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| Re: Replacement steering column [message #90722 is a reply to message #90707] |
Thu, 01 July 2010 16:55   |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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I watched Chuck Boyd do this to Dan Hart's coach just after the Eastern States rally this spring. He definitely knows all about it.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: Replacement steering column [message #90743 is a reply to message #90722] |
Thu, 01 July 2010 18:32 |
John Sharpe
Messages: 489
Registered: February 2006
Location: Texas
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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| Quote: |
...I'd like to replace my steering colum, possably with one
with tilt and telicoping.
Has any one done this?, and what was the doaner ?
Dan
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Dan, Basically what has to be done is grafting parts from another column onto the GMC column. The dimmer switch mounting and activating rod are different between years and models so they usually require some fabrication to get them to work. Steering wheels for the telescoping feature are specific so the usual ones we use do not fit.
John Sharpe
Humble,TX
'78 Eleganza TBI
'89 Spectrum 2000 MPI V-10
'40 Ford Panel Delivery TPI
johnasharpe@gmail.com
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| Re: Replacement steering column [message #90771 is a reply to message #90707] |
Thu, 01 July 2010 22:23 |
C Boyd
Messages: 2629
Registered: April 2006
Karma: 18
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Senior Member |
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| Dan Borlase wrote on Thu, 01 July 2010 17:00 |
...I'd like to replace my steering colum, possably with one
with tilt and telicoping.
Has any one done this?, and what was the donner ?
Dan
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Dan: The lower section of the GMC column is longer than the car columns and must be used from the tilt joint down. It is easier to use the lower joint housing from the Caddy as it has a guide for the rod going to the dimmer switch but is not manditory. The rod has to be extended. Everything inside swaps over. When looking for a doner Caddy column look for one with a 2 piece cover over the dimmer switch as it makes it easier to change the switch if ever needed. The one piece cover works fine just a little more hassle to get all lined up. The later Caddys have a different plug on the turn signal switch but the wires are same color code and order and can be grafted to the GMC plug. I usually just get a new one for a late 70s Caddy with curb lights as the plug is the same except for the 3 extra wires. You can still get AC (boxes) switches from Advanced Auto.
The biggie is the steering wheel. You can use the Caddy wheel (if you can find a good one) with the telescopic lock or you can modify a few GMC truck wheels. I have found 3 so far that can be modified by cutting a slot and adding the coller that covers the column when using the telescopic feature and by remaking the horn spring. One problem with the GMC and Caddy wheels is the cross bars get in the way of seeing the gauges. I have found one Caddy wheel (79 Eldo Limited) that will bolt on and has the cross bar off center at the bottom. I have also modified 3 different GMC truck wheels with the cross bar lower than center. When I did my first one I used my stock GMC early style wheel by adding the lower cover coller and just using a bolt to lock and unlock the telescopic feature under the horn button. Since I didn`t use it much it worked well. Grant also has a kit for their steering wheels for the telescopic feature.
It is a lot of work and hassle to convert and install but I think it is worth it. You get the convience of the dimmer, late cruise switch, electric wipers and washers, cornering lights, and telescopic feature. If you are still running the stock cruise you can use the stock turn signal lever with the cruise switch as a tilt lever by hammering the end round and cutting threads on it. Then you have 2 cruise switches installed and can use stock cruise till you get the later model cruise installed, unscrew the lever and swap it out. The only drawback is gettin use to pushing the button on the tilt lever instead of the turn signal. I usually get at least one phone call saying the cruise won`t work.
If you do go for it and run into issues, I am on the Black list in Knoxville, Tennessee, just call or e-mail and I can walk you thru it. You will need special tools to remove the steering wheel, lock ring, and tilt pins. Remember to loc-tite the 4 bolts holding the lower knuckle housing. It usually takes a full day to R&R the column (be carefull removing the rubber floor mat and pad) and another day or two to paint and assemble if everstuff goes well. It is also a good time to check the "center" of the steering box and getting the steering wheel indexed straight with the marks.
Hope this helps... Good luck
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
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