You guys know anywhere to get parts for steering columns? I have a column shift tilt column that I wanted to convert to a floor shift column for the convertible. The problem is, the shifter bowls are not interchangeable between tilt and non tilt columns...found out the hard way after I tore the tilt column down to nothing and tried to swap the shifter bowls from a non tilt floor shift column I had. I also need the sector gear for the tilt column (the one that activates the rod to the ignition switch fromt he key cylinder), and the upper bearing.

I would recommend that you reassemble your column and sell it, then buy the right one. Internal parts are expensive and often hard to come by. Many parts are unavailable through the dealer and most after market companies do not want to sell parts.

2nd gen F-bodies up to 78 parts (or whole columns for that matter) will interchange.

so I could use a second gen camaro steering column and it will bolt in and everything? they look like sorta different

I have a 2nd gen Camaro floor-shift tilt column in my car... only way anyone could tell it's not from a Chevelle by looking at it is that the knobs on the tilt lever and blinker switch are soft rubber instead of hard plastic.

You need to grind off 3 spotwelds to remove the bracket where it bolts to the firewall, then bolt on the stock Chevelle bracket. You also need to pull the blinker harness and put your chevelle harness in it (connection style is different). It can be slipped through the column without completely disassembling it. It's kind of tricky, but it can be done.

Also, use your stock Chevelle steering shaft. (camaro one was cut, so I don't know if it's the same length or not)

A 1970 Corvette tilt & telescoping column is just a glorified tilt column. Most T&T parts from around the early 1970s era will swap right into your tilt column.

This kit (for a Corvette) from Zip Products has all the parts that you need. Plus a rack, spring, an extra upper bearing and one bearing race. (If you are replacing the plastic sector you might consider replacing the rack as well.
Zip Products 1-800-962-9632 69-82 Column Brg & Rack Kit SC-432 $55
Contains 2 Upper Brgs, 1 Upper Brg Race, Plastic Sector, Die Cast Rack, Sector Spring & Screw

Here are the two parts that you want. Available from Doc Rebuild (Prices may not be current. Corvette parts)
Doc Rebuild 1-800-866-9362
Ignition Switch Toothed Sector Wheel 2187412 $17.55
Upper Strg Column Bearing (includes race) Repro 6521184 $21.50
Upper strg Column Bearing (includes race) NOS 6521113 $35.00

Classic Muscle 1-800-722-4828 (Chevelle parts)
69-75 Ignition Switch Sector Gear - Tilt 3230GM $11.82
68-69 Upper Shaft Upper Bearing - Tilt 2874GM $25.09 (I am not sure if this is the correct bearing. I am quite sure that this bearing was used on 1969 and up tilt columns. I am just not sure if it was used on 1967-68 columns.)

Jim
Jim

http://gmtiltsteeringcolumn.com/
Wayne will treat you right. :yes:Thats where i got my 4 spd shift tube. My original was destroyed and he had one in stock.:thumbsup:
Hope this helps tom.

OK heres a idea i did ! take your column and take the pin out that holds the shift arm in . than remove the arm and the spring inside (you probably already done this because its apart !) now cut the nub off the bowl than grind it down past flush. clean it up good than use some epoxy or jb weld to fill the hole than sand it down, prime ,sand down agin just like body work and paint ! than when your done your column will look just like a tilt floor shift! this is what i did for mine ! a lot cheeper than a new one or rebuilt ! i used epoxy and didnt even take the column apart! looks great and works great also ! good luck !

Thanks for the info guys :thumbsup: Now that I can get the 2 parts I need, any suggestions on what I can do about the shifter bowl? The convertible is going to be a 4 speed car so I need to get rid of the nub for the original column shifter mount. I suppose I could cut it off, but the bowl is cast aluminum so I can't weld a plate on there to close the hole.

Thanks for the info guys :thumbsup: Now that I can get the 2 parts I need, any suggestions on what I can do about the shifter bowl? The convertible is going to be a 4 speed car so I need to get rid of the nub for the original column shifter mount. I suppose I could cut it off, but the bowl is cast aluminum so I can't weld a plate on there to close the hole.
Yes. Call wayne. He may have another bowl laying around. other wise JBweld the hole shut and primer then paint. no one will know the difference.

THanks for the info and part numbers guy, I appreciate it.

I have one more question for Jim though...

When I put this column back together, is there any kind of trick to putting that spring back on? That one little item fought me tooth and nail while coming apart. The rest of putting it back together is easy.

hmmm didn't someone else mention JB weld a few days ago... :waving:

I have a 65 that had a column shift that I put a floor shift in. I welded the ring that had the shift indicator and cut the nub off the cone and epoxied a backing plate and filled it. I also took the column apart and ground off the shift arms. Came out great..

You can order a replacement kit from GM. Service Rack kit part no. 7844651.
You will also need a steering wheel puller and a Pivot Pin Puller avail from Snap on part no. CJ134

Original post Dec 14th, 08


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Wow, another 2.5 year old post of mine. I've had this column restored and put away fro 2 years now :).