GMCforum
For enthusiast of the Classic GMC Motorhome built from 1973 to 1978. A web-based mirror of the GMCnet mailing list.

Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Trying to control a Rostra Cruise Control and Henderson's Electric Wiper with Cadillac Column
Trying to control a Rostra Cruise Control and Henderson's Electric Wiper with Cadillac Column [message #220753] Sun, 01 September 2013 13:52 Go to next message
rjw   United States
Messages: 697
Registered: September 2005
Karma: 4
Senior Member
I have a mid 1980s Cadillac steering column. Part number is 7840787. I'm going to install it in my GMC.

Does anyone know if the multifunction stalk can be used to control a Rostra cruise control? The wiring diagram for the cruise control shows 4 wires are used, the Cadillac stalk I have has only 3 wires for cruise?

I have no idea what any of the other wires that exit the column do (there are at least 18 wires coming out of the column (besides the 3-wire cruise). The ignition switch and hi-low headlight switch are self explanatory and I think I know how to deal with those.

I also am trying to use the stalk to control the electric wipers and have no idea which of the 18 wires might support the wipers and washer. I have had no success finding a wiring diagram online for a mid 80s Cadillac.

I'm trying to get it setup prior to going to Branson.


Richard
76 Palm Beach
SE Michigan
www.PalmBeachGMC.com

Roller Cam 455, TBI+EBL, 3.42 FD, 4 Bag, Macerator, Lenzi (brakes, vacuum system, front end stuff), Manny Tranny, vacuum step, Tankless + OEM water heaters.
Re: [GMCnet] Trying to control a Rostra Cruise Control and Henderson's Electric Wiper with Cadillac [message #220766 is a reply to message #220753] Sun, 01 September 2013 15:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
kelvin is currently offline  kelvin   United States
Messages: 608
Registered: February 2004
Location: Eugene, OR
Karma: 0
Senior Member
'85 Caddy column in my coach. I know I've made a stalk work with my
Rostra but don't recall exactly which one.
It might have actually been one I bought from Rostra, now that I think
of it.

It can be done. Wish I could aim you at the exact process but that was
one I didn't do any pictures of.

Kelvin
'73 23' in Eugene, OR


On 9/1/2013 11:52 AM, RJW wrote:
>
> I have a mid 1980s Cadillac steering column. Part number is 7840787. I'm going to install it in my GMC.
>
> Does anyone know if the multifunction stalk can be used to control a Rostra cruise control? The wiring diagram for the cruise control shows 4 wires are used, the Cadillac stalk I have has only 3 wires for cruise?
>
> I have no idea what any of the other wires that exit the column do (there are at least 18 wires coming out of the column (besides the 3-wire cruise). The ignition switch and hi-low headlight switch are self explanatory and I think I know how to deal with those.
>
> I also am trying to use the stalk to control the electric wipers and have no idea which of the 18 wires might support the wipers and washer. I have had no success finding a wiring diagram online for a mid 80s Cadillac.
>
> I'm trying to get it setup prior to going to Branson.

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Re: Trying to control a Rostra Cruise Control and Henderson's Electric Wiper with Cadillac Column [message #220769 is a reply to message #220753] Sun, 01 September 2013 16:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
C Boyd is currently offline  C Boyd   United States
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
Senior Member
Sir: The Caddy column is not a bolt in swap. It is too short and has the wrong lower spline. You will have to at least strip both down to the lower knuckle joint and swap parts. You will also have to extend the dimmer switch rod, it will be too short. The wiper washer switch in the Caddy will not work with Kens wiper Kit. It looks identical and has the same color wires but will not work You will need a wiper washer switch out of a 91 Lumina Van as the wiper motor. #SW626 Auto Zone. You can maybe use a cruise switch out of the early 90s 3 wire GM trucks or Vans?? I have heard you cam make it work but I have not done it. Some of the Rostra controls are made to go on a turn signal lever with the end cut off. If yours is like this you can put it on the tilt lever.
You can build a column with all the goodies but it has to be done from more than 1 column or buy new switches and modify some stuff. You have to change the lower knuckle joint cause it has a cast in piece to hold the dimmer rod in alignment. You also have to change the PRND21 detent to the GMC one while you are there. You will also need to flip the nylon ball in the joint to put the spring on a new surface but do not flip the upper or lower steering rod as it is timed. Since you are going to a telescopic feature you will have to use the Caddy steering wheel or modify a different one.
I have done a few of these and I found if you start with a early 90s Van column it should have the correct length dimmer rod, cruise switch and possibly wiper switch. You need the one that clicks thru the delay mode not the smooth one. To have the telescopic feature you have to have another column either Caddy or early Corvette. The flash to pass dimmer switch is a 91 Jeep (uds485) and the cornering lights are 76 Olds Toro with cornering lights turn signal switch (sw326).
Here is some help
http://www.gmceast.com/technical/Sowers_Steering_Column_Upgrade_Repair.pdf

