[74bowtie]

I picked up a used tilt floorshift column for my 69 Chevelle, it green right now and it is in nice shape and tight. I want to go through the column before I install it into my car. I am wondering how hard it is to take apart and put back together, I have done non tilt columns. I would also like to know if it safe to powder coat the housings for a nice tough finish.

 

[LeoP]

Look for JimL82 and email him, he is the resident steering guru. He may see this post and pop in with some links.

 

[JIML82]

The tilt column is not too difficult to disassemble. However, fi9rst I would conduct some easy tests on your new steering column to determine if there are particular areas of the column head that need attention. The following link will take you to Paper #1 that describes the tests along with other things.

http://www.corvettefaq.com/acar/TiltColumnD&R105JA05.doc

This paper is posted at www.corvettefaq.com/a-car.asp along with quite a few other papers. The link above takes you to Paper #1. At the websight you will find Papers #2 and #3 along with Pics #1, #2, & #3. Between the papers and the pics you should have all the information that is needed to disassemble and repair your tilt column.

One word of caution: When you have the steering column apart, DO NOT apply any grease to the slots in the tilt lock shoes. There are two shoes that alternate holding your column in one of seven tilt positions. If the shoe slots are greasy, the column head may ratchet.