Good Morning,

Wondering if anyone knows where I can get an upper steering column bearing for a 65 (non-column shift, no tilt). I seem to be able to find all the other parts to rebuild one except that.

Also wondering, I thought I ran across a site once that advertised a speedometer conversion for 64-65 chevelles to a 160 mph speedo. Unfortunately I didn't write the site name down and now I can't seem to find it again. Does anyone know of anyone doing these conversions?

Thanks/ Dave

You might try this for column parts
http://www.columnsgalore.com./index.htm

I have had this little sticky note floating around on my desk here for years. GM U & L column bearings...

upper 5679205
lower 7802845

I remember writing these down one time for my 64 fourspeed column. Available at GM or at least GMpartsdirect.com

Cam

Thanks guys, I tried columns galore, they said they had nothing that old.

I'll try GM with those P/Ns. Thanks again

Regards/ Dave

Is it a bearing or just a bushing? Even if it's discontinued from GM, chances are that there's a generic bearing that will fit. I have found several hard-to-get bearings, u-joints and other parts at machine supply places.

If you know all the dimensions, like inner and outer diameters, thickness etc, you could possibly find a generic bearing from manufacturers like Timken, SKF etc. Ask a machine shop, they might have catalogs. You could also try places like McMaster-Carr, Grainger etc.

Olle, I agree that you can usually find one that will work. I have done that type of thing before. In this case though, the numbers Cam gave are apparently good and it is not discontinued. GM Parts Direct lists them, Scoggin-Dickey lists them, and in my case, I called a local GM dealer who looked them up (after asking where I got those numbers), said they were good and I have them on order now. Thanks again Cam.

R/ Dave

Let us know Dave when you get 'em. Those numbers float around and nobody really knows if they are correct parts or not.

Cam

I have found that in 65 they had 2 differnt colum switches. a all plastic one & a pot metal & plastic one. They are interchangeable if used with the proper metal can housing. the lever sticks out in a differnt place.

Well, I'm pleased to report the steering "mast" (as it is called in the 1965 Chevrolet chassis overhaul manuals) bearing numbers that Cam gave are indeed correct for at least the 64-65 columns. I trial fitted them last night and they are exact replacements. They will fit both the column shift and non-column shift housings (I have both as I am swapping from one to the other).

ASB... I assume the upper bearing would fit both the column switches you mentioned but I'm not sure. I have an all-plastic switch so I can't speak directly to the other.

Olle... After finding the correct bearings, I note that it may be really difficult to find a generic bearing that would work without modification. Both the upper and lower factory bearings are sort of bowl shaped with lips that retain them in their seats. While similar looking, they are not interchangeable. The lower has a larger lip on it and is a light press-fit deal that is retained by the clamp on the shaft once it is installed. Although it is not difficult at all, my overhual manual tells you how to line things up, clearances, etc. The upper bearing just drops in and is retained by two screws.

I gave 34 bucks for both bearings at a local GM dealer and since they are still available, I recommend just ordering the factory stuff. I may even order two more for spares just in case. The bearings are listed cheaper at GMpartsdirect and other websites, but by the time you add in shipping etc, the final price will be back to 30-35 bucks....your call.

Cam... Thanks again. You ended a head-ache inducing search.

R/ Dave