Here is how I modify the low bar S-15 steering wheel to work on the Caddy telescopic.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6022-s-10-steering-wheel-caddy-conversion.html

If you run into problems... holler



rjw wrote on Sun, 01 September 2013 14:52

I have a mid 1980s Cadillac steering column. Part number is 7840787. I'm going to install it in my GMC.

Does anyone know if the multifunction stalk can be used to control a Rostra cruise control? The wiring diagram for the cruise control shows 4 wires are used, the Cadillac stalk I have has only 3 wires for cruise?

I have no idea what any of the other wires that exit the column do (there are at least 18 wires coming out of the column (besides the 3-wire cruise). The ignition switch and hi-low headlight switch are self explanatory and I think I know how to deal with those.

I also am trying to use the stalk to control the electric wipers and have no idea which of the 18 wires might support the wipers and washer. I have had no success finding a wiring diagram online for a mid 80s Cadillac.

I'm trying to get it setup prior to going to Branson.



C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
Re: [GMCnet] Trying to control a Rostra Cruise Control andHenderson's Electric Wiper with Cadillac C [message #220782 is a reply to message #220769] Sun, 01 September 2013 18:05 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Kosier is currently offline  Kosier   United States
Messages: 834
Registered: February 2008
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Chuck,

I think you'll find that all those Jeep and Chrysler T & T columns are
really Delphi. The only thing different from
GM is the key cylinder and steering wheel. HTH

Gary Kosier
77 PB wCad 500
Newark, Oh

-----Original Message-----
From: Charles Boyd
Sent: Sunday, September 01, 2013 5:24 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Trying to control a Rostra Cruise Control
andHenderson's Electric Wiper with Cadillac Column



Sir: The Caddy column is not a bolt in swap. It is too short and has the
wrong lower spline. You will have to at least strip both down to the lower
knuckle joint and swap parts. You will also have to extend the dimmer switch
rod, it will be too short. The wiper washer switch in the Caddy will not
work with Kens wiper Kit. It looks identical and has the same color wires
but will not work You will need a wiper washer switch out of a 91 Lumina Van
as the wiper motor. #SW626 Auto Zone. You can maybe use a cruise switch out
of the early 90s 3 wire GM trucks or Vans?? I have heard you cam make it
work but I have not done it. Some of the Rostra controls are made to go on a
turn signal lever with the end cut off. If yours is like this you can put it
on the tilt lever.
You can build a column with all the goodies but it has to be done from more
than 1 column or buy new switches and modify some stuff. You have to change
the lower knuckle joint cause it has a cast in piece to hold the dimmer rod
in alignment. You also have to change the PRND21 detent to the GMC one while
you are there. You will also need to flip the nylon ball in the joint to put
the spring on a new surface but do not flip the upper or lower steering rod
as it is timed. Since you are going to a telescopic feature you will have to
use the Caddy steering wheel or modify a different one.
I have done a few of these and I found if you start with a early 90s Van
column it should have the correct length dimmer rod, cruise switch and
possibly wiper switch. You need the one that clicks thru the delay mode not
the smooth one. To have the telescopic feature you have to have another
column either Caddy or early Corvette. The flash to pass dimmer switch is a
91 Jeep (uds485) and the cornering lights are 76 Olds Toro with cornering
lights turn signal switch (sw326).
Here is some help
http://www.gmceast.com/technical/Sowers_Steering_Column_Upgrade_Repair.pdf

Here is how I modify the low bar S-15 steering wheel to work on the Caddy
telescopic.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6022-s-10-steering-wheel-caddy-conversion.html

If you run into problems... holler



rjw wrote on Sun, 01 September 2013 14:52
> I have a mid 1980s Cadillac steering column. Part number is 7840787. I'm
> going to install it in my GMC.
>
> Does anyone know if the multifunction stalk can be used to control a
> Rostra cruise control? The wiring diagram for the cruise control shows 4
> wires are used, the Cadillac stalk I have has only 3 wires for cruise?
>
> I have no idea what any of the other wires that exit the column do (there
> are at least 18 wires coming out of the column (besides the 3-wire
> cruise). The ignition switch and hi-low headlight switch are self
> explanatory and I think I know how to deal with those.
>
> I also am trying to use the stalk to control the electric wipers and have
> no idea which of the 18 wires might support the wipers and washer. I have
> had no success finding a wiring diagram online for a mid 80s Cadillac.
>
> I'm trying to get it setup prior to going to Branson.


