Well I pull a good one tonight removing my
steering wheel. Damaged the threads on the
shaft end where the steering wheel retaining
nut goes on. I was using a spacer with the steering wheel puller. I didn't notice the
"spacer" had a hole in it just about the
size of the shaft so when I cranked down
on it instead of pushing on the shaft it slid
down on the shaft screwed up the threads. Anyone know the size of the threads on the
shaft. I'm hoping I can rethread it but I'm not positive of the size. I think its
1\2 NF 20. Can anyone confirm this?
thanks in advance

------------------
best regards
Importtech

68 chevelle

my webpage (http://home.hot.rr.com/importtech/public_html/project.htm)
Dad's Place (http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=6&uid=525201&)

Don't know the exact thread size, but some careful work with a 3-sided jewelers file might restore the threads. (IF they're not too buggered)

------------------
'64 El Camino
383 - TH-350 - 12bolt
4 wheel disc
MN TC picnic (http://groups.msn.com/ClassicChevyMusclecars)
1st Day at work (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/JohnD/Pa030010.jpg)
Hood Up (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/JohnD/Pa030012.jpg)
'64 After Engine (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/JohnD/LFengine.jpg)

when you figure out the size and pitch invest in a thread "chase" Do NOT use a die. You want to reshape the threads not cut them. Your local hardware store should be able to help you.

I'd do what charbilly suggested.
A thread chaser looks like a 3/8 inch square file, it has "teeth" that are separated the same as the thread pitch. My chaser has 8 different pitches on it. Since you use like a file, you can use it on any diameter bolt provided the pitch is right.
Good thing to have in your toolbox!

Finally got some STANDARD chasers and files.
Gonna give it a shot tonight. Standard thread tools are hard to come by at the shop. I have $300 worth of taps files etc unfortunately they are all metric. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/frown.gif
Had to borrow some and btw the threads
are 1\2 20. Thanks for the replies..


update...
The thread chaser did it...2 minute job..
now I can concentrate on repairing the steering wheel


------------------
best regards
Importtech

68 chevelle

my webpage (http://home.hot.rr.com/importtech/public_html/project.htm)
Dad's Place (http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=6&uid=525201&)

[This message has been edited by Importtech (edited 10-09-2002).]

The thread on the end of the steering shaft is 9/16-18 UNF-2A.

JIML82, I have been on the receiving end of many of your informative replies as have so many others here. If you ever think that you are just helping out one guy with his problem at that moment and it may seem just trivial please remember that there are literally THOUSANDS of us out here who benefit very much from your efforts; it DOESN'T go unnoticed. Thank you.

If you ever decide to write a book of, if nothing other than stories of day-to-day observations while working at Saginaw, I will be the first to pay four times the cover price if you would sign your name on the inside front cover.

Sincerely,

Louie Hammel

Thanks for the kind words.

BTW, I have been working on some papers on rebuilding the 1969-72 tilt and standard steering columns. If anyone is currently planning on replacing their lock cylinder, or replacing their ignition switch, or needing to fix a loose tilt column head, I would be happy to send you some preliminary copies to see if they are understandable to the typical enthusiast.

EMail me at JIML82@aol.com. Let me know what year (1969 through 72) and standard (nonadjustable) or tilt column.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by JIML82:
The thread on the end of the steering shaft is 9/16-18 UNF-2A.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Uh not on my shaft.. Its 1/2 UNF-20
or at least it is now..

------------------
best regards
Importtech

68 chevelle

my webpage (http://home.hot.rr.com/importtech/public_html/project.htm)
Dad's Place (http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=6&uid=525201&)

[This message has been edited by Importtech (edited 10-10-2002).]

JIML82

I have a tilt column in a 71 Chevelle and over the 5 years and 9,500 miles I have had the car, it has developed a noticeable movement side to side and up and down of the entire wheel and ignition collar. The column itself is not moving, just the wheel and ignition collar.

Are there some bolts inside the column that can loosen? If so, what's the tightening procedure?

Thanks for your help.

I assume that you have a tilt column. If that is the case, a common problem is for the four support screws to loosen over the years resulting in the entire head becoming "loose." Unfortunately, you will have to tear the head off of your column to get at the four screws and locktite them in place. The good news is that I have pretty well documented the entire procedure.

Go to www.corvettefaq.com (http://www.corvettefaq.com) and scroll down to the lower left corner. Click on gm a-car steering faqs. You will need to download several papers:

Tilt Steering Column 69-72 Blowup Pic

Tilt Strg Column 69-72 Disassembly and Repair Paper #1, #2, & #3

Tilt Strg Column 69-72 Disassembly and Repair Pics #1, #2, & #3

Tilt Strg Column 69-72 Parts & Installation Pics