

Changing the lock cylinder assy. is a piece of cake if you have a steering wheel puller and a lock plate tool.

I have several papers that cover replacing the lock cylinder in a tilt column and also replacing the column.

Go to www.corvettefaq.com
Click on Jim Shea's Steering Papers
Click on A & F-Car Steering Papers
Scroll down to the Tilt Steering Column section.

The first Tilt Column Disassembly & Repair Paper will take you through replacing the lock cylinder. As mentioned previously, you will need a steering wheel hub puller. Also a shaft lock compresser tool will make it a lot easiers to remove a small round wire ring from the groove in the steering shaft.

The second Disassembly & Repair Paper will assist you in removing the steering column from the car.

JIML82