--
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist


_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Re: [GMCnet] Trying to control a Rostra Cruise Control andHenderson's Electric Wiper with Cadillac C [message #220810 is a reply to message #220782] Sun, 01 September 2013 20:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
C Boyd is currently offline  C Boyd   United States
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
Senior Member
Thanks Gary, I learn something every day.


[quote title=Kosier wrote on Sun, 01 September 2013 19:05]Chuck,

I think you'll find that all those Jeep and Chrysler T & T columns are
really Delphi. The only thing different from
GM is the key cylinder and steering wheel. HTH

Gary Kosier
77 PB wCad 500
Newark, Oh


C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
Re: Trying to control a Rostra Cruise Control and Henderson's Electric Wiper with Cadillac Column [message #220933 is a reply to message #220769] Mon, 02 September 2013 20:05 Go to previous messageGo to next message
rjw   United States
Messages: 697
Registered: September 2005
Karma: 4
Senior Member
C Boyd wrote on Sun, 01 September 2013 17:24

Sir: The Caddy column is not a bolt in swap. It is too short and has the wrong lower spline. You will have to at least strip both down to the lower knuckle joint and swap parts. You will also have to extend the dimmer switch rod, it will be too short. The wiper washer switch in the Caddy will not work with Kens wiper Kit. It looks identical and has the same color wires but will not work You will need a wiper washer switch out of a 91 Lumina Van as the wiper motor. #SW626 Auto Zone. You can maybe use a cruise switch out of the early 90s 3 wire GM trucks or Vans?? I have heard you cam make it work but I have not done it. Some of the Rostra controls are made to go on a turn signal lever with the end cut off. If yours is like this you can put it on the tilt lever.
You can build a column with all the goodies but it has to be done from more than 1 column or buy new switches and modify some stuff. You have to change the lower knuckle joint cause it has a cast in piece to hold the dimmer rod in alignment. You also have to change the PRND21 detent to the GMC one while you are there. You will also need to flip the nylon ball in the joint to put the spring on a new surface but do not flip the upper or lower steering rod as it is timed. Since you are going to a telescopic feature you will have to use the Caddy steering wheel or modify a different one.
I have done a few of these and I found if you start with a early 90s Van column it should have the correct length dimmer rod, cruise switch and possibly wiper switch. You need the one that clicks thru the delay mode not the smooth one. To have the telescopic feature you have to have another column either Caddy or early Corvette. The flash to pass dimmer switch is a 91 Jeep (uds485) and the cornering lights are 76 Olds Toro with cornering lights turn signal switch (sw326).
Here is some help
http://www.gmceast.com/technical/Sowers_Steering_Column_Upgrade_Repair.pdf

Here is how I modify the low bar S-15 steering wheel to work on the Caddy telescopic.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6022-s-10-steering-wheel-caddy-conversion.html

If you run into problems... holler



Mr. Boyd, I bought the column and a steering wheel (modified for telescoping) from you at a GMCMI rally a few years ago. It's time for me to install it.

I know that the lower part can't be used. I didn't know that the switches would have to be replaced and that I would have to figure out a way to get the cruise to work. Your suggestion to attach the cruise control stalk I have to the tilt lever is something I might do to get going faster. I really want it to end up like my car with the brights, cruise and windshield wiper/washer controlled by one lever.

I need to get this done because the original column is starting to make weird sounds related to known broken parts inside (tilt is broken). I also know if I don't do it now while I am under the gun to get stuff done prior to GMCMI, I will end up waiting years to get around to it. It took me at least 7 years to get around to installing my electric wipers and 10 years to install my stainless steel air tank.

Thanks for the part numbers and info. I'll order the stuff tomorrow since there is 20% off discount at Autozone for Labor Day.



Richard
76 Palm Beach
SE Michigan
www.PalmBeachGMC.com

Roller Cam 455, TBI+EBL, 3.42 FD, 4 Bag, Macerator, Lenzi (brakes, vacuum system, front end stuff), Manny Tranny, vacuum step, Tankless + OEM water heaters.
Re: [GMCnet] Trying to control a Rostra Cruise Control and Henderson's Electric Wiper with Cadillac [message #220957 is a reply to message #220933] Mon, 02 September 2013 21:37 Go to previous message
Jerry Wheeler is currently offline  Jerry Wheeler   United States
Messages: 246
Registered: January 2013
Karma: 2
Senior Member
RJW writes:
It took me at least 7 years to get around to installing my electric wipers
and 10 years to install my stainless steel air tank.

Don't feel like the Lone Ranger. I have yet to install the awning I
purchased about 10 years ago in that group buy; also still have the 4
bagger I won in a raffle at a GMCMI rally (which was 5 or 6 years ago,maybe
longer; Bdub will remember); not to mention the Howell kit I purchased for
my daughter's coach in the group buy back in 2007 and Henderson's electric
wiper kit, which has been waiting for installation at least 5 years.
JR Wheeler 78 Royale in NC; 77 Transmode in OR; 73 Painted Desert 23' in
OR; 77 Birch for sale in NC.


On Mon, Sep 2, 2013 at 9:05 PM, RJW <mygmc@palmbeachgmc.com> wrote:

>
>
> C Boyd wrote on Sun, 01 September 2013 17:24
> > Sir: The Caddy column is not a bolt in swap. It is too short and has
> the wrong lower spline. You will have to at least strip both down to the
> lower knuckle joint and swap parts. You will also have to extend the dimmer
> switch rod, it will be too short. The wiper washer switch in the Caddy
> will not work with Kens wiper Kit. It looks identical and has the same
> color wires but will not work You will need a wiper washer switch out of a
> 91 Lumina Van as the wiper motor. #SW626 Auto Zone. You can maybe use a
> cruise switch out of the early 90s 3 wire GM trucks or Vans?? I have heard
> you cam make it work but I have not done it. Some of the Rostra controls
> are made to go on a turn signal lever with the end cut off. If yours is
> like this you can put it on the tilt lever.
> > You can build a column with all the goodies but it has to be done from
> more than 1 column or buy new switches and modify some stuff. You have to
> change the lower knuckle joint cause it has a cast in piece to hold the
> dimmer rod in alignment. You also have to change the PRND21 detent to the
> GMC one while you are there. You will also need to flip the nylon ball in
> the joint to put the spring on a new surface but do not flip the upper or
> lower steering rod as it is timed. Since you are going to a telescopic
> feature you will have to use the Caddy steering wheel or modify a different
> one.
> > I have done a few of these and I found if you start with a early 90s Van
> column it should have the correct length dimmer rod, cruise switch and
> possibly wiper switch. You need the one that clicks thru the delay mode not
> the smooth one. To have the telescopic feature you have to have another
> column either Caddy or early Corvette. The flash to pass dimmer switch is a
> 91 Jeep (uds485) and the cornering lights are 76 Olds Toro with cornering
> lights turn signal switch (sw326).
> > Here is some help
> >
> http://www.gmceast.com/technical/Sowers_Steering_Column_Upgrade_Repair.pdf
> >
> > Here is how I modify the low bar S-15 steering wheel to work on the
> Caddy telescopic.
> >
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6022-s-10-steering-wheel-caddy-conversion.html
> >
> > If you run into problems... holler
>
>
> Mr. Boyd, I bought the column and a steering wheel (modified for
> telescoping) from you at a GMCMI rally a few years ago. It's time for me to
> install it.
>
> I know that the lower part can't be used. I didn't know that the switches
> would have to be replaced and that I would have to figure out a way to get
> the cruise to work. Your suggestion to attach the cruise control stalk I
> have to the tilt lever is something I might do to get going faster. I
> really want it to end up like my car with the brights, cruise and
> windshield wiper/washer controlled by one lever.
>
> I need to get this done because the original column is starting to make
> weird sounds related to known broken parts inside (tilt is broken). I also
> know if I don't do it now while I am under the gun to get stuff done prior
> to GMCMI, I will end up waiting years to get around to it. It took me at
> least 7 years to get around to installing my electric wipers and 10 years
> to install my stainless steel air tank.
>
> Thanks for the part numbers and info. I'll order the stuff tomorrow since
> there is 20% off discount at Autozone for Labor Day.
>
>
> --
> Richard
> 76 Palm Beach
> SE Michigan
> www.PalmBeachGMC.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Previous Topic: Re: [GMCnet] Holding Tank Capacities
Next Topic: [GMCnet] Adjusting front ride height
Goto Forum:
  


Current Time: Sat Nov 16 01:55:37 CST 2024

Total time taken to generate the page: 0.01721 seconds